The Student Room Group

University of Leeds or Essex for Human Rights Law?

Hi, I’m due to begin my postgraduate degree (LLM in International Human Rights Law) this fall 2024, and I’ve been accepted to University of Leeds and University of Essex.

I understand the Essex has a better specialisation in Human Rights Law but Leeds is better renown and I do believe brand name is of certain importance.

I’m nonetheless really confused about the decision. I’ve also heard the administration at Essex is more helpful, is this true?
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

I am currently graduating from LLB at Leeds. We have great International Law lectureres and I don’t think there is much difference between Leeds and Essex. I can’t tell you more about the LLM course itself, but Leeds Uni is very good for law in general. I woulnd’t say there is much difference between them as in terms of prestiege, but Leeds is still among the top 10 for Law. I would advise to take other recommendations than the courses, like what city you would enjoy the most.

I also have a question to you ☺️ what made you take an LLM in human rights? Do you have any work experience and would like to work in an NGO? I am asking this as I also considered the Human Rights LLM
Original post by necessary-shrug
Hi, I’m due to begin my postgraduate degree (LLM in International Human Rights Law) this fall 2024, and I’ve been accepted to University of Leeds and University of Essex.
I understand the Essex has a better specialisation in Human Rights Law but Leeds is better renown and I do believe brand name is of certain importance.
I’m nonetheless really confused about the decision. I’ve also heard the administration at Essex is more helpful, is this true?

Congrats on your offers! Have you visited either Leeds or Essex yet? I do think visiting for an offer holder day or open day can give you a better idea of what campus life is like and where you can see yourself living during your postgrad degree

Some of the stats for Essex Law

we're ranked top 50 for Law in THE World University Rankings by Subject (2023)

Law is 3rd in the UK for research power in law (Times Higher Education research power measure, REF2021)

89% of our Essex Law School Undergrad graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023) 

We have the Essex Law Clinic providing free legal advice to the community that can give you valuable real-world experience, as well as the Essex Human Rights Centre Clinic to have a global impact on the future of research. As a postgrad student you can get involved with the annual Human Rights projects


On top of all that, being a campus uni has its perks and we've got a great community vibe with a really active SU hosting tons of events throughout the year. With more than 100 student societies and sports clubs you could choose from to get involved with, or you could start your own society with a group of friends!

We've got two on-campus nightclubs, two bars, a few restaurants and food stalls, a shop, a merch store, loads of social spots and cafes to chill and study in. We even have a market day on Thursdays during term time. The Albert Sloman Library and the Silberrad Student Centre are both open 24 hours so you always have a safe and cosy place to study at any time.

Hope you get a chance to visit before you make your final choice!

Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Hayley

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