Brief introduction to OSI/Chevening/FCO University of Essex Scholarship Program
Introduction to the university of Essex
Selection (Application Screening, Test, Interview)
Timeline
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Application form
List of OSI/Chevening/FCO University of Essex Scholarship Recipients
Related Websites and Other Information

INTRODUCTION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX
http://www.essex.ac.uk

The University of Essex, based at Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, received its Royal Charter in 1965. It is one of the UK's leading academic institutions and has an international reputation for the quality of its research and teaching. The University has 16 departments spanning the Humanities, Social Sciences and Science and Engineering.

There are currently 5,926 students on campus, 25% of these within the Graduate School. The University is an international community with students from more than 120 countries. In recent assessments Essex has regularly ranked among the top twelve UK universities for the quality of its research, with many of its departments rated as 'outstanding' by international standards.

The close knit Colchester campus has shops, banks and restaurants, and the University is able to offer accommodation to a high proportion of its students. As part of its excellent range of sporting and leisure facilities - all on the campus - the University boasts four squash courts, fitness gym, climbing wall and an eighteen-hole frisbee golf course. The Arts are also well catered for at Essex - there is a University Theatre, an Exhibition Gallery, and an extensive programme of musical and dramatic events.

MA in the Theory and Practice of Human rights
The MA, established in 1991, is an interdisciplinary degree combining taught courses and a dissertation, which examines the history, theoretical development and implementation of human rights.

What is the MA about?
Since the Second World War, human rights have become a central concern for governments and for citizens, for policy makers and for advocates. Recent events in many parts of the world, including Eastern and Central Europe and Africa, provide evidence of the huge growth in recognition and concern for human rights; these events also show that the implementation and protection of human rights continue to face enormous problems. Behind these practical problems lie many unresolved theoretical and philosophical issues; how do we establish what human rights there are? can we find convincing answers to those who assert that human rights are just an aspect of 'western imperialism'? how can we connect human rights to theories of state and society and to the concerns of justice? Who is responsible for the protection of human rights?

These vital practical and theoretical issues form the focus for the MA. The course aims to provide students with a grounding in fundamental issues of the law, politics and philosophy of human rights. The course also covers means available for the protection of human rights; treaty and non-treaty mechanisms, the work of international organisations, monitoring activities and the work of non-governmental organisations.

Who is the MA for?
The MA is intended for students from a wide variety of backgrounds (legal, philosophical, political etc.) and for those wishing to supplement field experience in human rights with further study. Those who want to do practical or legal work for human rights organisations, and those whose central interests lie in legal, political or ethical theory, will find the MA an outstanding preparation. Applicants need a good first degree in a relevant discipline, and enthusiasm for inter-disciplinary work.

How long does the MA last?
The MA may be taken either full time over 12 months, or part time over 24 months. The course starts in early October each year and finishes on 15 September the following year.