Human Rights and Diplomacy (Taught)

Our LLM/MSc Human Rights and Diplomacy is the only Human Rights and Diplomacy Masters in the world taught with the UN's leading training organisation - United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
This course is open for graduates in any discipline. You'll have the opportunity to apply for a highly regarded degree in diplomatic practice in partnership with the leading training body UNITAR. You could also work on professional projects with local or national organisations.
Today's world faces growing human rights challenges. Issues range from terrorism and climate change to political upheaval. There is a growing need for trained experts who can protect human rights worldwide. This is also driven by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which highlights the importance of human rights (source: United Nations).
Expert training 
Learn human rights law and politics from leading researchers. Study the history and foundations of UN human rights institutions. Get practical training from UN professionals in:

• International diplomacy

• Policy development

• Negotiation skills

• Document drafting

• Working with NGOs

Real-world work experience 
This flexible course offers three choices to complete your final three months. You can apply for UN Internships, work on human rights projects or write a research dissertation.
Our students have secured internships with:

• International Court of Justice

• UNESCO

• UNICEF

• UN Women

• UN Development Programme

United Nations visit
The Human Rights Council is part of the United Nations. It is made up of 47 member states and handles the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. Every student will visit the United Nations office in Geneva and engage in various activities that may include observing the United Nations Human Rights Council session and a tour of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) museum. You may also engage in expert-led talks by the WTO, WHO, UK Mission in Geneva and on Sustainable Development Goals. 
Local and global impact 
Work on real projects with organisations across Scotland and the UK including:

• Refugee support with Forth Valley Welcome

• Food rights at Nourish Scotland

• Housing rights at Positive Action on Housing

• Press freedom with Scottish PEN

• Prison reform with Howard League Scotland

International partnerships 
We deliver placement opportunities for some students through our international partnerships with:

• UN Women

• International Organisation for Migration

• Institute for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa

• African Commission on Human and People's Rights

Internships are also available in Geneva, New York and Rome.

Academic modules will be assessed by coursework and some graded groupwork.  Modules focused on practice and skills will similarly be assessed by reflective coursework and practical assessment. A range of assessments will be used and will measure achievement of learning outcomes. The assessment criteria will be set out in advance of each assignment.  The internship and academic project will be assessed partly by means of a post-project self-reflective report written by the student, and partly by reports on the student’s performance offered by the internship/project provider.
Feedback on assessment
You will receive feedback on coursework within three weeks of completion of the assessment. Feedback is usually provided electronically on formal coursework. Feedback and guidance sessions with teaching staff are available on all modules. These provide regular opportunities to discuss feedback further. See more information about feedback on assessment.