Summer School in Human rights research methods, University of Essex
30 June - 5 July 2014, Colchester Campus

The Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex is running a pioneering six-day summer school on methods for human rights research. The keynote lecturer is Professor Harold Hongju Koh, 22nd Legal Adviser of the U.S. Department of State and Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School.

Overview
Despite the level of research on human rights that is carried out by academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations, very little attention has been paid to the methodology used. Yet, methodology has a direct bearing on the strength, persuasiveness and legitimacy of research findings and their impact on policy and practice. The absence of a strong methodology can also affect ability to attract funding even to the most innovative of proposals and activities.

The Essex Summer School in Human Rights Research Methods provides the core methods and skills needed to carry out human rights research, whether for academic scholarship, bids for large research projects, reports for NGOs, international organisations and governments, or to support litigation.

It is an essential course for postgraduate students, academics, lawyers and human rights professionals working in NGOs, government and international organisations, and the legal profession.

Teaching outcome
Participants on the Essex Summer School in Human Rights Research Methods will learn how to design research projects and carry them out anywhere in the world. They will learn about the range of tools and methodologies for human rights research (whether academic or practical) and when, why and how to employ particular methods in particular research contexts. All sessions will address research design, methodology and impact and will draw heavily on examples and case-studies.

More information on the teaching team, teaching sessions, fees, booking and accommodation can be found here.