LLM International Human Rights Law, 2015
“The best bit about the course was the possibility to analyse in depth areas of International Human Rights Law, Criminal Law, Refugees Law, Environmental Law etc. and then build on this extensive research”
Stefano studied and worked as a legal practitioner in Rome. He chose to study for an LLM at Oxford Brookes to ensure he gained the best combination of practical and theoretical knowledge in order to embrace a truly international legal career.
After studying law for five years at the Sapienza University in Rome, I graduated with a thesis in International law and I started working as legal practitioner for a renowned legal firm. Despite the stimulating challenges that I had to face, I was aware that something was missing from my life. Being born into a family composed of an Italian father and a British mother, I have grown up divided between two countries. I realised that spending my all life working in Italy, using only one language, would have meant limiting my potentialities. Accordingly, I decided to leave the legal firm where I was working and embrace an international career. I searched for various courses of study until I identified the LLM in International Human Rights Law organised by Oxford Brookes University.
For me, the best bit about the course was the possibility to analyse in depth areas of International Human Rights Law, Criminal Law, Refugees Law, Environmental Law etc. and then build on this extensive research. Challenging discussions and workshops are precisely what allows a willing student to acquire those practical skills and that quickness of thought that are fundamental in every working sector.
Another important characteristic of my course was its composition: students coming from all around the world faced by the same intellectual challenges. The possibility to analyse controversial issues, such as the modern instruments of warfare, the right of self-defence, and the principle of sustainable development through the multi-coloured spectre of multiculturalism was an enormous advantage that played an important role in my preparation for the international career that I was waiting for.
The LLM offered by Oxford Brookes has already helped me very much. It has given me that international profile that is required by all the bodies and agencies of the United Nations. Without this course I would not have had the opportunity to undertake an internship with the UN and finally understand what path I want to follow in my professional career.
Coming from a big and complex city such as Rome I was impressed by the peaceful atmosphere that embraced Oxford, and one of the greatest things about studying in Oxford is the possibility to participate in very interesting conferences organised on a daily basis, the guests invited to these conferences are of the highest level in their area of specialisation.
A small suggestion I have for international students that decide to enrol to Oxford Brookes University is to take advantage of every opportunity to merge with the international community that surrounds them. Don’t be afraid of asking questions: be curious, explore cultures with the passion of a sociologist and be aware that what you learn at Oxford Brookes is not only limited to the information transmitted during the courses.