Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Master of Laws International Law: Conflict, Security and Human Rights, Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
I would like to welcome you warmly to this Distance Learning LLM course in Conflict, Security and Human Rights. Academics from the Law School and Social Sciences who are subject specialists in their respective areas have collaborated to create an exciting course exploring contemporary issues in the subject. The course provides the historical context necessary to understand the world as it is and examines some of the challenges and potential areas of conflict, modern societies face.
The modules you will study are: Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights; Theorising Human Rights; Statelessness, Indigenous Peoples and Minority Rights; Political Economy of Environmental Crisis, Genocide and War Crimes, Global Security, Counter Terrorism and Justice. Each module is designed to probe and to critically explore key concepts so that by the end of the course you will build up a picture of the contemporary global situation regarding conflict, security and human rights. The modules also prepare you for the final 60 credit dissertation where you will explore in depth a research question on a theme you studied.
Each module is divided into units with each unit building on the knowledge and critical engagement of the previous unit. Reading and preparation are crucial to achieving an understanding of how the themes of the module interact and cohere. The modules are carefully calibrated with respect to what is required from independent postgraduate learners taking into account that many of you work and have other responsibilities. Working regularly and steadily is the best way to achieve a good result. The course uses our virtual learning platform - MyBeckett and tutors will post all course materials, send announcements and contact you through MyBeckett. Please ensure that you check your university student email regularly and use this email when you correspond with your tutors or with academic services.
I hope you have a thoroughly enjoyable time studying with us. Previous students have found this subject challenging, interesting and greatly enjoyable.
Dr Nirmala Pillay, Reader and Postgraduate Course Director (Academic)
Welcome to the 2023/24 academic year at Leeds Law School.
We sit in the heart of Leeds, the most important legal centre outside London, and are proud to be part of Leeds Beckett University, a thriving university that puts students first and provides access to many great opportunities. This year we move into our new Law School Building in Broadcasting Place. This will provide academics and students alike with a great sense of home and will mean you will be studying in the most modern law school in the country.
Leeds Beckett University, through its founding colleges, has been teaching law since 1924 and this academic year is particularly special as it marks our centenary. Over the last 100 years we have trained many thousands of lawyers and our alumni have reached the highest levels of legal, academic and business practice. We have alumni who are judges, solicitors, barristers (and King's Counsel), professors and senior academics, managing directors, managing partners and chief executives, and I am committed to helping all Leeds Law School students achieve similar success. Many of our past students return each year as professional mentors, guest lecturers and prize sponsors.
During your studies, you will be taught by an academic team consisting of legal experts and experienced practitioners who shape our teaching programmes with their knowledge and expertise. Our academics also undertake diverse and cutting-edge research across a wide range of specialisms; their work has a positive impact upon society and ensures the content of our courses is at the forefront of legal education.
Our excellent links to legal practice see many prominent figures delivering guest lectures throughout the year, providing opportunities for you to network and hear speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. Our 'Law in Practice' lecture series allows you to gain insight into developments and key issues of relevance to the legal sector and professional practice throughout your studies.
As well as supporting your academic development, we want to ensure we give you the necessary skills and experience to progress in your career of choice, boosting your employment prospects and allowing you to challenge yourself, both within and beyond your course. As such, we provide opportunities for you to participate in various extra-curricular and co-curricular activities that are tailored to your ambitions. These include mooting, insight days, networking events and trips to legal London. Our exclusive partnership with Support Through Court and our own Law Clinic will give you unparalleled opportunities to get authentic legal work experience. This personalisation continues in our approach to teaching, learning and assessment.
We maintain excellent relationships with local law firms and non-law organisations and the Law School hosts numerous employment enrichment activities each year, allowing you the valuable opportunity to cultivate relationships with professional contacts from the legal sector and beyond. I would encourage you to take advantage of each and every one of these opportunities, broadening your experience and building lifelong friendships and networks along the way.
At Leeds Law School, we pride ourselves on developing and improving the experience we offer to our students via feedback gathered through surveys, module evaluations and student course reps. If you need help or advice at any point throughout your student journey, our Academic Advisors and Course Administrators will be on hand to support and guide you.
