Human Rights - Ma

at Keele University

Core Modules
 

LAW-40048 Foundations of Human Rights (15 credits, Semester 1)
Focusing on gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, religion and power in relation to human rights, you will develop a practical and theoretical understanding of human rights law, politics and philosophy at domestic, regional and international levels. You will explore historical, philosophical and structural aspects of human rights, including Enlightenment perspectives, theories of rights/history of rights theory, universalism/relativism debates, sovereignty and non-intervention concerns and other ‘structural’ issues pertinent to international law and relations. This broad foundation module provides a background in which to study and critique human rights theory and practice.
 

LAW-40047 Equality, Discrimination and Minorities (15 credits, Semester 1)
This module focuses on the main issues of equality and discrimination in international human rights policy and practice. Using the thematic of religion, race, ethnicity and caste/descent, you will examine and critique particular inequalities in international human rights policy and practice, such as geographical and governance inequalities. Exploring equality issues through particular case studies, you will analyse UK and comparative perspectives of global and regional norms on race discrimination, for example, rights of caste groups, minorities and indigenous peoples, and standards on prevention and punishment of genocide. You will reflect on the ways in which aspects of a person’s social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination and privilege, for example, the intersectional ties of gender and indigenous peoples/minorities, and gender and sexuality.
 

LAW-40046 Human Rights and Global Politics (15 credits, Semester 2)
The overall focus of this module is on exploring evolving political and legal strategies to advance human rights in a global political framework. You will be introduced to the main debates on the ways that political structures shape human rights: the relationship between democratisation, development, human rights and violence; the possible emergence of a global civil society to understanding human rights practices; the expansion and role of transnational human rights monitoring and activism; and the need for an understanding of political violence and terror to assess and address causes of human rights violations. To deepen your understanding of the connections between global and local causes and responses to contemporary human rights issues, you will examine a number of key issues, such as the responsibility to protect (r2p), humanitarian interventions, aid and development, security in the post 9/11 era and more.
 

LAW-40039 Dissertation (60 credits, prepared for throughout the course)
The production of a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation provides an exciting opportunity to work under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field of interest, demonstrating a level of knowledge and understanding far beyond what you have learned in class. You’ll be supported to develop the research skills needed to conduct an extended piece of work on a topic of your choice, analysing existing relevant research. Some students start the course with a clear idea about what they want to write about, but others find and develop particular interests as the course progresses. Examples of recent dissertation topics by students which reflect the breadth of the subject include: the regulation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, recognition of statehood, the use of force and Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL).

ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• This programme is open to graduates with a first or second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. 
   

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of a qualification in English language, unless they hold a previous degree that was taught and examined in English. Minimum score is academic IELTS 6.5 (with no subtest below 5.5) or equivalent. 

International - Full time £16,800 per year
 

Intellectually challenging and personally fulfilling, the MA in Human Rights equips you with specialist knowledge to support human rights research, policy work, international development, public relations, journalism, fundraising, community campaigning and more.
 

Future employers could include the civil service, humanitarian and human rights non-government organisations (NGOs), charities, policy think-tanks, advocacy groups or in broader-based care-work for victims of human rights violations.
 

The private sector is increasingly seeking professionals with a strong background in human rights due to the rapid development of CSR (corporate social responsibility) and 'business and human rights' standards. Multinational firms, for example, are much more aware of the need to protect their corporate image in relation to human rights and the environment, particularly in emerging countries.
 

Our graduates have gone on to work at home and abroad, for example, with the Peace Corps, the Centre for Human Rights and Development in Ulaanbaatar, the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, National Probation Service, CLIC Sargent, and Unseen UK,
 

By developing your ability to undertake critical analysis, problem solve and present rational, coherent and accurate arguments orally and in writing, you’ll graduate with essential skills valued by legal and non-legal employers alike. For example, in areas such as banking, insurance and Civil Service. You can also choose to progress to further academic study, such as doctoral research.