LLM in Human Rights Law

Antoine de Bonnières France

LLM in Human Rights Law, 2011-12

Studying abroad had always been one of my personal aims. I wanted not only to expand my horizons, but also to advance my studies in preparation of my future professional career. After completing my A-levels, I did a Bachelor Degree in Law and English at the Free Faculty of Law and Economics (FACO) in Paris, with the intention of specialising in Criminal Law. I then went on to study for a Masters in International and European Law of the FACO and I took courses at the Criminology Institute of Paris (Université Paris II Assas).

With this ever-increasing desire to study abroad, I began to look for postgraduate programs in England. I chose Queen Mary, University of London for several reasons; Firstly, Queen Mary appeared to be one of the top Universities in UK renowned for its high quality of teaching, the wide range of the modules offered and its modern infrastructures in the very heart of London. Moreover, Queen Mary forms part of the University of London, which enables students to access a vast network of resources. Furthermore, one can benefit from extensive links with Law firms and legal professionals, seminars and conferences organised for students. These factors help to build good foundations for a future career.

More specifically, the LLM in Human Rights has many strengths. The way in which the modules are taught is exciting and intellectually stimulating. Besides the readings the students have to prepare, the courses are subject to interactive debates between the professor and the class. As the class is comprised of people from different countries, the views expressed in class are often diverse. In fact, the latter point is the most important: the classes are a way to share different experiences of Law, and I had always sought after a broader view of Law.

My module choices included Law of Economic Crime, International Criminal Law and the International Law of Armed Conflict and the Use of Force.

I have found that it is the impeccable standard of teaching which has made the modules so engaging and interesting. The teachers’ experience, both academic and professional, reflects the high quality of the LLM. They are always ready to help and to push you forward, and their support has been invaluable.

Lastly, I greatly enjoyed the fact that the LLM  is perfectly designed for both studying and enjoying London. The city welcomes students with many cultural events and impressive venues. Studying in London is an extraordinary experience on an intellectual and social level.

This year spent at Queen Mary will have a lasting impact on me. Thanks to my course at Queen Mary, I now feel fully equipped for the Bar exam which I am due to sit next September.

Amy Wedgwood, UK

LLM in Human Rights Law 2011-12

Prior to coming to Queen Mary I was at Manchester University, doing an LLB with an exchange in Singapore. I chose Queen Mary because of the breadth of subjects on offer, which was a huge advantage. As I initially didn’t fully know what I wanted to do,  I knew that within the range of subjects offered by the School I would find something! I also wanted to be in London so I could take advantage of things like the Free Representation Unit (FRU) and other volunteering opportunities that aren’t always as plentiful outside of the capital.

I am mostly happy with how things have gone. Law is one of those subjects where the impetus is on you to do your research and ask for help when you need it, which I was used to from school and my undergraduate degree. Academics are so approachable and genuinely want to hear what your take is on things, always more than willing to help and flexible with when and where to see you. The extra classes on how to structure and write academic work have been particularly helpful as its one of those things you are never taught at undergraduate level. Now I have even bigger pieces of work to write, so understanding how to structure academic writing and conduct legal research efficiently is vital.  

Every time I go to a class I am being constantly challenged. Passivity really isn’t an option at postgraduate level. If you are just accepting the law for what it is then you aren’t doing your job properly! You build up a great relationship with your lecturers, as things are far more relaxed. Coupled with the smaller classes, which are conducted more like seminars; you get a better learning experience as you drill down into the interesting bits of law as we accumulated the basics earlier in our studies.

I work for an NGO one day a week in Islington. The European Human Rights Advocacy Centre helps individuals from Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan take cases to the European Court for Human Rights (ECtHR). This has been amazing as without studying in London I would not have been able to take this opportunity.  Also, I am on the Human Rights Lawyers Association Student Sub Committee working with the main committee to put on human rights events throughout London, and careers events for students.

Seifemichael B. Terefe, Ethiopia

LLM Human Rights, 2009-10

Before I came to Queen Mary, University of London, I had my LLB from the Addis Ababa University of Ethiopia and had a few years of experience working as a legal expert and serving as a judge back home. As I was searching for a postgraduate study program on International Human Rights Law, I realized that Queen Mary was consistently ranked as one of the world top Universities for its LLM taught and research programmes. The reputation of the lecturers coupled with the fact that Queen Mary is a University at the heart of the great city of London made me choose to pursue my LLM study here. The faculty of law offers a wide array of specialization programs with flexible choice of course selection. Moreover, the courses are taught by leading practitioners and academics known for their thematic expertise and cutting-edge research work.

The LLM specialization programme in Human Rights Law provides the legal and conceptual framework of the international, regional, sub-regional and domestic human rights protection systems in contemporary context. It also familiarises students with current and cross-cutting issues and challenges in the field.

My choice of modules includes International Protection of Human Rights, Comparative Immigration and Nationality Law, and the International Law of Armed Conflict and the Use of Force. On top of that, I am also auditing International Environmental Law and the Law of Treaties.

Queen Mary has an exciting and welcoming academic environment for international students in particular. The academic and administration staff are always more than ready to help whenever we seek their assistance. The unrivalled diversity of the academic staff and the student community makes the university a microcosm of the world. Getting to know people from all parts of the world and all backgrounds has undoubtedly been a thrilling and enriching student experience for me. Situated at the centre of the most vibrant and multi-cultural cosmopolitan city, Queen Mary has simultaneously offered me the best of both academic and city life.

The easy access and availability of world-class research facilities at Queen Mary is of tremendous help for research work and study. Other than access to Queen Mary libraries, one can also benefit from the collection of books and the electronic research data base at the International Advanced Legal Studies Library. As Queen Mary is a member of the University of London, we have additional access to the intercollegiate library resources. I have also taken advantage of the rich collection of the British Council Library in London.

I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful opportunity I have at Queen Mary. Upon completing my LLM study, it is my ardent desire to pursue a PhD research at Queen Mary as well.

Ann Ireland, France

LLM Human Rights Law 2008-2009

I have always lived in a multi-cultural environment. My BA was a double degree in French and Spanish law. Half of the course was taught at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, Spain, and the other half at the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, France. In Paris, I studied with students from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, the UK and the USA.

After that, my aim was to become specialised in a specific area of law, human rights, and to do so in the UK. I was aware of the excellent worldwide reputation of the University of London's Colleges and had noted that Queen Mary is one of the top-rated for its variety of human rights subjects. Furthermore, my father graduated at Queen Mary in 1981, with a First in European Studies (French); he gave me the flavour of this University and strongly recommended me to apply.

What I most enjoyed at Queen Mary was the fact that the lecturers were close to the students, knew them personally and always tried to be available for them if they needed any help.

In my case, I was regularly informed of conferences and events on human rights which I could attend. I was also given guidelines for applying for internships with human rights organisations and NGOs, in and outside London, and had a lecturer offering to be my referee in my applications.

Something else I enjoyed about Queen Mary is that it allows students to course, if interested, one of their taught subjects at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). This can be an interesting way to sharpen one's expertise.

In addition, Queen Mary offers very useful and easy to use online facilities, allowing students to access law journals and decisions, amongst other materials.

Also, the University campus has been built up in a way that makes it a community, where all the first-need facilities are gathered, making student life much more pleasant and easy.

Now that I graduated (December 2008), my plans are to gain more practice in my field. I would like to do some fieldwork and work with a human rights organisation. After that, I am still not sure whether I want to continue on the path of NGOs and other organisations, or receive some training in order to be a human rights solicitor. I guess that experience and time will help me decide.