Institute of Commonwealth Studies

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON Institute of Commonwealth Studies

MA in Understanding & Securing Human Rights

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

Our MA is aimed at individuals who are, or want to be, human rights professionals in the NGO, governmental, and inter-governmental sectors. The course also provides the knowledge and skills to further careers in journalism, international law, and academia.

The MA consists of three taught units on human rights theory, practice and law, as well as a 12,000-word dissertation. Each unit consists of a weekly lecture and a seminar. In seminars, we cover specific case studies and provide skills training on oral presentations, advocacy, report writing, legal memos, press releases, campaigning, and fundraising.

Students gain hands-on experience and improved job prospects through voluntary placements with some 30 human rights organizations in the London area.

Students 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 50 students really get to know their lecturers.