Master of Arts - Human Rights and International Relations

University of Roehampton

This unique MA will help students become a skilled professional in the field of promoting and protecting human rights.

This is the UK's only master's degree in Human Rights and International Relations, and will help students gain a critical understanding of the central role that human rights play in current international debates.

On this challenging programme, students will explore the role of human rights and international relations in issues such as terrorism, struggles for democratic freedoms, genocide, defence policy, climate change and social justice. Students will graduate with the skills to succeed in a highly competitive environment for international human rights advocacy and protection.

The course engages students in the core issues in the study of international relations alongside the theory and practice of human rights from a variety of perspectives. It starts by introducing students to core international relations, historical, philosophical, legal, sociological and theological debates in human rights. Students will be exposed to the latest methods in human rights research, equipping them with the skills to conduct their own research in the world of human rights promotion and protection.

Students will have the opportunity to get first-hand experience in the field by choosing a work experience module working within a London-based human rights organisation, and gain international experience in the field by taking part in the University of Roehampton's annual research study trip to learn about the promotion and protection of human rights.

Students will be taught by active researchers who are committed to social justice and have made groundbreaking impacts on society. The Crucible Centre for Human Rights Research is a multidisciplinary research centre conducting research on a range of contemporary human rights, migration and related issues. Students will benefit from regular workshops and seminars that the centre holds as well as being a part of major EU-funded projects and activities.

London's diverse international community is central to this programme, which has an established network with human rights organisations to help provide students with opportunities for professional work placements for launching their career.