Law, Technology and Human Rights (M2602)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll look at how law and human rights shape but also constrain the development and use of digital technologies. You’ll explore:

• what law is
• how legal rules are created and applied
• how legal systems respond to technological change.

You’ll examine how data and digital technologies affect fundamental rights such as privacy, freedom of expression and equality, and assess the extent to which legal frameworks protect those rights in practice.

Using real cases, you’ll develop the skills to:

• engage with legal concepts
• identify legal and human rights issues
• assess risks and conflicts
• form informed views about the governance of technology in contemporary society.

In doing so, the module builds practical legal literacy, critical analysis and strong communication skills that are increasingly valued in careers in:

• technology
• business
• public policy
• media
• creative industries
• the third sector.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 21 hours of contact time and about 129 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.