Aidan is a graduate from the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and LLM Human Rights Law programme at the University of Strathclyde

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I was born in Glasgow, in the Rottenrow, and I can’t help but smile whenever I see the façade of that old hospital which sits in the heart of our campus at the Rottenrow Gardens. Early on, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in law and attained a BA from UWS before studying an LLB at Strathclyde as well as the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice. But it wasn’t until the LLB that my focus in law crystalised into a passion for human rights after a particularly spirited speech from Prof. Alan Miller on the importance of fighting the good fight. I was fortunate enough to get my start working for an NGO on anti-discriminaiton litigation. Later, I contributed to projects on trans rights, reproductive rights, and on promoting the realisation of economic, social, and cultural rights.

What drew you towards undertaking a Masters degree?

With support from the Strathclyde Law School, I was able to attend the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot in Geneva. Seeing so many legal practitioners dedicated to doing good in the world convinced me that I could as well. It gave me an insight into other career paths beyond becoming a solicitor and beyond our domestic jurisdiction. Undertaking a Masters degree became an obvious choice to deepen and enrich my understanding of human rights.

Tell us about the format of the programme. What was a typical week like?

A typical week on the LLM is well-balanced between class time and at home study. Each semester I’ve had a total of three classes per week, picked from a broad range of electives so I can be sure that whatever I’m studying will be of interest to me. These classes are seminar based so it’s really a great chance to engage in discussion and share ideas. While the work is certainly demanding at this level, the flexibility of the course has really allowed me to work around my own schedule. As part of some of these modules, I’ve had the opportunity to have weekly virtual meetings with practitioners from around the world working in the areas we cover in class to hear about their first-hand experiences.

Tell us a little bit about your dissertation topic...

As part of my LLM, I am undertaking a professional internship instead of the traditional dissertation. This is a new option available to students at Strathclyde who are interested in pursuing a career in practice. As such, I’ve been able to contribute to work for a global organisation on a developing area of human rights law. This has been a very fast-paced project which provides a useful stepping stone from university to the world of work and I’ve made some incredible connections for life post-University. The internship has certainly been the highlight of the LLM so far and I’ve already learned so much about the varying strategies that go into international litigation.

What was the academic support at Strathclyde like?

The academic support at Strathclyde is phenomenal. All the staff are keen to check-in between classes, wether that be to ensure that we’re personally coping well, keeping pace with the content of the module, as well as handling what can often be very delicate or troubling subjects. Every issue I’ve had as been approached with patience and understanding which I really appreciate.

Further, the staff have been incredibly supportive in providing opportunities for professional practice and growth. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work alongside a number of staff members on various projects and I’ve always been treated as a colleague whose opinions and views were valued. I really don’t think I could list everyone who has offered a kind or reassuring word but a particular word of thanks has to be given to Dr Elaine Webster for always creating a collaborative atmosphere. For many reasons, studying at Strathclyde has always felt like coming home.

Tell us a bit about how your degree has helped you in your post-University life...

Through the LLM, I’ve been given many opportunities to encourage my professional development. Not only because, thanks to the encouragement of Dr Lynsey Mitchell and Prof Katie Boyle, I’ve had the confidence to pursue these chances that would otherwise have seemed beyond me but also because the LLM sets you up for a variety of different pathways. As a masters student, I’ve been able to start teaching on the undergraduate LLB course on a number of classes that I feel passionate about. I’ve also been able to contribute to several publications, journals, and even a new book on the accountability gap for people in the UK between the rights they have and their practical enjoyment of those rights. Additionally, I’m confident in using the connections, skills, and experiences I’ve gained throughout my degree to pursue my passion for human rights further and work in the public sector.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this course?

If you’re considering it as an option, then do it. The LLM can open up an entirely new world of chances to take part in, which is certainly daunting at first, but don’t be afraid to throw yourself into it. You’ll get more out of the course the more you put in so don’t be afraid to engage in group discussions, share your views, and be open to learning others.