Study human rights abroad
An in-depth guide to studying human rights as an international student.
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
How to study human rights abroad
-
Universities & programs
Find the right program for you and your career aspirations
-
Application assistance
Be guided through your application process
-
Visa & embassy guidance
Maximise your chances of being granted a visa
-
Enrollment & travel advice
Get support all the way to your first day at university
Human rights study abroad programs
Human rights undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in human rights
-
Social Justice and Human Rights - BA
Arizona State University, USA- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,834 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
-
International Studies: Justice, Ethics, and Human Rights - BA
American University, USA- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 50,542 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Interdisciplinary Studies (International Conflict and Human Rights) - BASc/BASc (Hons)/BEd
Lakehead University, Canada- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,604 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Human Rights Studies - BA
University of Dayton, USA- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 44,890 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
Human rights graduate programs
Master's in human rights
-
Social Justice and Human Rights - MA
Arizona State University, USA- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 15 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,318 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Human Rights and Conflict - MSc
University of Dundee, UK- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,275 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
International Law (Conflict, Security and Human Rights) - LLM
University of Hull, UK- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 14,000 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
-
Human Rights, Globalisation and Justice - MSc (Research)
Keele University, UK- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 14,750 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
International Human Rights and Development - LLM
London South Bank University, UK- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,780 GBP
- Start date
- September
Doctorate in human rights
-
Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance - PhD
University of Nicosia, Cyprus- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 4,500 EUR
- Start date
- September
Pathway in human rights
-
Human Rights Pre-Master's Programme - PGP
Kingston University, UK- Program type
- Postgraduate pathway
- Duration
- 8 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 9,500 USD
- Start date
- January, April
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.
