Postgraduate Study

MA in Understanding & Securing Human Rights

Our MA is the longest-running interdisciplinary and practice-oriented human rights MA programme in the UK. We have been training human rights advocates and defenders around the world since 1995.

"The MA in Understanding and Securing Human Rights is a cutting edge postgraduate programme"
(Nigel Eltringham, External Examiner 2010)

"The less traditional elements of the course enabled me to prove to my employers I had learnt research and practical skills to post-graduate level and therefore enabled me to secure a challenging post as a human rights researcher. Without the MA I wouldn’t have been able to demonstrate the social research skills and policy understanding required for the role."
(Lucy Gregg, 09/10 student)

Why Choose our Human Rights Programme

  • We are at the forefront of practice-oriented human rights education in the UK and Europe. Our students learn practical skills in human rights advocacy, research, and fundraising, which translate directly into the workplace.
  • Our student satisfaction rate in 2010-11 was 92% (average student satisfaction rate across all modules as reported in an anonymous student feedback questionnaire).
  • Our academic staff combine human rights research with ongoing advocacy so the course stays current with new developments in the field.
  • We bring theory, practice, and law together into a truly integrated and interdisciplinary program, whereas many other human rights MA programs emphasise law.
  • We give students access to a wide range of human rights organisations in London through guest lectures, evening seminars, and internships.
  • Students have the option to gain hands-on experience and improved job prospects through internships with human rights organisations in the London area.
  • Students can go on a one-week Geneva study tour where they learn from a wide range of human rights advocates inside and outside the UN.
  • We offer an intimate and friendly learning environment where our  students really get to know their lecturers.
  • We are housed in the heart of Bloomsbury, the intellectual centre of London. London has recently been voted amongst the top student cities.