The MSc in Human Rights and Diplomacy is designed and taught in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The program offers a unique opportunity to learn from the joint efforts of the University of Stirling’s schools of Law, International Relations, and Philosophy, as well as from renowned experts of the UN.
The one-year program provides opportunities for students to choose from three different options during the last three months of the program. Students can select to undertake an academic dissertation, a work-based project, or apply for a UN internship.
- A traditional master’s dissertation will allow students to develop their own exposition of a human rights problem and develop a critical stance on this at length. Students who select this module will work under the supervision of leading human rights researchers at the University of Stirling. The dissertation gives students the knowledge and skillset to pursue careers in academia and human rights organizations;
- The Human Rights Professional Project pathway allows students to work on projects with non-UN human rights organizations. Previous placements have included the Institute for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, the East Africa Centre for Human Rights, Scottish Pen, Refuweegee, Revive Campaign, and Howard League Scotland;
- The UN internship pathway gives the students the opportunity to apply for internships within international organizations such as the International Court of Justice, UNICEF, UN Women, and UNDP, and UNHCR, amongst other UN agencies. Those selected for this module will receive individual coaching and support from UNITAR staff whilst applying for highly sought-after UN internship vacancies.
Entry Requirements: A minimum of a second-class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent is normally required. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in speaking and listening;
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 176 overall with a minimum of 169 in reading and writing and with 162 in speaking and listening;
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 169 in reading and writing and 162 in speaking and listening;
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 56 in reading and writing and 51 in speaking and listening;
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 20 in speaking, 18 in reading and 23 in writing;
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall with a minimum of Merit in all sub-skills, Trinity III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISEIV Pass overall and in all sub-skills;
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills.
How to register
For inquiries, kindly contact: diplomacy@unitar.org.
