FAQs
Welcome to the FAQs page of University of Stirling Human Rights Journal. Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our unique student journal.
What is USHRJ?
The University of Stirling Human Rights Journal (USHRJ) seeks to spotlight the incredible research conducted by students in the field of human rights. Recognising that today's students are tomorrow's thought leaders, we established USHRJ to give voice to their innovative ideas and research. Our mission is to break down the barriers to academic publishing by providing an open-access, peer-reviewed journal that showcases the diverse and significant contributions of student researchers. At USHRJ, we believe that students deserve recognition as researchers in their own right, and we are committed to supporting their professional development.
General Submission Queries
Who can contribute to the journal?
Postgraduate students, early career researchers, and practitioners are invited to contribute to the journal.
Any postgraduate student, academic or practitioner interested in writing on human rights issues is welcome to contribute to our blog.
How do I contact the editorial team?
For editorial correspondence and preliminary inquiries, please address your emails to ushrj@stir.ac.uk. Our team will respond promptly to assist you with your query.
How do I submit my manuscript?
You can submit your paper by sending it to ushrj@stir.ac.uk. Detailed submission guidelines, including formatting and referencing styles, are available on our website under the Submission Guidelines section.
Is there a submission fee?
No, the USHRJ does not charge authors a fee for submitting their manuscripts.
What should I include in my cover letter?
You should include a brief statement certifying the manuscript contains original work, has not been published previously, and is not currently under consideration for publication elsewhere, including any declarations of conflicts of interest. Please see the Submission Guidelines page for further details.
How do I determine if my paper is suitable for the journal?
We encourage submissions that explore a range of topics in human rights from an academic, policy, or interdisciplinary perspective. Please refer to the Submission Guidelines section to ensure alignment with your research.
Is the University of Stirling Human Rights Journal open access?
Yes, the USHRJ is open access.
Manuscript Preparation and Formatting
Is there a maximum word count?
Yes, the maximum word count for articles is 5,000 words, including references. The maximum word count for blogs is 1,500 words, including references. Please check the journal’s Submission Guidelines and [In-house Style Guide] for specific details.
What referencing style should I use?
Manuscripts will be published using the Harvard referencing style.
How should I format my manuscript?
Manuscripts should be formatted as per the guidelines outlined in our Submission Guidelines section and [In-House Style Guide]. This includes file format, font type, line spacing, and section headers.
Submission Policies and Ethics
Can I publish a paper from my thesis/dissertation?
Yes, provided it is at least at the Masters or PhD level and in accordance with our Submission Guidelines.
Can I submit my conference paper for publication?
Yes, provided it is in accordance with our Submission Guidelines.
Can I submit my paper to multiple journals?
No. Manuscripts submitted to the USHRJ must not be under consideration elsewhere. However, manuscripts may be resubmitted to other journals following publication here.
Can I include co-authors on my manuscript?
Yes, co-authored submissions are welcome. All authors must meet the criteria for authorship, and their contributions should be clearly outlined in the submission.
What are the journal’s policies on authorship?
The journal adheres to our Submission Guidelines. Authors should ensure that all listed contributors have made significant contributions to the work.
What is the policy on conflicts of interest?
Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest in their manuscript’s submission. This includes financial, professional, or personal relationships that might influence the research.
Can I include supplementary materials?
Yes, supplementary materials like data sets, figures, or additional appendices can be included. These should be provided at the time of submission in the appropriate format and labelled clearly.
Review and Publication Process
How do I check the status of my article under review?
The editorial team will provide acknowledgement upon receipt of your submission.
How long will it take to get a decision on my paper?
The review process typically takes one month for blog posts and two-three months for journal articles. Authors will be notified immediately upon a decision.
What happens if my paper is rejected?
If your paper is not accepted, you will be notified via email. You are welcome to revise your manuscript and resubmit it for consideration, if appropriate.
Can I withdraw my submission after acceptance?
Withdrawal requests may be made at any time before publication.
How often is the journal published?
Journal articles and blog posts will be published as soon as they have gone through the review process.
What are the guidelines for authors?
Detailed author guidelines, including ethical considerations, formatting instructions, and submission policies, are available on our website under our Submission Guidelines section and our [In-house Style Guide].
How can I contact the University of Stirling Human Rights Journal for further inquiries?
You can reach out to us through our contact form on the website or email us directly at ushrj@stir.ac.uk.
Contact Us
Have more questions or want to get involved with our journal? Reach out to us today!