This MA Human Rights (Political Science) (Research Route) course will appeal to you if you have an interest in the political and ethical issues that arise from widespread human rights violations globally — and if you are considering further academic research or PhD study.
Can there be space for human rights in world affairs? Who is responsible for the protection of human rights in world politics?
These theoretical and practical concerns form the central focus of the course and are addressed through the compulsory course units. You will develop core research skills through units such as Qualitative Research Methods and Introduction to Quantitative Methods, alongside dedicated training in Dissertation Research Design and a supervised 60-credit dissertation.
You will also have the opportunity to choose from a range of interdisciplinary optional course units that explore urgent global questions from the ethics of killing to gender inequalities and security in international contexts.
The course will provide you with an advanced, critical, interdisciplinary and systematic understanding of human rights issues within a global context. It is an interdisciplinary degree which gives you exposure to developments in international politics and political theory, in order to better understand the complex global environment in which human rights claims are made.
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 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.
Top ranked
Study at a UK Top 10 university for Politics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025), known for academic excellence and global impact.
Influential department
Be part of one of the UK’s largest and most respected Politics departments, and co-hosts of the British Election Study, one of the most prestigious political research projects in the world.
Global expertise
Learn from internationally recognised political theorists and scholars specialising in justice, human rights, migration, global health, and international institutions.
PhD preparation
Gain a strong academic foundation for doctoral research, with built-in training and expert supervision designed to support your progression into further study.
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.