MRJ

I am applying to the masters in international human rights law at Oxford (2 years part time and mostly by distance learning). Has anyone else done an SOP for this programme? There is some great advice above, but the guidelines for the SOP for this programme are a bit different: they recommend focusing on academic, professional and voluntary experience in human rights and to explain motivation for applying for the course. Another part of the website suggests referring to dissertation proposal. I believe I have done these things, but I have ended up with a long recitation of my previous experience and a few lines on a dissertation proposal, which leaves little room for future focus or why I want to pursue this particular course, apart from the stock and trade "being admitted to this course would enable me to pursue a comprehensive and high quality programme of study in combination with my current employment". There is, of course, a word limit which in this case is 500 words. One obvious solution is to cut down on the previous experience, particularly the less obviously human rights related jobs (employment lawyer at the UN) but I felt all the more need to explain why I had taken these positions and how they did actually involve aspects of human rights law. What I would like to know is (i) has anyone else applied for this particular masters and taken a different approach to the suggested one on the website and if so, what approach? (ii) how bad is it to give a recitation of previous experience and in return being brief on motivation for this particular course and future aspirations? Thanks

Hello, I'm sure you have made your decision by now, but I would go along with those who suggest going for Oxford. Yes, it is quite a lot of money, but when compared with the cost of LLM programs at comparable universities in America, it is not as expensive. Also, I believe it will enable you to make useful contacts and therefore assist in getting the jobs that interest you most. I can also say, as a UN employee, that names like Oxford can open doors, or at least get your application noticed. Now perhaps you can help me, because I am considering applying to the same course. So yes,I would say it is a good idea! But seriously, I tailored my answer with your situation in mind. I have what you could say is the opposite problem: I have worked for almost 7 years now and want to go back to study. I qualified as a barrister in the UK and practiced criminal defence law for a few years and then joined the UN as a lawyer, first in employment law and now in International criminal law (at the ICTY). My worry is not so much my work experience but more my grades - I got 68% in my undergraduate degree at University College Galway (or NUIG as it is now know) and 64% in my Masters from University College Dublin. I am not sure what that translates to in terms of GPA, but i think it is 3.5 or above. From having looked at the website, which states 67% or above grades gives you a fair chance of being admitted, I guess I have a chance but am still not convinced, particularly because the universities I attended are pretty average - not in the 'Oxford league' . Do you mind telling me your GPA or, if you got your degree in europe, the percentage and where you went to uni? Also any info anyone else has on successful applicants for the same course and their grades would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks Marcus