I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year with us; please don't hesitate to contact me if you feel I can help you in any way.
With very best wishes,
Professor Deveral Capps
Dean of Leeds Law School
D.Capps@LeedsBeckett.ac.uk
Deveral Capps, Dean of School
LBSU is a not-for-profit organisation, and it's our mission to make students' lives better! We're here to support, connect and represent you and we act upon your feedback to ensure your academic experience is up to scratch. You can submit your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or our priorities for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on our Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of our services but if you've any questions on what we do and how we can support you, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Email: LawOLT@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Michael Thackray
Postgraduate Law Administration
Email: PGDL@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 3180
The Academic Librarians for this course are Karen Fisher, Catherine Parkin, Maria Simões and Jennie Winterburn
Please contact them at: llslibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online Get Help form for help with academic and research skills.
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
Although your course does not require attendance in a physical classroom, and a number of the lectures may be pre-recorded allowing you to study at times that suit you, you are advised to follow the structure of sessions, often denoted as teaching weeks or topic, outlined in your course handbook. In addition to these pre-recorded lectures, there will also be teaching and learning activities which may include some live seminar groups or support sessions. Details about the structure of these learning activities and key assessment dates will be provided in the Virtual Learning Environment (MyBeckett) at the beginning of teaching via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
LLM International Law: Conflict, Security and Human Rights aims to expose students to current issues in international human rights law, conflict, and security and explores their interconnectedness.
The course helps students gain a critical understanding of the development and operation of international law and norms prohibiting genocide and terrorism and the norms governing conduct during war. The course also includes a study of the ways in which breaches of these norms are dealt with. Students will examine the impact of conflict, such as the displacement of people and violations of their human rights. The course provides students with a critical understanding of the careful balance that is required in international law between ensuring security while remaining within agreed upon international human rights norms and treaties and guaranteeing the freedoms of a democratic society. To achieve a fuller understanding of how this balance is struck, the course also focuses on security issues and human rights in national regulatory frameworks. This enables students to acquire knowledge of the features and principles of different jurisdictions and legal systems and be able to compare them. Students will study how law, in the form of legal theory and legal practice, is shaped by and in turn shapes our ethical, social, and political environment and the prospect and impact of environmental crisis on the same.
The modules focusing on the theory of human rights and international human rights law will further refine students' knowledge of the underpinnings of the postwar, liberal world order. Global collaboration on serious human rights abuses by the state (genocide, abuse of rights of minorities) and by state and non-state actors (terrorism), through international organisations and multilateral treaties forms a part of this understanding. The dissertation will give students the opportunity to pursue critical, independent research in a defined area of interest, helping them to specialise in ways specific to their chosen careers and/or field of academic interest. The curriculum of this programme builds on the theoretical underpinnings of human rights, the principles of democracy and the rule of law. This enhanced theoretical knowledge applied to specific issues of conflict and security and its consequences is designed to provide graduates with a distinct advantage in areas related to human rights, security, international norms and conflict.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyse, synthesise and apply knowledge of international norms relating to war crimes, genocide and terrorism and the context in which such norms function
- Undertake complex analysis and evaluation of the efficacy of international legal norms in the context of gross human rights abuses and the vulnerability of people to state aggression, non-state aggression and environmental crisis
- Critically evaluate the theoretical underpinnings of the liberal world order - democracy, rule of law and human rights - and show an ability to combine and apply these concepts to an analysis of international and national regulatory frameworks dealing with a variety of human rights and related issues
- Demonstrate self-direction, originality and autonomy in the production of a relevant piece of independent research in this field
- Show critical application of knowledge of relevant socio-legal theories and legal research methods, and demonstrate the ability to apply key concepts of international law to a research question in this field.
Level 7 Learning Outcomes are the same as the Course Learning Outcomes.
Assessment & Feedback
The assessment balance and overall workload associated with this course are calculated from core modules undertaken by students on the course. They have been reviewed and confirmed as correct by the Course Director.
