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Key information
University University of Stirling
Country Scotland
Learning mode On-Campus
Pace Full-time
Duration 12 months
Tuition fee £ 20145
Application deadline(s) October 1, 2023
Official Website Click here

The MSc in Human Rights and Diplomacy is an interdisciplinary master’s course designed and taught in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The program offers a unique opportunity to learn from the joint efforts of the University of Stirling’s schools of Law, International Relations, and Philosophy, as well as from renowned experts of the United Nations. Offering the rare combination of theory-based and skill-based education, students are provided with group and individual coaching on such skills as public speaking, leadership, cosmopolitan communication, workplace ethics, CV drafting, and effective interview techniques.

The one-year program provides opportunities for students to choose from 3 different options which will be completed during the last three months of the program. Students can select to undertake an academic dissertation, a work-based project, or to apply for a UN internship.

A traditional master’s dissertation will allow students to develop their own exposition of an area of human rights problematic and develop a critical stance on this at length. Students who select this module will work under the supervision of leading human rights researchers at the University of Stirling. The dissertation gives students the knowledge and skillset to pursue careers in academia and human rights organizations.

The Human Rights Professional Project pathway allows students to work on projects with non-UN human rights organizations. Previous placements have included the Institute for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, the East Africa Centre for Human Rights, Scottish Pen, Refuweegee, Revive Campaign, and Howard League Scotland.

The UN internship pathway gives the students the opportunity to apply for internships within international organizations such as the International Court of Justice, UNICEF, UN Women, and UNDP, and UNHCR, amongst other UN agencies. Those selected for this module will receive individual coaching and support from UNITAR staff whilst applying for highly sought-after UN internship vacancies.

Besides intensive lectures, students will have the opportunity to take part in a study visit to Geneva, Switzerland. This is designed to give students the chance to engage with and observe the practical work of the UN and the human rights organizations.

Start date: January 2023
Duration:
12 months

Admission requirements

  • For UK students, a minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent is required. Applicants without formal qualifications but with significant and relevant work and life experience are encouraged to apply.
  • For international and the EU students, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
  • English language certificates are required if English is not the student’s first language.

Fees and funding
Information about tuition fees and scholarship opportunities can be found here.

Apply now