Hello guys, I really need your help.
My first degree is going to be in Foreign Languages (I'm in my final year) but I am seriously considering working for a human rights/voluntary organisation as career.
I think I want to do a masters/LLM in something like International Law or Human Rights, but I know that most schools only accepts students with prior experience in law.
I've been thinking about maybe doing a CPE course to help me get on one of these Masters courses, but the CPE content seems to be directed at wannabe solicitors/barristers - not something that really interests me.
Ok this is where I need your help:
1) Shall I just do the CPE anyway?
2) Or are there any Masters/LLM courses in the UK that don't require prior experience in law?

Thank you so much, I really hope you can help me!

Dear Kitty,

The CPE/GDL will give you a crash course Law Degree, which you will need to do an LL.M. It isn't just for wannabe solicitors/barristers - it is the equivalent of a law degree, only it is done in 1 academic year instead of 3. If you want you can do a MA in Human Rights (ICS does one), but you won't be covering any law.
I would suggest that if you are serious about working in Human Rights that you at least do the GDL/CPE, as that will at least get you in the right place to apply for a placement at organisations like REPRIEVE, or firms such as Bindmans or Clive Stafford Smith. If you are really serious, then maybe you should do a 2 year graduate entry LL.B which could let you take Public International Law as well, this module is sometime a prerequisite on Human Rights law courses.

You can always apply on the strength of your language degree, there is always demand for interpreters.

Brook.

Some schools offer an MA in International Human Rights (or equivalent) which do not require an undergraduate law degree as an entrance requirement. Some LLM programmes do accept non-lawyers, but require instead that candidates have relevant work experience, which I understand would not apply in your case. I would agree with your assessment that the conversion course is principally aimed at those going into the legal profession and is not in any way a substitute for a three (or even two) year degree in law. Some schools might accept CPE marks as an assessment of your potential for law but I would check this out with those institutions you wish to apply to to check the position before embarking on an expensive course.