A standard module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning, assessment, and independent study. Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
On this course students will be assessed primarily through coursework. Other forms of assessment include examination and oral presentation. There is a major independent study module which will require the production of a dissertation of 15000 words.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in Section 3.11 of the Academic Regulations. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You may be required to submit your written work via Turnitin. Further information on Turnitin is available.
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Please add information about how feedback will be provided on formative and summative assessment. Students may also find it helpful if you add some information around the perceived 'delay' between submitting their assessments and receiving feedback.
Results from module assessments are available on MyBeckett and on the Results Online following the Course Progression and Award Board.
Results will appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
The online distance learning design and delivery of this course and its substantive content means that student cohorts will typically be diverse, coming from a range of social, cultural, academic and professional backgrounds and countries. The module tutors and the Online Learning Tutor (OLT) will foster group identity through the online course community 'chat' where students can share experiences and converse with each other about the course and about the ways in which the issues addressed in the course are dealt with in their respective countries. Scheduled online drop-in sessions will also help to engender a student community feel. Each module is divided into a series of units which includes a variety of online, individual and tutor-led activities (such as accessing lectures, PowerPoint presentations, preparing short answers, answer plans, participating in discussion boards and Q&A sessions).
In teaching activities, which will emphasise student-led evaluation and critique of issues, students will respond to tutor-prepared materials, tasks, problems and questions. Unit materials will provide a framework which will steer students to both the knowledge and critical components of the programme. Students will be given the opportunity to relate the material covered to current issues of genocide, terrorism, displacement, minority rights, human rights abuses and environmental crisis. The variety of students provides an important opportunity for students to learn by sharing their and their peers' experience. Indicative content and approaches for each module is articulated in the respective module specification. For each module there are arrangements for both individual and group tutor feedback on student activities.
The dissertation is an exercise in independent student learning, involving sustained research and a substantial piece of writing which is supported by both the dissertation Module Leader and an individual dissertation supervisor. The supervisor will guide the student on the planning and execution of the dissertation, the development of ideas, organisation and structure of the work. The preparation of the dissertation will require students to become involved with issues at the forefront of the disciplines concerned with this programme.
As a distance learner all your studying will be done online. At the beginning of your course it is a good idea to set aside dedicated time and study space to ensure you are able to engage effectively with the online teaching content on a regular basis. A typical module offers a lot of flexibility as to when you study, but it is also designed to follow a defined structure of lecture presentations, activities and community discussions broken down into topics and teaching weeks. Keeping on track with this, and engaging with your module tutors and fellow students, will help you get the best out of the course. Tutors will be in regular contact with you and there will be many ways to communicate with both your module tutors and fellow students, for example via the Virtual Learning Environment (MyBeckett) and MS Teams.
To get a better idea of how a module will look, please visit our Induction for Distance Learners web pages.
It is also essential you check you have suitable computer equipment and broadband speed (at least 5 Mbps) to ensure you can access and engage with the online course content. Details are available on our Technical Requirements web page. This gives minimum and recommended specifications, how to check your internet speed (as our servers are UK based), the MyBeckett mobile app and other useful information, as well as access to technical support. We strongly suggest you ensure your equipment covers the recommended requirements.
Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights
Genocide and War Crimes
Global Security, Counter Terrorism and Justice
Political Economy of Environmental Crisis
Statelessness, Indigenous Peoples and Minority Rights
Theorising Human Rights
Dissertation
The number of hours of workload generally equates to 1800 for Master's programmes, 1200 for Postgraduate Diplomas and 600 for Postgraduate Certificates, corresponding to the national standard of 10 notional hours of learning for each UK HE credit point.
Overall Workload for the Course | |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 166 hours |
Independent Study | 1634 hours |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the Leeds Law School Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to complete and fully contribute to all mandatory sessions outlined as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your online learning activities, study activities, tutorials, seminars, discussions and other activities is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course.
We monitor your engagement, participation and presence on the course as these and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement, participation and presence we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know.
Please note that any reports covering engagement, participation and presence can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your engagement record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.Our Attendance Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Distance learning courses are designed to be flexible but there may be circumstances where your studies might be interrupted which stop you from studying (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
If you are unable to study because of illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
If you are completing your studies by distance learning overseas, immigration permission to study is not required and reporting to UKVI is not relevant. However, there may be times when you may need to travel to the university for a short visit or study block to assist with your studies. Please email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team (siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) who can provide information and advice for short term visa requirements.
