Introduction

The Human Rights Centre began its life in 1982-83 as an initiative of Professor David Yates, founding Professor of Law. Its first Director was Dr Malcolm Shaw, who was also Director of the new masters degree, the LLM in International Human Rights Law. The Centre was located within the Law Department and was designated as an international human rights law centre.

In 1989-90 a new beginning for the Centre commenced, as an interdisciplinary centre for research, publication and teaching. It was also envisaged that the Centre could be a base for practical engagement in human rights work through consultancy contracts, training and legal practice. The new Centre was given de facto  responsibility for administering a new degree, the MA in the Theory and Practice of Human Rights. Previous HRC Directors

Professor Rainer Schulze is currently Director for the Human Rights Centre in 2011/2012 while Professor John Packer is on sabbatical.

The Centre is staffed by what is undoubtedly the strongest team of academic human rights lawyers in the UK, together with philosophers, political theorists and sociologists who have worked on human rights issues. The Centre co-ordinates the University's interdisciplinary human rights teaching programme, as well as a programme of research, training, external consultancy and publication on international, comparative and national aspects of human rights.

A World-wide Reputation

The School of Law, and the Departments of Government, Philosophy and Sociology all contribute to the work of the Centre, which has a world-wide reputation for its teaching and research. Many members of the academic team have extensive practical experience of international human rights work with organisations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Amnesty International, Article XIX and the Development Education Commission.

Staff bring their field experience to bear on their teaching and research activities. It is this combination of academic excellence and practical experience that makes the Human Rights Centre a unique and stimulating place to study.