In January 2024, The University of Law launched the groundbreaking Amal Clooney Scholarship, in partnership with world-renowned human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and the Clooney Foundation for Justice. This initiative, the first of its kind in the UK, offers a fully funded postgraduate place for individuals who are passionate about defending human rights and driving global change.

Providing free legal support to victims of human rights violations in over 40 countries, The Clooney Foundation for Justice works globally to fight systemic injustice against vulnerable communities, including journalists, women and girls, democracy defenders, LGBTQ+ persons and minorities.

The scholarship allows recipients to study a wide range of postgraduate law programmes at The University of Law’s 16 UK campuses, with additional options for online study. A cornerstone of legal education in the UK, the university has trained more lawyers than any other institution and counts distinguished members of the legal community among its alumni.

The team had originally planned to award one full-fee scholarship, but with over 1,000 submissions in total, this was extended to include four other applicants. The recipients began their courses in September this year.

“It is an honour to join forces with The University of Law to empower the next generation of lawyers and advocates. I am thrilled that this scholarship will increase access to legal education in human rights and I look forward to seeing the incredible work of future recipients.”

Amal Clooney
Lawyer and human rights activist