For up to date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
Through the specialised study of key modules, namely: Democracy, Rule of Law, and Human Rights; Genocide and War Crimes; Global Security, Counter Terrorism and Justice; Political Economy of Environmental Crisis; Statelessness, Indigenous People and Minority Rights; and Theorising Human Rights, this LLM enables a student to meet the following relevant characteristics of a Master's degree:
- Focus on a broader subject area in which they have prior knowledge
- Study a subject area or field in greater depth
- Develop knowledge in a new subject or field
The Dissertation module is included so that students meet two further characteristics of a Master's degree namely, undertaking a research project and acquiring training in research methods. The modules are designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the development of regional and international law. A graduate of the LLM International Law: Conflict, Security and Human Rights should have:
- An in-depth knowledge of the theory and development of international human rights law and international norms of justice
- Current knowledge of scholarship and research in the law on displaced peoples and the rights of indigenous peoples
- Critical awareness of current issues and international developments in the areas of terrorism, counter terrorism, war crimes and genocide, and environmental crisis
- Knowledge of professional responsibilities, integrity and ethics
- Ability to reflect on their own progress as learner
- Be able to apply research and critical perspectives to professional situations, both practical and theoretical
This knowledge and skills equip students to enter different types of employment.
The study of law and socio-legal matters involves the acquisition of knowledge and general intellectual skills specific to law and the social sciences, develop students' understanding of legal principles, rules, doctrine, legal reasoning and values and political and social theory. The LLM International Law: Conflict, Security and Human Rights is designed to develop the intellectual abilities of graduates including legal knowledge and understanding of law.
The curriculum in this programme focuses on more than one jurisdiction enabling students to acquire knowledge of the features and principles of different legal systems and be able to compare them. Students will study how law is shaped by and in turn has an impact on ethical, social, political, environmental and economic norms.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Learning Support
Your course team may include an Online Learning Tutor (OLT). The OLT is an academic member of staff, focused on supporting online distance learning students throughout their studies. The OLT will help you with academic skills and advice, help resolve technical issues, arrange community events, signpost you to useful resources and be in touch with you regularly to support your engagement with the course.
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
Your Distance Learning course will use content that is available online including journal articles and books, other than in very exceptional circumstances.
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) , Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
There may be occasions when you wish to access physical books and journals at Leeds Beckett or use other University libraries. In all respects you have the same rights as other students. For more information please contact the Offsite Library Service who support distance learners and students not based on campus.
As a distance learner, you have the same right to use University's campus IT facilities as other students. If you visit campus, Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
The MyBeckett portal is the Virtual Learning Environment and the gateway to engaging with your course, the university as a whole, the support services we offer, your tutors and other students in your learning community.
MyBeckett will provide access to:
- your module content including topic by topic activities over the semester, and links to required and recommended reading
- assessment details and links to submit your work
- your student community and the means to communicate, collaborate and engage with them
- library resources and people to help you
- academic and personal support and student advice
- your student email account which we strongly recommend you use, as we will use it to communicate with you
- your personal cloud file storage via MS OneDrive
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
Law Trove
Law Trove contains the content of over 200 law textbooks published by Oxford University Press (OUP) and covers a wide range of topics within the study of law. You have access to the Law Trove database as a student on this course - this means that you can access OUP's entire law textbook collection.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Postgraduate Diploma International Law: Conflict, Security and Human Rights
Postgraduate Certificate International Law: Conflict, Security and Human Rights
Leeds Beckett University
Level 7 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications with 180 credit points at Level 7.
The part time version of the course is delivered over two years. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set, but the modules offered within the level are consistent.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
There are no non-standard regulations relating to this provision.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The Chief Law Postgraduate External Examiner is:
Ashley Lowerson, Assistant Professor, Northumbria Law School.
Dr Jonathan Collinson, The University of Sheffield Law School is also a member of the course external examiner team.
Appendices
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