Emma Allen

Profile

Biography

Dr Emma Allen

Senior Lecturer

I joined York Law School as a Senior Lecturer in September 2026. I specialise in international law, human rights and the climate crisis, with a parallel interest in legal education and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Before joining York, I worked as a Lecturer at Keele Law School, where I completed my PhD in 2020, funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council. I also hold an LLM in International Law with French (Distinction) and an LLB in Law with Philosophy (First Class Honours) from Keele.

Between my LLB and LLM, I completed the LPC at the University of Law in Chester (Distinction) and began work as a trainee solicitor before ultimately deciding to return to academia. This professional background informs my interest in authentic assessment and reflective legal learning.

Research

Overview

My research focuses on international law, human rights and environmental and climate law, with particular interest in the unique challenges faced by Pacific small low‑lying island states as they confront the impacts of climate change. I also work on legal education and pedagogy, with scholarship on artificial intelligence in higher education, authentic assessment practices and engaging students as partners.

Publications

Selected publications

• Allen E, ‘Passing the (Proverbial) Baton: Engaging Students as Partners in Module Design’ (2023) 7(2) International Journal for Students as Partners 103-110.
• Allen E and Prost M, ‘Ceci n’est pas un État: The Order of Malta and the Holy See as Precedents for Deterritorialised Statehood?’ (2022) 31(2) Review of European, Comparative and International Environmental Law 171-181.
• Allen E, ‘Not a Moot Point! Mooting as an Authentic Assessment Practice in Law?’ (2021) 13 Journal of Academic Development and Education 45-48.
• Allen E, ‘Climate Change and Disappearing Island States: Pursuing Remedial Territory’ [2018] Brill Open Law 1-23.

For a complete and up‑to‑date list of publications, please see my ORCID profile.

Teaching

Undergraduate

• Foundations in Law
• Legal Concepts
• Public International Law

I am also developing a new Environmental Law elective, drawing on my research and teaching interests in climate and international law.

External activities

Overview

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and am actively working towards Senior Fellowship (SFHEA).

I also serve as an External Examiner for the University of Law on their postgraduate academic programmes.