This Master's programme in Human Rights Law offers graduates in law and related disciplines and those with relevant professional qualifications the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of human rights law at the UK, European and international levels.
Protection of human rights is now a global concern. The 'war on terror' has put human rights under pressure. International, regional and domestic human rights instruments are increasingly influential and controversial. These trends will intensify in future years as international human rights law continues to expand, the impact of the European Court of Human Rights grows, and the Human Rights Act 1998 affects new areas of UK law. The LLM and PgDip is therefore intended to provide invaluable training and insights for those who have either a professional or academic interest in this evolving human rights culture.
Applicants will normally hold a first-class or a second-class Honours degree from a UK university or college (or an equivalent qualification), or a relevant professional qualification.
For International Students
If English is not your first language you will 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) and TOEFL 100 points (internet based test).
Duration
LLM : Full-time 12 months; Part-time 24 months.
PgDip : Full-time 9 months; Part-time 21 months.
Start Date
end of September
Application Deadline
Mid-July for overseas students and mid-August for EU applicants.
Course Fees
Fees are quoted for the academic year 2012/2013, and may be subject to review in subsequent years.
UK/EC Full-Time
LLM/PgDip £5,100
PgCert £2,550
UK/EC Part-Time
LLM/PgDip £2,550
PgCert £2,550
International Full-Time
LLM/PgDip £10,200
PgCert £5,100
All fees subject to ratification by Senate.
The Human Rights Law programme may be completed over two years (part-time), or over one year (full-time).
This Course will be moving from its present structure of four x 30 credit modules to six x 20 credit modules (commencing in 2010-2011) which, it is anticipated, will be presented by a combination of face-to-face teaching, webcast, or on an intensive basis, over two weekends. Full-time students will be required to take three modules per semester, with part-time students taking three modules over the two semesters, in each Session. The face-to-face seminars will normally be held in the evening from 6pm to 8 pm.
The academic year operates on a two semester basis: October to January, and January to June.
There are 3 potential exit points from the course, Certificate, Diploma and Masters. Assuming satisfactory performance, it is possible to change between these exit points so that, for example, a student who initially registers for the Certificate may opt to continue studying to the Diploma or Masters qualification. Likewise, a student originally registered for the Masters can transfer to the Certificate or Diploma stream.
Students who wish to acquire the LLM qualification study six modules from the list, and write a dissertation on a topic chosen in consultation with their supervisor. Successful completion of six modules will qualify students for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), and successfuly completion of three modules will qualify students for the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert).
The dissertation is written over the summer and submitted on the last day of the academic year (30 September).
In addition to the provision of postgraduate masters level human rights law education, academics from both Strathclyde and Glasgow universities have developed the Centre for the Study of Human Rights Law (CSHRL). This brings together academics from both institutions who teach and research in the area of human rights and human rights law, its aim to develop and promote the teaching and study of human rights law practice and activism. The Centre undertakes human rights research and consultancy projects at the local, national and international levels, as well as hosting human rights conferences and seminars, and is a member of the British-Irish Human Rights Centres Network. It aims to bring together a wide spectrum of academics, practitioners, policy-makers and activists to discuss and research human rights issues in Scotland, the UK and internationally.
Assessment
Assessment is based on performance in coursework and/or written exam papers and, for those seeking award of the LLM, the completion of a dissertation.
For the LLM, students must select at least two of the following core modules. These core modules are offered in the evenings only (6-8pm) in both semesters.
-European Human Rights; International Human Rights; Human Rights in Comparative Perspective; Human Rights Protection in the UK.
LLM students also choose any two additional modules from the complete list of core and optional modules. Optional modules include those offered as part of other Strathclyde Law School postgraduate programmes :
-LLM in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law (day-time)
-LLM in Construction Law (evening)
-Msc in Criminology and Criminal Justice (taught at the University of Glasgow)
-LLM in International Law and Sustainability Development (mode of attendance to be confirmed)
-LLM in International Economic Law (mode of attendance to be confirmed)
Core Modules -
European Human Rights
The European Convention on Human Rights is the most influential regional human rights treaty. This module looks in depth at the case law of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and evaluates the substantive guarantees of the ECHR in areas such as fair trial, privacy and freedom of expression.
International Human Rights Law
Human rights protection is a global concern. This module examines civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights, and assesses the range of international monitoring and supervision regimes. Topics covered include the major international treaties and bodies, protection of children, women and minorities, and the role of NGOs.
Human Rights Protection in the UK
The Human Rights Act 1998 is a major constitutional development in the UK. This module examines the ongoing transformation in legal culture, the expansion in judicial power and the value of human rights litigation in achieving social change.
Human Rights in Comparative Perspective
The proliferation of Bills of Rights in modern democracies has generated a variety of human rights standards as national courts adopt different approaches to rights conflicts. This module examines comparative perspectives on topical issues such as freedom of expression law and environmental law.
Optional Modules -
UK and EU Environmental Law (University of Strathclyde day-time module)
Human Rights and Immigration Legislation (University of Strathclyde day-time module)
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.
Postgraduate entry requirements are in our prospectus.