Seifemichael B. Terefe, Ethiopia

LLM Human Rights, 2009-10

Before I came to Queen Mary, University of London, I had my LLB from the Addis Ababa University of Ethiopia and had a few years of experience working as a legal expert and serving as a judge back home. As I was searching for a postgraduate study program on International Human Rights Law, I realized that Queen Mary was consistently ranked as one of the world top Universities for its LLM taught and research programmes. The reputation of the lecturers coupled with the fact that Queen Mary is a University at the heart of the great city of London made me choose to pursue my LLM study here. The faculty of law offers a wide array of specialization programs with flexible choice of course selection. Moreover, the courses are taught by leading practitioners and academics known for their thematic expertise and cutting-edge research work.

The LLM specialization programme in Human Rights Law provides the legal and conceptual framework of the international, regional, sub-regional and domestic human rights protection systems in contemporary context. It also familiarises students with current and cross-cutting issues and challenges in the field.

My choice of modules includes International Protection of Human Rights, Comparative Immigration and Nationality Law, and the International Law of Armed Conflict and the Use of Force. On top of that, I am also auditing International Environmental Law and the Law of Treaties.

Queen Mary has an exciting and welcoming academic environment for international students in particular. The academic and administration staff are always more than ready to help whenever we seek their assistance. The unrivalled diversity of the academic staff and the student community makes the university a microcosm of the world. Getting to know people from all parts of the world and all backgrounds has undoubtedly been a thrilling and enriching student experience for me. Situated at the centre of the most vibrant and multi-cultural cosmopolitan city, Queen Mary has simultaneously offered me the best of both academic and city life.

The easy access and availability of world-class research facilities at Queen Mary is of tremendous help for research work and study. Other than access to Queen Mary libraries, one can also benefit from the collection of books and the electronic research data base at the International Advanced Legal Studies Library. As Queen Mary is a member of the University of London, we have additional access to the intercollegiate library resources. I have also taken advantage of the rich collection of the British Council Library in London.

I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful opportunity I have at Queen Mary. Upon completing my LLM study, it is my ardent desire to pursue a PhD research at Queen Mary as well.