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Ulster University offers Masters programmes in Gender, Conflict and Human Rights and  in Human Rights and Transitional Justice.  It is possible to start these programmes in September or January; part-time options also available.

Our teaching draws upon Ulster’s law research excellence. Both programmes  are delivered by highly regarded international experts and include a diverse multidisciplinary cohort every year. Students also benefit from the dynamic research culture offered by TJI and the School of Law.

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Courses  available
Course Full-time options Part-time options
Gender, Conflict and Human RightsFull-timePart-time
Human Rights and Transitional JusticeFull-timePart-time

Why study at Ulster

The Transitional Justice Institute offers the opportunity to undertake LLM programmes with a specific focus on transitional justice or on gender, conflict and human rights.

This is the only LLM programme of its type in the UK.

Find out more about the programme by watching a recent webinar for prospective students:


Key features of the programmes

  • The opportunity to gain unique insights into the legal protection of rights in transitional contexts, while studying in a society currently in a process of transition.
  • Class sizes are small – between eight and 16 students in most classes.
  • Fully equipped LLM teaching rooms with integrated audio visual and video conferencing
  • In the Research Excellence Framework 2014 (REF) Law research at Ulster was ranked 4th in the UK for overall research quality and 1st in the UK for research impact.
  • Ulster was the only Law School in the UK to have 100% of its research impact at the highest level of excellence (four star)
  • The programmes are delivered by active researchers in the TJI, many of whom have received international recognition for their work.
  • TJI promotes and facilitates internship opportunities.
  • LLM Best Dissertation Prize, awarded by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.
  • Extensive events programme including Seminar Series and International Conferences, and a distinguished Visiting Scholars programme.

Tuition Fees

Get more information on tuition fees

Scholarships

View available scholarships

English language requirements and Pre-Sessional Courses

View  English Language Requirements


TJI/NI Human Rights Commission Dissertation Prize

Awarded annually by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) for the highest LLM dissertation mark.

2016 recipient, Leo Green scored the highest mark for his dissertation entitled, 'An All-Island Charter of Rights A means to harmonise and enhance human rights and equality provisions and protections throughout Ireland?’.

"Leo’s thesis explores the potential of a Charter of Rights for the island of Ireland as a mechanism for the enhancement of human rights protection.
The thesis focuses on key factors which are critical to the effectiveness of a Bill/Charter of Rights and which might influence the development and adoption of a Charter. The thesis argues that human rights must be disaggregated from the constitutional status of Northern Ireland battleground.
The thesis concludes that a Charter of Rights commonly adopted in both jurisdictions and which includes strong enforcement mechanisms, has the potential to enhance rights protection and to inject a new momentum and renewed optimism into rights protection island-wide."
Dr Anne Smith.

Watch the videos

The Transitional Justice Institute in Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to deliver an effective and stimulating programme of study in the areas of transitional justice and gender, conflict and human rights.

Below are some videos explaining our programmes in more detail.

LLM Student Emily Keijzer on the Human Rights & Transitional Justice programme
Kishra Dawabi, Chevening Scholar, on the Masters in Gender, Conflict & Human Rights
LLM student Diana Nakweesa on the Gender, Conflict and Human Rights programme
Prof Siobhán Wills introduces the Ulster LLM programmes
Prof Cath Collins introduces transitional justice and the Ulster LLM
Dr Catherine O'Rourke on the unique LLM Gender, Conflict and Human Rights
LLM Webinar Part 1 'Women, Peace Processes and Peace Agreements
LLM Webinar Part 2 'Women, Peace Processes and Peace Agreements

Master of Laws (LLM) Courses

Our Masters programmes can be studied on a full or part time basis at our Jordanstown campus.

This course introduces participants to the aims of transitional justice and the main transitional justice measures that seek to respond to mass abuse.

Key Information

Part-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2023/24

Belfast campus

The only postgraduate course in the UK and Ireland dedicated to the study of gender, conflict and human rights.

Key Information

Part-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2024/25

Belfast campus

The only postgraduate course in the UK and Ireland dedicated to the study of gender, conflict and human rights.

Key Information

Full-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2024/25

Belfast campus

The only postgraduate course in the UK and Ireland dedicated to the study of gender, conflict and human rights.

Key Information

Part-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2023/24

Belfast campus

The only postgraduate course in the UK and Ireland dedicated to the study of gender, conflict and human rights.

Key Information

Full-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2023/24

Belfast campus

Study human rights law and transitional justice with recognised international experts.

Key Information

Full-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2024/25

Belfast campus

Study human rights law and transitional justice with recognised international experts.

Key Information

Part-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2023/24

Belfast campus

Study human rights law and transitional justice with recognised international experts.

Key Information

Part-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2024/25

Belfast campus

Study human rights law and transitional justice with recognised international experts.

Key Information

Full-time Postgraduate

Year of entry: 2023/24

Belfast campus

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Testimonials

Transitional Justice Institute LLM - Master of Laws testimonials.