Oxford University

The Oxford University International Human Rights Law Summer School represents an extraordinary, one-month opportunity for AUP graduate students of the MA in Diplomacy and International Law to learn from renowned actors in the human rights field. Students register for two courses at Oxford University, one in international human rights law taught by well-known scholars in the field; a second one for which they can choose from five specialist topics taught by a UN special rapporteur or practitioner in international human rights law.

For recent graduate Anna Chapman G’18, the MA in Diplomacy and International Law was an ideal stepping stone towards a career in human rights and the partnerships developed beyond the AUP campus were a clear draw. “The Hague Practicum, Oxford Summer School and Ecole de Guerre, are the highlights of the MA in Diplomacy and International Law,” said Chapman. “They give AUP students opportunities that they would never have access to otherwise. Each of these courses allow students to study above and beyond a text book.”

Craig Simon G ’18 completed the Oxford Summer Certificate program in summer 2018 and was enthusiastic in his praise. “This historic university lived up to its reputation,” said Simon. “The professors were leading scholars and career professionals in the United Nation systems. The fact that AUP has this relationship was a key factor in my decision to study here.” The best part of the experience for Simon was the unparalleled privilege of learning from leading practitioners in human rights fields who actively fight for human rights around the world. “The planet needs more of these people, and this summer school helps to train new people with the skills to promote human rights.”

For many students, including Chapman, the chance to study at Oxford University is a highlight of the Master’s degree. “Studying at the 400-year old Bodleian library, reading under the New College trees, tasting a mango cider at the Turf Tavern or feasting in the dining hall as if you were at Hogwarts – all contributed to be one the best months of my education,” said Chapman. The course is an “intellectual feast” agreed Simon, taught by renowned lawyers and previous and current UN Experts in areas such as cultural rights, extreme poverty and indigenous rights. Participants in Oxford University’s Summer program have the unique opportunity to study in the same place that countless brilliant scholars have also built their academic foundations; and is expected to provide students with versatile tools that can be used to promote human rights in both their professional and personal lives.

Through the MA in Diplomacy and International Law and its dynamic partner courses offered in Oxford, The Hague and the Ecole de Guerre, students have the opportunity to explore the wide variety of avenues available to them after graduation in the fields of international development and human rights. “I always knew I wanted to work for an organization such as the UN in international human rights,” said Chapman, “but I didn’t know in what area or with what skills. Should I be a lawyer, a statistician or a diplomat? Should I specialize in microfinance, women’s rights or conflict negotiation? All these areas interested me.”

“I entered AUP with experience in migration and refugee rights, and have graduated with a certificate from Oxford University showing my specialization in women’s rights,” said Chapman. A key asset of the program is its structure which allows students to complement their existing knowledge and experience with an immersive educational institution that provides with a holistic understanding of international law and human rights.  

As participants in the Oxford University Summer program, AUP students collaborate with law students from other universities and UN field officers as they build a common understanding of the evolving practices in this exciting domain of international law. Students receive a certificate from Oxford University upon successful completion of their coursework and exams.