MSt in International Human Rights Law

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.

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.