MSc Human Rights

London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London

Human rights are not just legal entitlements – they raise fundamental questions about political philosophy, sociology, policy, practice and activism.Our MSc Human Rights is an interdisciplinary programme that explores sociological, political, philosophical and legal perspectives on human rights.The core curriculum introduces you to the standards and structures of human rights. You’ll engage with some of the most compelling issues and debates in human rights today. The programme critically addresses the ability of international human rights to drive global justice in today’s world. Typical themes include genocide, humanitarian intervention, labour rights, gender and sexuality, race and apartheid, and transitional justice. The programme blends theory and practice, enabling you to apply your learning to real-life scenarios.As a student, you’ll join a vibrant community of academics and researchers and be encouraged to participate in research activities and events. LSE Human Rights, a transdisciplinary hub for cutting-edge, critical research, teaching and scholarship on human rights, is based within the Department of Sociology and runs regular masterclasses and seminars exclusively for our MSc students, as well as public events involving world-leading human rights academics and practitioners.This programme opens the doors to many rewarding careers in human rights advocacy and policymaking in government, international organisations, NGOs and academia.Graduate destinations:This programme provides an excellent foundation for a variety of academic and non-academic careers, including in: law, especially international law and advocacy (albeit usually with other qualifications) foreign policy working for activist organisations in the humanitarian sector international and domestic human rights development civil liberties welfare as well as in specialised agencies concerned with, for example, refugees women's rights torture victims or children's rights.During the programme, you'll have opportunities to meet alumni of the MSc Human Rights who are working in a range of international, government and non-governmental organisations.

Sociology