Working in the Human Rights Centre Clinic

The module-based projects are open to postgraduate students on the Human Rights Master’s programme (LLM/MA).

If you are selected to work on a module-based project then you will be automatically enrolled on the Human Rights Centre Clinic module. (This is an optional module - course code: HU902).

When can I apply?

If you want to join the module-based projects, applications will reopen in the summer term for 2023-24 entry. For more information, please email humanrightscentreclinic@essex.ac.uk.

What to include in your application

The application should include two attachments:

• your CV (two pages maximum)
• a 400-word statement explaining why you want to join the Clinic and what you expect to learn from it. The statement should include your preferred three module-based projects in order of preference. We would do our best to accommodate your choices

Interviews

Interviews usually take place at the start of term. Decisions are communicated following this with an expectation for teams to be placed shortly after.

Important:

• students taking part in any of the six module-based projects will also need to enrol in HU902 (Spring Term and two sessions in Autumn Term)
• the process described above applies to module-based projects only, not to stand-alone projects which follow their own application process. Students on stand-alone projects do not need to take HU902
• students are free to apply to module-based projects and to stand-alone projects at the same time, but note that the module-based projects will require approximately 8-10 hours of your time per week from late October to the end of June on top of the coursework for all other modules. We recommend you do not overstretch your commitments

There are a limited number of places available on module-based projects. Accordingly, all students who wish to participate go through a selection process. If you are a postgraduate student and would like to participate in one of our module-based projects, you will be expected to submit your application first. Should you be successful, you will automatically be registered for the optional module HU902.

Stand-alone projects are open to postgraduate human rights students as part of the Human Rights Centre Clinic Module (HU902).

When can I apply?

If you want to join the module-based projects, applications will reopen in the summer term for 2023-24 entry. For more information, please email humanrightscentreclinic@essex.ac.uk.

What to include in your application

Applications usually require three attachments: a) your CV (two pages maximum), including reference to any foreign language abilities; b) a statement (between 200 and 300 words) explaining why you want to take part in a module-based project and what you expect to learn; and c) a writing sample (max 5 pages - this can be an excerpt from a piece of university work or any other formal writing. It does not need to be written specifically for your chosen module-based project and can concern any topic or discipline. Additionally, it can be in English, French or Spanish).

Interviews

Interviews usually take place via Zoom at the start of term. A decision is communicated following this, with teams expected to be placed shortly after.

 
Important:

• module-based projects are open to all postgraduate students at the University of Essex from any discipline (it is not restricted to law and human rights students)
• students on stand-alone projects do not need to take HU902 (but if you still wish to take the module you're welcome to apply)
• students are free to apply to module-based projects and to stand-alone projects at the same time, but note that the stand-alone project will require 4-6 hours of your time per week from late October to the end of June (and the module-based projects will require approximately 8-10 hours of your time per week from late October to the end of June) on top of the coursework for all other modules. We recommend you do not overstretch your commitments

2022-23 stand-alone project

• Learn more about this years stand-alone project, the Arbitrary Detention Redress Unit.