Birkbeck, University of London

HUMAN RIGHTS (INTENSIVE) (LLM / MA)

Human rights has emerged as the dominant discourse through which political, social and economic challenges are articulated. Is the rise of human rights as emblem of resistance and political horizon a reflection of the exponential rise of human need and suffering, or is it a convenient means of deflecting more radical political demands and transformation? What are the mechanisms through which various crises are made intelligible through human rights? What about the convergence of human rights and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the implications of the growth of 'business and human rights' in international media?

These are just some of the questions we consider in this exciting and innovative Master’s programme, offered through an intensive classroom-based model. Leading to the award of an LLM or MA Human Rights, the distinctive focus of the programme is on theoretically informed and multidisciplinary approaches to human rights. Students who complete the programme can choose which award they receive (the content is the same for each). It is also practical, setting out the impact of human rights on business, with some case studies. It aims to expose you to a critical and contextual engagement with the subject.

You will study human rights in their political, legal, sociological, anthropological and philosophical contexts, and you will be introduced to a wide variety of approaches to research across a range of disciplines, and to the theoretical frameworks for advanced legal scholarship. You will also take specialist option modules, choosing from a wide range of subjects in the area of human rights.

This programme will be attractive to those who wish to develop a career in the human rights field. It is especially aimed at more established participants in human rights practice across the spectrum of professional, NGO, governmental and inter-governmental activity, as well as CSR professionals in the private sector, who wish to take time to reflect and to deepen their understanding.