MSt in International Human Rights Law
Course details
Overview
The University of Oxford's Master's in International Human Rights Law is a part-time degree offered over two academic years, involving a combination of distance learning and summer residences. It is offered jointly by the Department for Continuing Education and the Faculty of Law.
The course is designed in particular for lawyers as well as other (non-law) human rights advocates who wish to pursue advanced studies in international human rights law but may need to do so alongside work and/or care responsibilities. The course aims to develop an understanding of the principles and institutions of international human rights law, including their origins, assumptions, contents, limits and potential.
It encourages students to think analytically about the implementation and development of international human rights law, to conduct research, and to apply this body of law in their own professional setting and context. The course thus puts equal emphasis on the theory, doctrine and practice of human rights law.
The programme offers an invaluable opportunity to be a part of a vibrant and diverse community of human rights scholars and practitioners from over 90 countries around the world. It provides an institutional framework for cross-national and cross-sectoral professional collaborations and exchange of information within the human rights discourse.
Scholarships
We offer a number of scholarships specific to this course. To be considered, all you need to do is submit your course application by the January deadline. Selection is expected to take place by the end of March 2021. If you have not heard from by this date, you should assume you have been unsuccessful. View scholarships here.
Coronavirus update
The admissions cycle for this programme is progressing as planned, and the University is committed to ensuring that offer holders can take up their place as expected. Information will be made available as the situation develops. Find out more here.
Course Structure
This is a two-year course offered across six Oxford terms. It is divided into four components, comprising two periods of distance learning and two summer residences in Oxford.
For the first period of distance learning, students take a seven-month online course in the Fundamentals of International Human Rights Law using a virtual learning environment (VLE) . This online course runs from September to April of the first year and is made up of six units of guided online study, each of three weeks duration. Each unit includes a reading period and tutor-guided online discussions. Students submit two 3,000-word assignments at the end of each term.
The second period of distance learning takes place from September to April of the second year when students work independently on researching and writing a 12,000-word dissertation with one-to one support from an academic supervisor.
Summer residences in Oxford take place in July-August at the end of each academic year. Students choose two electives from the courses offered (see course content) and attend three weeks of intensive small group seminars for their chosen courses. The seminars are followed by a week of independent revision at the end of which students sit two exams. In addition, the first summer residence includes a week of intensive dissertation-related exercises to prepare students for independent dissertation work over the subsequent eight months. During the summer sessions, students also have an opportunity to attend additional lectures by some of the leading authorities and actors in the field of international human rights law.
Time Commitment
Students are expected to devote 15-20 hours per week to private study when not in Oxford. The summer residences are full time. The first-year residence is five weeks in length and the second-year residence four weeks.
The degree involves a significant commitment over two years. Before submitting an application, please ensure that you will be able to attend the Oxford residences and reserve sufficient time for your online studies. You are encouraged to consult with your employer, colleagues and family before applying.
Assessment
The degree is assessed by coursework, examinations and a dissertation. The percentage weightings of each part of the course are:
- Coursework 20%
- Examinations 50% (four exams at 12.5% each)
- Dissertation 30%
IT Requirements
In order to take this course you will need frequent and reliable internet access and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification. It is possible, with some limitations, to use tablet-style devices; if you intend to use one of these devices please see our information on mobile devices. If you are in any doubt as to whether your computer or mobile device is suitable for taking the course, please contact TALLITHelp@conted.ox.ac.uk. We strongly recommend that students bring their own laptop or mobile device to the summer residences.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from persons in all fields of human rights practice. Past students have come from a variety of backgrounds including international, governmental and non-governmental agencies, private and corporate practice, academia, politics, journalism and medicine. The programme cultivates the widest possible diversity in both its students and faculty.
The degree is designed primarily for early and mid-career lawyers and human rights practitioners with a demonstrated commitment to the advancement of human rights. About 70% of our students are lawyers but non-lawyers with extensive experience in human rights are also welcome to apply. The course is enriched by the variety of student backgrounds and the evidence indicates that non-lawyers perform as well as lawyers on the course.
How to apply
For detailed information on admissions deadlines, entry requirements and how to apply, please visit our course page on the Graduate Admissions website.
You must submit a number of supporting materials with your application including references, transcripts and a CV. In addition, this course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. Further information is provided in the entry requirements section of our course page on the Graduate Admissions website.
If you choose to enter a college preference on your application form, you may wish to consider its facilities, resources, funding opportunities and location within Oxford. Please note, however, that your accommodation and meals during the summer residences, unless you are coming with children, is provided at New College regardless of college membership. To find out which colleges accept students on the Masters in International Human Rights Law please visit the colleges section of our course page on the Graduate Admissions website.
When admissions are closed, please click on the ‘notify me’ button to enter your details and we will add you to our mailing list to receive a notification when admissions re-open. Similarly, if you have an admissions-related question that is not answered on this website or the University’s Application Guide, please submit your question by selecting 'ask a question'.
