MSc, LLM Human Rights and Diplomacy at University of Stirling

Programme overview

The LLM/MSc Human Rights and Diplomacy is taught with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and is open to graduates in any discipline. It combines human rights theory, law and politics with practical diplomacy training from UN practitioners.

Duration: 12 months full-time | Intake: January 2027, January 2028 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Modules introduce human rights law and politics, UN human rights institutions and philosophical foundations, with a Diplomacy Skills for International Human Rights Institutions module (negotiation, drafting, leadership), a Geneva study trip, and Preparation for Independent Work. The final three months can be a UN internship, a professional project or a research dissertation.

Career pathways

Careers in charities and NGOs, legal firms and finance, local, national and international government, media, environmental agencies and embassies; graduates work at UNITAR, the European Court of Human Rights, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the Scottish Government; students have secured internships with the International Court of Justice, UNESCO, UNICEF and UN Women.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

LLM Human Rights and Diplomacy: a minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. MSc Human Rights and Diplomacy: a minimum of a second class honours degree or equivalent. Students from politics, philosophy, sociology, law and other backgrounds can apply for either award. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate or relevant work experience are encouraged to apply. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill; PTE Academic 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill; Cambridge C1 Advanced 176 overall with 169 in each sub-skill; Cambridge C2 Proficiency 180 overall with 169 in each sub-skill; TOEFL iBT 80 overall with 18 reading, 23 writing, 19 listening, 21 speaking; Aptis (4 skills) B2 overall and in all sub-skills.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,500 a year (2026/27). Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland; full time rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,300 a year (2026/27). International (including EU) students; full time rate Source

Intake: January 2027, January 2028

Duration: 12 months full-time

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