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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

      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.
      Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

      Start your search Get free advice

      Human rights study abroad programs

      Human rights undergraduate programs

      Bachelor's in human rights

      • false

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

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        18,636 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 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
        January, August
        Show program overview about International Studies: Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights
      • false

        Human Rights - BA St. Thomas University, Canada

        Program type
        Bachelor's
        Duration
        4 years
        Annual tuition fee
        12,940 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
        January, May, August
        Show program overview about Human Rights Studies
      • 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
      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
        7,285 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 International Conflict - MA London Metropolitan University, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        18,116 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 13,250 GBP

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

        Human Rights and Conflict - MSc University of Dundee, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        23,619 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 17,275 GBP

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

        International Law and Human Rights - MA University for Peace, Costa Rica

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        19,500 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 19,500 USD

        Start date
        August
        Show program overview about International Law and Human Rights
      • false

        Human Rights, Globalisation and Justice - MSc (Research) Keele University, UK

        Program type
        Master's
        Duration
        1 year
        Annual tuition fee
        20,167 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 14,750 GBP

        Start date
        September
        Show program overview about Human Rights, Globalisation and Justice
      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
        5,464 USD

        Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR

        Start date
        September
        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
        12,989 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.