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    Study human rights abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying human rights as an international student.

    Find human rights programs

    Explore human rights programs abroad

    See other programs in human rights

    Human rights degrees abroad

    Human rights is a crucial field of study that examines how the basic rights and freedoms of people vary around the world. It’s a far-reaching subject that encompasses several different disciplines, including law, ethics, philosophy, politics, and history.

    Programs are designed to provide students with a theoretical, legal, and practical understanding of human rights. You’ll trace social injustices throughout history and learn about key human rights movements, like the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage, and civil rights activism. You’ll also confront the challenges that still plague societies today and offer solutions.

    Studying abroad is a vital educational experience for anyone hoping to begin a career in human rights. Textbooks are no substitute for seeing the work of international organizations in person, observing how international laws are applied across the globe, and encountering new human struggles.

    Human rights program structure

    It’s possible to study human rights as a bachelor’s degree over three or four years, but the number of universities offering these undergraduate courses is low.

    It’s much more common to study human rights as a master’s degree over one or two years. These programs can be offered as either an MA, MSc, or Master of Laws (LLM). To enroll in an MA or MSc course, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, like sociology, politics, philosophy, or ethics. Those hoping to pursue an LLM must have a bachelor’s degree in law.

    If you’re eager to conduct your own cutting-edge research, you might consider pursuing a doctoral degree. PhDs are the highest formal qualifications available and normally take between four and six years to complete.

    Timetabled teaching on human rights courses usually consists of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You’ll probably be assessed through a combination of exams, essays, presentations and research projects.

    The content of your program will likely be influenced by the cultural context of your university and study location. Nevertheless, most courses will introduce students to these fundamentals:

    • Understanding human rights
    • Securing human rights
    • Contemporary issues in human rights
    • International law and relations
    • Human rights violations
    • Slavery and emancipation
    • Human rights and terrorism
    • Social justice
    Human rights program structure

    It’s possible to study human rights as a bachelor’s degree over three or four years, but the number of universities offering these undergraduate courses is low.

    It’s much more common to study human rights as a master’s degree over one or two years. These programs can be offered as either an MA, MSc, or Master of Laws (LLM). To enroll in an MA or MSc course, you’ll need to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, like sociology, politics, philosophy, or ethics. Those hoping to pursue an LLM must have a bachelor’s degree in law.

    If you’re eager to conduct your own cutting-edge research, you might consider pursuing a doctoral degree. PhDs are the highest formal qualifications available and normally take between four and six years to complete.

    Timetabled teaching on human rights courses usually consists of lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. You’ll probably be assessed through a combination of exams, essays, presentations and research projects.

    The content of your program will likely be influenced by the cultural context of your university and study location. Nevertheless, most courses will introduce students to these fundamentals:

    • Understanding human rights
    • Securing human rights
    • Contemporary issues in human rights
    • International law and relations
    • Human rights violations
    • Slavery and emancipation
    • Human rights and terrorism
    • Social justice

    Best countries to study human rights

    Best universities to study human rights

    See all universities offering human rights programs

    How to study human rights abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Human rights study abroad programs

    Human rights undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in human rights

    • false

      Human Rights - BA St. Thomas University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,064 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,389 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Human Rights
    • false

      Human Rights Studies - BA University of Dayton, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      44,890 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,890 USD

      Start date
      August, May
      Show program overview about Human Rights Studies
    • false

      Interdisciplinary Studies (International Conflict and Human Rights) - BASc/BEd/BASc (Hons) Lakehead University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,815 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,604 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Interdisciplinary Studies (International Conflict and Human Rights)
    • false

      International Relations - Human Rights and IR - BA Duquesne University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      38,178 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 38,178 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about International Relations - Human Rights and IR
    • false

      International Studies: Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights - BA American University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      50,542 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 50,542 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about International Studies: Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights
    See all bachelor's degrees in human rights

    Human rights graduate programs

    Master's in human rights

    • false

      European Union Studies and Human Rights - MIB UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Spain

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      7,174 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,000 EUR

      Start date
      November
      Show program overview about European Union Studies and Human Rights
    • false

      Human Rights and Conflict - MSc University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,762 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,275 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Human Rights and Conflict
    • false

      Human Rights and International Conflict - MA London Metropolitan University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,225 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,250 GBP

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Human Rights and International Conflict
    • false

      International Law (and Human Rights) - LLM Keele University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      20,288 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,750 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about International Law (and Human Rights)
    • false

      International Human Rights and Development - LLM London South Bank University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      18,954 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 13,780 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about International Human Rights and Development
    See all master's degrees in human rights

    Doctorate in human rights

    • false

      Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,381 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR

      Start date
      September, June, February
      Show program overview about Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance
    See all doctorates in human rights

    Pathway in human rights

    • false

      Human Rights Pre-Master's Programme - PGP Kingston University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate pathway
      Duration
      8 months
      Annual tuition fee
      13,067 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,500 GBP

      Start date
      January, April
      Show program overview about Human Rights Pre-Master's Programme
    See all postgraduate pathways in human rights

    Future human rights careers

    Your skills in empathy, conflict resolution, and collaboration will equip you for several rewarding and fulfilling careers in the field of human rights.

    You can apply your expertise across a range of public and private sectors, including international organizations, governments, private businesses, and charities.

    Here are just some of the career opportunities open to human rights graduates:

    • Human rights lawyer
    • Policy advisor
    • Policy analyst
    • CEO of a relief organization
    • Corporate social responsibility specialist
    • Fundraiser
    • Human rights researcher
    • Journalist

    Participating in some work experience with charities, NGOs, government departments, or legal firms will help demonstrate your passion and commitment to potential employers. Talk to your university’s career service about the benefits of placements and internships to your employability.