About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: L2M912
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Arts
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Full-time: Maximum period 23 months. Two teaching blocks of 12 weeks in one year starting in September, plus the dissertation to be submitted in either the January or August following the end of the year.
Part-time: Four teaching blocks over 24 months, commencing in September and concluding in the January following the end of your second year, or modular according to an agreed timetable with a maximum registration period of seven years.
- Delivery: Part-time, Full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Dr Christien van den Anker
- Key fact: This course works closely with Bristol Migrant Rights Centre, creating opportunities for placements and volunteering.
Introduction
Human Rights is a growing field of practical and academic interest as well as of policy making. At UWE, the MA in Human Rights has the innovative feature of being taught by leading academics in both Politics and Law. This interdisciplinary collaboration provides for an original experience, engaging with cutting edge debates. Staff are active researchers and recognised internationally for their work in Human Rights, Slavery, Corporate Responsibility and Trafficking.
The field of Human Rights is approached from a multidisciplinary angle, teaching the theoretical approaches to, and critiques of, human rights as well as the current human rights practice, by looking at international law, national law, legal philosophy, theories of rights, the role of NGOs and politics of human rights.
For example, students will learn about specific human rights such as the freedom from slavery and why new forms of slavery are currently on the increase as well as about children's rights and the balance between liberation and protection. They will also engage with the major critiques of human rights (put forward by relativism, utilitarianism and the Marxist perspective) and they will learn about the sources of international human rights law and recent developments such as the area of individual criminal responsibility.
Structure
Content
Core modules:
- Theories of Human Rights
- International Human Rights Law
Option modules may include:
- Politics of Human Rights
- Refugee Law
- International Law and Institutions
- International Humanitarian Law
- Placement with an NGO or relevant Human Rights organisation
- Any postgraduate module at UWE (with permission from the Award Leader)
You take two optional modules plus the two core modules (International Human Rights Law and Theories of Human Rights). In addition you will be required to complete a dissertation, which is based on individual research and is presented in written form (15,000 words). Dissertations are individually supervised.
One of the main strengths of the research into Human Rights carried out by lecturers involved in the Master's is that it engages with current developments in international law, global politics and trans-national practice. For details, please see the websites of Law and Politics.
Teaching and learning
Small seminar groups allow for open discussion in a supportive and engaging environment. Students are expected to attend all sessions for each module and additional tutorial advice is available by individual appointment.
Assessment
Assessment is module-based and varies according to the particular concerns and learning objectives in each of the modules. Forms of assessment include seminar papers, essays, presentations, placement reports and exams. In addition and where appropriate to the student's prior expertise, a form of media production within an exploratory and critical framework.
The dissertation is based on individual research and is presented in written form (15,000 words). Dissertations are individually supervised.
Special Features
Placements
Students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement with an NGO or relevant human rights organisation. Past placements have included Women's Aid, Oxfam and Bristol Migrant Rights Centre.
Careers/further study
Graduate employment is wide-ranging and broadly includes Journalism, policy-making and advice, work in NGO's, International organisations and in academic positions. Students may also progress to further PhD study.
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants normally have a first or upper second class honours degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience. However if prospective applicants have a good lower second degree they are advised to consult the Programme Leader before making a formal application.
Fees
Current information on fees and funding.
How to apply
Admissions and International Recruitment, telephone +44 (0)117 32 83333, e-mail Admissions@uwe.ac.uk.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011