The MA in Human Rights (Research Route) explores the pressing questions of human rights.
Can there be space for human rights in world affairs? Who is responsible for protecting human rights in global politics?
These theoretical and practical concerns form the central focus of the course and are examined through the core course units. This research pathway welcomes anyone planning to continue to PhD study—especially if you’re interested in the political, legal, and ethical questions that stem from human-rights violations around the world.
You will gain an advanced, critical, interdisciplinary and systematic understanding of human rights issues in their global context. Drawing on perspectives from international politics, political theory and law, the course equips you to analyse the complex international environment in which human rights claims are made and contested.
As a research route student, you will take Research Design and Skills, Human Rights in World Politics, and complete a 60-credit dissertation on a topic of your choice. This is complemented by a wide range of optional course units, covering highly debated questions from the ethics of killing, gender inequalities and security across international contexts.
This course offers the foundations needed for doctoral work and is also ideal if you’re seeking a research-focused career in policy, advocacy, law or academia.
Research or Standard Route?
The key difference between our MA Human Rights (Research Route) and our MA Human Rights (Standard Route) is the amount and focus of mandatory course units you will take, and how much flexibility you have in choosing options.
On the Research Route, in addition to your dissertation, you will take a larger set of mandatory, research-intensive course units (e.g., research design and methods), with fewer optional course units. This route is tailored for students intending to progress to PhD-level study.
On the Standard Route, in addition to your dissertation, you will take a smaller set of mandatory course units (covering core human rights theory, law/policy and research skills) and have more choice of optional course units across law and political science. This route is geared toward careers in NGOs, government, policy, law, journalism, and international organisations such as the United Nations, as well as providing a foundation for further academic research.
Highly ranked
Study at a university placed in the Top 10 in the UK for both Politics and Law (Times Higher Education/ QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), reflecting academic excellence and global recognition.
Influential department
Join one of the UK’s largest and most respected Politics departments, home to major research initiatives like the British Election Study, shaping national and international understanding of democratic trends.
Strong partnerships
Learn from legal and political scholars actively engaged in global policy and real-world legal cases, with professional links to the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and top international law schools.
Justice hub
Get involved with the Justice Hub, a dynamic space where students, academics, and legal professionals collaborate on pressing social justice issues such as wrongful convictions, access to justice, and human rights advocacy.
We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.
When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.