Yes, this discussion again. I know that a lot of people have varied opinions on whether the difference between the two matters, but I'd appreciate insight on my personal situation if anyone has any.

I am not a practicing lawyer and I never plan to be. But my interest is in international humanitarian and human rights law, and I'd like to work in legal research with the UN, HRW, Amnesty, etc -- or, because I do have a background in international development, I'd like to work with NGOs dealing with human rights in the field in conflict/post-conflict countries. So I never intend to be a lawyer in a courtroom, but I do want to pursue a career path that has a heavy law content focused on human rights, humanitarian law and international criminal law, either in legal research or in the field.

Do you think that by pursuing an MSc in Human Rights instead of an LLM there's a chance that I will be shooting myself in the foot? I am afraid that in cases where job openings state the requirement for an advanced degree in human rights law, employers might look at my MSc and say that it isn't applicable.

What do you think the likelihood of this is? Am I making a mistake by getting an MSc instead of an LLM?

hmmm...depends. do you have a degree in law already to qualify you for the LLM? i personally prefer the llm in HR at the LSE as you get to do an extra option and you get more choices. that said, many friends on the msc love it and i'm sure you'll do fine with it.

I do already have a law degree. The reason I applied for the MSc is because it actually suited my proposed research project much better - the interdisciplinary nature of the course was really important to me. I'm just worried about the difference between the titles of the degrees. I think I would be happier doing the MSc than the LLM, but worried that in the longterm the MSc won't be taken as seriously.

What do you think, GG?

if you prefer the substance of the msc go for it. i doubt the difference in the letters in the name of the degree matter all that much when all is said and done. hopefully i'll see you at the lse next year :)