International Human Rights Law

Views about the course

External examiner

"This is an innovative degree that is meeting a demonstrable need. It is very demanding of its students but the assessment work makes it clear that they respond with enthusiasm and while reaching high academic standards they also receive excellent education".
External Examiner
November 2010

Students

Below is a selection of comments that our students have made about the course.

"For me, the degree programme achieved its objective and now I feel that I can truly be an effective advocate in the field. This was best summarized by Professor Dembour when she said that she could define her personal and professional life as 'Before Oxford and after Oxford'. I now understand her sentiment. I am a fully fledged supporter of this amazing programme. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally".
Jason Wright (2008/9 cohort)
Click here to read a recent interview with Jason Wright as part of the Department for Continuing Education's Spotlights on Students series.

"I have taken away a priceless experience; a handful of lifelong friends and an understanding of a subject that I intend to put to good use. Thank you."
Heather Adams (2008/9 cohort)

"The course has been outstanding in every respect and directly applicable to some of the operations the Royal Navy is currently involved in, particularly the legal implications of coalition efforts to combat piracy in the Gulf of Aden and operations in Afghanistan. I can also envisage an understanding of the importance of human rights law to future military operations becoming more significant in the years to come. From the outset Dr. Andrew Shacknove has been extremely generous with his time and unstinting in his guidance and support. He is leading a first class course in which the quality of tuition, supervision and eminence of teaching staff have surpassed my very high expectations; both the on-line teaching and residential session have been exceptionally rewarding and have significantly furthered my understanding of international human rights law. I consider myself very fortunate indeed to be studying this course."
Ian Park (2008 cohort)

"My experience while studying in Oxford could be described in two words – extremely useful (during this programme I have learned all the necessary things which I need to fulfil my professional duties at work) and interesting (I have gained so many friends from different parts of the world, met distinguished professors and human rights professionals).The fact that I was studying at the MSt programme in International Human Rights Law was one of the main reasons why I was recruited for the present post at the Office of the Latvian Government’s Representative before International Human Rights Organisations. "
Katrina Inkusa (2007 cohort)

"I chose Oxford for the quality of the faculty, the reputation of the university, and the diversity of the students. I couldn’t be more pleased. It’s been one of the strongest academic programs I’ve had the privilege to participate in, and the broad and deep experience of the other students has enriched my learning, and my life. "
Charles Gould (2007 cohort)

"The Master of Studies Program in International Human Rights Law is an incredible program that brings together people from across the world with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives on human rights. The Faculty are truly inspiring and the course content offers insights into many important aspects of human rights law. The program is extremely well organized and manages to bridge the distance gap by bringing people together as friends and colleagues. I would highly recommend this program!"
Roxanne Gallon (2005 cohort)

"I can say that the course was excellently structured and organised. The faculty lecturers ensured that now my apprehension of international human rights law and its promises as well as its limitations has been definitely improved. Without exaggeration, my "Oxford" experience made me richer on both professional and personal level."
Boris Topic (2005 cohort)

"I graduated from the MSt in international human rights law in summer of 2006. This course has provided me with a genuine opportunity to reassess my own views and experience in human rights field and further my knowledge in this area. As far as my career is concerned, I expect that it will certainly equip me with new perspectives."
Borko Nikolic (2004 cohort)

"This is one of the few courses available internationally, that focuses specifically on international human rights law, and I found it to be a course of the highest calibre. The standards for the course were rigorous, and the faculty members were among some of the leading experts of international human rights law in the world. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to learn from and share with experts with knowledge and experience in such a diverse range of human rights issues. In addition, my fellow students I found to be rich in experience from their own countries, which contributed to a stimulating and rewarding learning experience. I highly commend this course to those wanting to advance their knowledge and skills in international human rights law."
Alison Gita Aggarwal (2004 cohort)

"The course at Oxford was one of the most exciting and motivating multi cultural learning opportunities I have experienced. It offered the chance to mingle with internationally renown actors, scholars and course mates in the field of human rights protection and promotion in informal and enriching settings. The availability of a hitherto unimagined world of literary treasures in the various libraries and information technologies made the world of difference. My perspective of who l am, and my working methods and standards have been vitally enhanced as a result of my time at Oxford."
Laura Nyirinkindi (2003 cohort)

"I have nothing but praise for the Human Rights Program at Oxford. I attended because I wanted to systematically develop my knowledge of the law and to meet human rights scholar/activists who are involved in human rights practice. The faculty is simply superb: expert, accessible and committed. They infused their classes with a clear grasp of theory and practice. I learned just as much from my 18 classmates, who were involved in various forms of human rights practice. I remain in touch with several of the faculty and most of my classmates. It continues to be a rich experience for me."
Adelaide Ferguson (2003 cohort)

"It was a complete joy to learn at Oxford. The long-distance modules were well organized; and the teachers and students were a wealth of information to assist us in our research."
Andy Haas (2003 cohort)

"I consider my decision to enrol in the Human Rights Law Program as one of the best decisions I have taken. The fact that it is mainly long-distance, has allowed me to study and work at the same time. Although I have had a considerably good background in human rights issues, I nevertheless learned a great deal. It has helped me familiarize myself with the more contemporary aspects of the human rights debate, particularly in the post September 11th era, where the human rights environment has become more restrictive. The teaching faculty consists of a renowned group of persons who are experts in their field, and who were very engaging. My class mates were super interesting people of diverse backgrounds, and I have learned a lot from just listening to them and their experiences. Some of them have turned into very good friends, which I talk to, see, and also visit from time to time. It is therefore no surprise that I have recommended this program to many colleagues at UNHCR. They told me they were glad that they have headed my advice."
Reem Al-Salem (2002 cohort)