Why this course?
This programme offers graduates in law and related disciplines, or those with relevant professional qualifications, the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of human rights law at UK, European and international levels.
The programme is intended to provide invaluable training and insights for those who have either a professional or academic interest in an evolving human rights culture.
There are three potential exit points from the course, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters. Assuming satisfactory performance, it's possible to change between these exit points. For example, a student who initially registers for the certificate may opt to continue studying for the Diploma or Masters qualification. Likewise, a student originally registered for the Masters can transfer to the certificate or Diploma.
You’ll study
The Human Rights Law programme may be completed over two years (part-time), or over one year (full-time).
The LLM is awarded on successful completion of six modules and a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with a supervisor.
Successful completion of six modules will qualify you for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip). A Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) is awarded on completion of three modules.
Dissertation
The dissertation is written over the summer and submitted on the last day of the academic year.
Field dissertation
A recent innovative feature of this programme is the opportunity for you to undertake a field dissertation within a governmental or non-governmental organization with an international focus. It can be either in the UK or more likely, overseas.
This opportunity is offered on a competitive basis and typically lasts for up to 12 weeks. It's delivered through our partnership with Challenges Worldwide, an organization with extensive international experience in volunteer work placements.
Work completed for the placement will focus on a specific area of law relevant to, or actually form the subject of your dissertation.
LLM students on the programme have traveled to countries such as India, Guatemala, and Uganda to undertake projects in areas including the right to water, law reform, developing sexual harassment policy and freedom of assembly.
Facilities
Our library has a wide range of law reports, legislation, serials and monographs. It also has duplicate sets of key law report series, houses extensive collections in government publications and other related areas.
You'll have access to a wide range of electronic information sources which can be accessed from home, including all the major legal databases.
Student competition
There is an annual LLM Human Rights Dissertation Prize sponsored by Taylor and Kelly (a leading human rights law firm in Scotland).
Entry requirements
An Honours degree, or equivalent, in any discipline (some law content recommended). Entry may be possible with other qualifications, especially where the applicant’s work experience is relevant to the course.
International students
If English is not your first language you’ll be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency before you can begin the course.
The LLM in Human Rights entry requirements are IELTS 6.5 (with no category below 6).
Pre-Masters Preparation Course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course for international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at the University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.
Fees & funding
Scotland/EU
- 2015/16 - LLM/PGDip full-time: £5,700
- 2015/16 - PGCert full-time: £2,850
- 2015/16 - LLM/PGDip/PGCert part-time: £2,850
Rest of UK
- 2015/16 - LLM/PGDip: £5,700
- 2015/16 - PGCert: £2,850
- 2015/16 - LLM/PGDip/PGCert part-time: £2,850
International
- 2015/16 - LLM/PGDip full-time: £11,000
- 2015/16 - PGCert full-time: £5,500
- 2015/16 - LLM/PGDip/PGCert part-time: £5,500
How can I fund my course?
There are several scholarship opportunities available for students applying for this course. Opportunities include:
- John Fitzsimmons Memorial scholarships
- Lord Hope Postgraduate scholarships
- International Scholarships (instructional)
- University of Strathclyde Progression Scholarships
For more general information please look at our scholarship search
The fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
Careers
Our graduates can, and have progressed to research studies like MPhil and PhD in Human Rights Law leading to an academic career.
Students may also go on to work with international non-governmental organizations in the area of human rights advocacy, practice, and promotion like Amnesty International.
Qualification from the course is also relevant to careers in international human rights organizations, like UN agencies for example.
Where are they now?
Many of our graduates are in work or further study.*
Job titles include:
- Contracts Manager
- Judicial Assistant
- Procurator Fiscal Depute
- Research & Policy Officer
- Solicitor
Employers include:
- Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
- Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability
- Scottish Prison Service
- Supreme Court
- The Scottish Government
*Based on the results of the national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (2010/11 and 2011/12).