MA Human Rights Law
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Human Rights Law at SOAS University of London is a dynamic and interdisciplinary postgraduate program designed for individuals passionate about advancing human rights through legal frameworks, policy reform, and social justice advocacy. Situated in the heart of London, SOAS is globally recognized for its focus on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, offering a unique and rich perspective on international law and human rights. The program is ideal for aspiring legal professionals, policy analysts, researchers, and advocates aiming to work in government, NGOs, or international organizations. With a commitment to decolonial and critical approaches to law, the course offers a platform to challenge traditional legal narratives and promote human dignity, equality, and justice across diverse contexts.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Human Rights Law program is both comprehensive and flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their academic and professional goals. Core modules typically include International Human Rights Law, Legal Research Methods, and Foundations of International Law, complemented by a wide selection of optional modules such as Gender, Armed Conflict and International Law, Migration and Refugee Law, and Law and Society in South Asia. The program also includes a significant research component in the form of a dissertation, enabling students to delve deeply into a human rights issue of their choice. This rigorous academic framework not only builds legal expertise but also fosters critical thinking and analytical skills.
Research Focus: SOAS is globally acclaimed for its research-intensive environment, particularly in the field of human rights and international law. The MA Human Rights Law program benefits from SOAS's strong research output, with faculty members actively engaged in groundbreaking studies on issues such as transitional justice, indigenous rights, minority protections, and post-colonial legal systems. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects and contribute to academic discourse through seminars, workshops, and conferences. The School of Law at SOAS fosters a vibrant intellectual community where interdisciplinary research flourishes, enhancing the academic experience and offering students the opportunity to publish and present their work.
Industry Engagement: SOAS maintains strong connections with a range of international institutions, human rights organizations, legal firms, and policy think tanks. This provides students with excellent opportunities for internships, networking, and career development. Guest lectures and panel discussions frequently feature practitioners from the UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other leading organizations, allowing students to engage with current debates and practical applications of human rights law. Moreover, the university’s central London location makes it a hub for legal and humanitarian activity, offering students direct access to internships and advocacy networks that can significantly enhance their professional trajectory.
Global Perspective: One of the defining features of SOAS University of London is its truly global outlook. The MA Human Rights Law program reflects this through its emphasis on legal issues affecting regions in the Global South, such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This decolonial and inclusive approach enables students to critically analyze international legal structures and their impact on marginalized communities worldwide. The diverse student body at SOAS adds to the richness of the learning experience, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in a variety of international contexts, from diplomatic missions and NGOs to academic institutions and international courts.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25740
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduating with an MA in Human Rights Law from SOAS University of London opens up a diverse array of career pathways across the legal, governmental, non-governmental, and academic sectors. SOAS's emphasis on global perspectives, particularly concerning the Global South, equips students with the skills and insights necessary to navigate complex human rights challenges worldwide.
Legal and Advocacy Roles: Many alumni pursue careers as human rights lawyers, legal advisors, or policy analysts within international organizations such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, or Human Rights Watch. The program's strong foundation in international human rights law, humanitarian law, and refugee law prepares graduates to advocate effectively for marginalized communities and influence policy development.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Graduates often find positions within NGOs, focusing on areas like conflict resolution, gender rights, or environmental justice. SOAS's curriculum, which includes modules on topics like "Human Rights and Islamic Law" and "Law, Rights & Social Change," provides the interdisciplinary knowledge necessary for addressing multifaceted human rights issues.
Government and Public Policy: Some alumni enter the public sector, contributing to the development and implementation of human rights policies at national or regional levels. The analytical and research skills honed during the MA program are invaluable for roles in policy formulation and legislative analysis.
Academic and Research Careers: For those inclined towards academia, the MA serves as a stepping stone to doctoral studies and research positions. SOAS's Centre for Human Rights Law offers a vibrant research community, providing opportunities for scholarly engagement and collaboration on cutting-edge human rights issues
International Organizations and Think Tanks: Graduates may also work with international bodies or think tanks, contributing to research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts on global human rights concerns. The program's global outlook and emphasis on critical thinking prepare students for the complexities of international human rights work.
