LLM Human Rights

Central Campus

 

INTAKE: September

Program Overview

The LLM in Human Rights at the University of Edinburgh offers students a rigorous and comprehensive education in international human rights law. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical perspectives needed to engage with complex human rights issues and contribute to the advancement of human rights protections globally. Through a combination of theoretical study, practical training, and experiential learning opportunities, students explore the principles, instruments, and mechanisms of human rights law, critically analyze contemporary challenges and dilemmas, and develop strategies for promoting human rights, justice, and equality in diverse contexts. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, ethical reflection, and engagement with real-world human rights issues, preparing students for careers in human rights advocacy, legal practice, policy-making, research, and academia.

  1. Foundational Knowledge in Human Rights Law: The program provides students with a solid foundation in international human rights law, covering core principles, instruments, and mechanisms of human rights protection. Students study key treaties, conventions, and jurisprudence, exploring topics such as civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, minority rights, and the rights of vulnerable groups.

  2. Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges: Students critically engage with contemporary human rights challenges and debates, examining issues such as globalization, development, migration, conflict, terrorism, and environmental justice. They analyze the intersectionality of human rights with other fields, including gender studies, postcolonial theory, and indigenous rights, and explore the complexities of implementing human rights in diverse cultural, political, and social contexts.

  3. Skills Development and Practical Training: The program emphasizes skills development and practical training in human rights advocacy, research, and legal practice. Students participate in moot courts, simulations, and case studies, honing their legal analysis, argumentation, and negotiation skills. They also have opportunities for internships, placements, and fieldwork with human rights organizations, NGOs, and legal clinics, gaining hands-on experience in human rights practice.

  4. Specialization and Elective Courses: Students have the flexibility to tailor their studies through a range of elective courses and specialization options. They may choose to focus on specific thematic areas or regions of human rights law, such as refugee law, transitional justice, humanitarian law, or human rights in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East. This allows students to deepen their expertise and pursue their interests within the broad field of human rights.

  5. Research and Dissertation: In the final stage of the program, students undertake independent research on a human rights topic of their choice, culminating in a dissertation or thesis. They work closely with faculty advisors to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, gather data, and analyze findings, producing original contributions to human rights scholarship and practice.

Pollster Education

Location

Central Campus

Pollster Education

Score

IELTS: 7

Pollster Education

Tuition Fee

£ 27300

Postgraduate entry requirements:

  1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.  

  2. English Language Proficiency:  

    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).

    • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Students must provide:

  • academic marksheets & transcripts
  • letters of recommendation
  • a personal statement - SOP
  • passport
  • other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. 

Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.

School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.

External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduates of the LLM in Human Rights program at the University of Edinburgh are well-equipped for a variety of rewarding career opportunities in the field of human rights. With their specialized knowledge, analytical skills, and commitment to promoting justice and equality, graduates can pursue diverse roles in human rights advocacy, legal practice, policy-making, research, and academia.  

  1. Human Rights Lawyer/Advocate: Graduates may work as human rights lawyers or advocates, representing individuals, communities, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in legal proceedings, litigation, and advocacy campaigns. They provide legal advice, draft legal documents, and litigate cases before national and international courts and tribunals, seeking redress for human rights violations and holding perpetrators accountable.

  2. Policy Analyst/Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts or researchers, conducting research and analysis on human rights issues, trends, and developments. They work for government agencies, think tanks, research institutes, and NGOs, producing policy reports, briefing papers, and impact assessments that inform policy-making, legislative reforms, and human rights advocacy strategies.

  3. International Human Rights Officer: Graduates may work for international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), or the Council of Europe, as human rights officers or legal advisors. They monitor human rights situations, provide technical assistance to states, draft reports and recommendations, and contribute to the development and implementation of international human rights standards and mechanisms.

  4. NGO/Nonprofit Manager: Graduates may lead or manage human rights-focused NGOs, nonprofits, or civil society organizations, overseeing programs, projects, and campaigns aimed at promoting human rights awareness, education, and empowerment. They develop fundraising strategies, manage budgets and resources, and collaborate with stakeholders to advance human rights causes at the grassroots level.

  5. Academic/Researcher: Graduates may pursue academic careers as researchers, lecturers, or professors in universities, law schools, or research institutions. They teach courses on human rights law, conduct original research, and publish scholarly articles and books, contributing to advancements in human rights theory, practice, and advocacy through interdisciplinary research projects and collaborations.

  6. Human Rights Consultant/Advisor: Graduates may work as consultants or advisors, providing expertise and guidance on human rights issues to governments, international organizations, corporations, or legal firms. They conduct human rights impact assessments, develop corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, and provide training and capacity-building support to stakeholders on human rights compliance and due diligence.


Similar Courses
WhatsApp Enquiry Call Enquiry