Find out more about studying MSc Human Rights and Diplomacy at University of Stirling? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
University of Stirling
Full Time
Jan 2028
1 Year
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.; The course offers a unique combination of theory and practice. Alongside modules introducing students to human rights law and politics, the UN human rights institutions, their history and their philosophical foundations, students will be given practical training from experienced UN personnel in transferrable diplomacy skills such as negotiating, drafting documents, and learning how to make a difference.
Human rights' can mean very different things for lawyers, political scientists and philosophers. This module will allow you to explore the interface between these different approaches to Human Rights; to note shared underlying concerns, but also to consider the different ways in which human rights are conceptualised in Law, Philosophy and Politics. You will also consider the way that these differences shape responses within these three disciples to contemporary concerns regarding human rights.
This module is designed to enable you to gain the skills in negotiation, drafting, leadership, public speaking, report writing and related activities that are indispensable for a successful career in human rights and diplomacy at the national or international level. After a series of intensive and highly interactive workshops, you’ll emerge with the increased confidence and knowhow necessary to conduct complex negotiations, with enhanced leadership qualities, improved aptitudes for recording and summarising results of conferences and meetings, as well as developed public speaking skills, crisis management and diplomatic skills.
This module allows you to pursue a traditional academic Masters dissertation, in which you’ll identify and develop your own exposition of an area of human rights research/literature, and develop a critical analytic stance on this at length. You will be able to explain in writing and through a short presentation a particular aspect of human rights theory, law, history or practice in depth.
This module will introduce you to key aspects of human rights theory, in particular debates about the philosophical foundations of human rights, and the use of the concept in context.
During this module you’ll attend seminars and practical workshops run by UNITAR, aimed at providing a deep understanding of the functioning of the United Nations System and explaining the creation, structure, mandate, governance and decision-making process of its main bodies and organisations. Human rights are omnipresent in international public discourse and our everyday life. But where do they come from, what do they mean, how are they enforced, and are they ever misused? This module will answer these questions by immersing you in the law and practice of International Human Rights Law (IHRL).
This module acts as a bridge between the taught modules in semesters one and two, and the 60-credit independent study module in semester three. It’s designed to inform and prepare you for the three options: academic dissertation, internship or work-based project. A major part of the module is a three-day study trip to Geneva which is compulsory* for all students and which is designed to provide you with an opportunity to engage with and observe the practical work of the UN.
