Course details

Please note that admissions for the course starting in October 2012 are now closed. The next course will start in October 2013 and admissions will open in September 2012. Our website will also be updated at that time with information specific to the 2013 course. Please email iphumrts@conted.ox.ac.uk inserting 'IHRL MST' in the subject line if you would like to be informed when admissions are open.

Key facts

Length: 22 months part-time Convocation House
Start date: September/October 2012
Modes of teaching: Online with summer residential sessions
Residential dates: 4 July - 9 August 2013; 12 July - 2 August 2014 (provisional)
Time commitment: 15-20 hours per week for online classes; full-time for summer residential sessions
Qualification: Master of Studies (MSt) in International Human Rights Law
Fees (estimated): £18,317 (Home/EU) and £19,211 (Overseas) programme fees over two years (includes tuition, full room and board at residential sessions and all required reading materials) plus college fees of about £2200 depending on college
Application deadlines: 18 November 2011, 20 January 2012, 9 March 2012

Course objectives

The purpose of the Master's programme is to develop your understanding of international human rights law and your ability to make a contribution to this field. The programme of study places emphasis on increasing your understanding of the scope and limits of international human rights law principles and institutions, your capacity to think analytically about further implementation and research. The part-time format of the degree programme is designed to provide you with the flexibility to pursue graduate training without an extended interruption of your work or family commitments. The degree programme also will provide you with an institutional base for on-going collaboration after you graduate. The specific objectives of the course are as follows:

  • to enhance your understanding of international human rights law at the domestic, regional and international levels;
  • to enhance your ability to think analytically about the further implementation and development of international human rights law generally and in the context of your own professional and national setting;
  • to increase your ability to conduct research in this field of law;
  • to assist your career advancement; and
  • to facilitate your collaboration with other professionals for the more effective development and application of international human rights law.

Learning outcomes

Students who complete the course successfully will acquire:

  • an understanding of the principles and institutions of international human rights law, including their origins, assumptions, contents, limits and potential;
  • an improved ability to think analytically about the implementation and development of international human rights law and to apply this body of law in your own professional and national setting;
  • an improved ability to conduct research on international human rights law; and;
  • an institutional framework for cross-national professional co-operation and the exchange of information.

Course summary

Please note that the components and content of the programme of study listed below are provisional and may be subject to change. It may not be possible to offer all options every year or options may differ from those listed.

The programme of study comprises:

  • A seven-month online course in the Fundamentals of International Human Rights Law
  • A three-week residential course on Comparative Regional Human Rights Systems
  • Any two of the following residential courses on the Implementation and Development of International Human Rights Law:: The Law of Armed Conflict, International Criminal Law, Economic Social & Cultural Rights, Transitional Justice (not all courses may be offered every year)
  • A residential course on Populations at Heightened Risk of Human Rights Violations: International Rights of Children, Equality, Discrimination & Identities in International Human Rights Law, Minorities & Indigenous Peoples, International Rights of Refugees, International Rights of Women (not all courses may be offered every year)
  • A 12,000 word dissertation    

Course structure

YEAR 1

Michaelmas and Hilary Terms (September/October 2012 – April/May 2013)

  • Fundamentals of International Human Rights Law (distance-taught)

Trinity Term (May-June 2013)

  • Preparation and advanced reading for first summer residence (distance-taught)

Summer Residence (July-August 2013, Oxford)

  • Comparative Regional Human Rights Systems
  • One of: The Law of Armed Conflict, International Criminal Law, Economic Social & Cultural Rights, Transitional Justice (not all courses may be offered every year)
  • Dissertation preparation

YEAR 2

Michaelmas and Hilary Terms (September 2013 – April 2014)

  • Dissertation research and writing (distance-taught)

Trinity Term (May-June 2014)

  • Preparation and advanced reading for second summer residence (distance-taught)

Summer Residence (July-August 2014, Oxford)

  • One of: The Law of Armed Conflict, International Criminal Law, Economic Social & Cultural Rights, Transitional Justice (not all courses may be offered every year)
  • One of: International Rights of Children, Equality, Discrimination & Identities in International Human Rights Law, Minorities & Indigenous Peoples, International Rights of Refugees, International Rights of Women (not all courses may be offered every year)

Assessment

The degree is assessed by coursework, examinations and a dissertation. The percentage weightings of each part of the course are listed below.

Coursework 20%
Examinations 50% (4 exams at 12.5% each)
Dissertation 30%

* Please note that the advocacy exercise, which previously formed 2% of the assessment for the degree and which was under review, has now been withdrawn.

Modes of teaching

During the distance-taught parts of the course, students engage in essay writing and group discussions with their tutors and other members of the class using the course website. Course materials are provided by post or online. The mode of instruction during the Oxford residential session emphasises close student/tutor contact, active student participation and seminars with optional lectures.

Time commitment

Students will normally be expected to devote 15-20 hours/week to private study when not in Oxford. The two periods of residence in Oxford are five and four weeks in length and are full-time.

The degree involves a significant commitment over 22 months. Before submitting an application, please assure that you will be able to reserve sufficient time for your online studies and your ability to attend the Oxford residential sessions. You are encouraged to consult with your colleagues and family before applying.

Technical requirements

Students will need to have frequent and reliable internet and email access to take the course. We strongly recommend that students bring their own laptop to the summer residential sessions.