Business Law and Human Rights

About

In today’s global economy, businesses play a pivotal role in shaping human rights outcomes. This module examines how legal systems, corporate practices, and governance frameworks intersect with human rights across different jurisdictions. You will explore the legal responsibilities of companies, the influence of international standards, and the ethical challenges that emerge in global trade and investment.

Through real-world case studies, students will investigate how corporations can both advance and undermine human rights—from labour rights and environmental justice to digital privacy and corporate influence on public discourse. Examples include litigation against Shell for environmental damage in the Niger Delta, the impact of the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act on global supply chains, and Apple’s legal challenge against a UK government directive to create backdoor access to encrypted user data, raising questions about privacy, surveillance, and corporate responsibility. The module also considers how governments are increasingly focused on improving the international reputation of their companies, particularly in response to scrutiny over overseas investments and human rights compliance

You will engage with key legal instruments such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and explore comparative regulatory approaches in Europe, North America, and Asia. Designed for students in law, international relations, development studies, business, and public policy, the module encourages reflective thinking about the role of law in shaping ethical business practices.

A highlight of the module is a full-day field trip in Week 2, offering students direct engagement with organisations working at the intersection of business and human rights. The day will likely include guided sessions with advocacy or legal experts, a panel discussion hosted in an academic institution, a visit to a financial or regulatory body to explore governance practices, or a meeting with a law firm specialising in corporate accountability or international business law. A reflective session follows the trip in week 3 to consolidate insights and connect theory with practice.

Target group

Ideal if you're interested in law, ethics, and globalisation and international affairs, this module offers insight into one of the most urgent challenges facing global trade and investment today. No specific study background is required as the module will be taught through accessible lectures and interactive seminars, using real-world case studies and comparative legal frameworks to support interdisciplinary learning

Course aim

1. Understand the global frameworks and principles that govern the relationship between business operations and human rights, including key international legal instruments

2. Evaluate the role of corporations in both promoting and violating human rights across different jurisdictions and sectors

3. Apply legal and ethical reasoning to real-world case studies involving corporate conduct and human rights challenges

4. Explore comparative approaches to business and human rights, gaining insight into how different countries and regions implement and enforce standards

Fee info

The full cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session will be £2,645. Early applications will receive a 20% reduction on tuition fees, making the overall cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session £2320. If you wish to study for both sessions, we welcome you to do so. This is made up of Tuition fees of £1,625 per session including all teaching and assessment for one module of study. Where field trips or course excursions are required then the cost of this is included in the tuition fee, however travel costs may be required. A minimum of 150 study hours, with a minimum of 40 hours class/teaching contact hours. Modules formally approved for 15 Sussex credits, equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3 – 4 US credits. You will receive a transcript of studies upon successful completion of the module (including meeting all attendance and assessment requirements). The accommodation and student life programme fee of £1,020 per session includes your own bedroom in on-campus student village. These are a mixture of en-suite flats and standard flats with shared facilities. You will receive a bedding pack of duvet and duvet cover, sheet, towel, pillow, and pillowcase, as well as a kitchen pack containing everything you need for self-catering. The fee includes a programme of campus social events and activities throughout each session. Excursions and social programme trips will also be provided on Fridays.