MA Human Rights

This one-year full-time or two-year part-time program, commencing in September 2025, is housed within the School of Global Studies, renowned for its critical social science approach. The curriculum is designed to engage students with the historical origins, philosophical foundations, and contemporary challenges of human rights. Students will explore topics such as advocacy, activism, decolonization, state violence, civil liberties, globalization, and climate change. The program emphasizes a global perspective, preparing graduates for careers in various human rights sectors.

Curriculum: The course structure includes core modules like Human Rights and the Politics of Culture, Human Rights in International Relations, and Research Methods and Professional Skills. Students can choose from a range of optional modules, including Activism for Development and Social Justice, Indigenous and Minority Rights, and LGBTQI Rights: International and Comparative Perspectives. The program culminates in a dissertation, with an optional placement to gain practical experience. 

Research Focus: Sussex's faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research across disciplines, collaborating with organizations such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and various UN bodies. This research underpins the teaching and provides students with insights into contemporary human rights issues. ​

Industry Engagement: The program offers opportunities for research placements, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Recent graduates have taken up roles in organizations like Save the Children UK and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, demonstrating the program's strong industry connections.

Global Perspective: With a diverse student body and faculty, the program fosters a global perspective on human rights issues. Students engage in debates, lectures, and seminars that cover global and political issues, preparing them for international careers in human rights.

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 65% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.

Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.

Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.

Graduating with an MA in Human Rights from the University of Sussex opens doors to a wide range of career paths in the human rights field and beyond. The university’s comprehensive approach, blending theory with practice, equips students with the necessary tools to pursue a fulfilling career. Graduates can expect to find opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Human Rights Advocate: Many graduates go on to work with advocacy organizations, pushing for policy changes and raising awareness on human rights issues both locally and globally.

International Development Specialist: With a solid understanding of human rights frameworks, students often pursue careers in international development, working for NGOs or international agencies such as the United Nations or the World Bank.

Legal Professional in Human Rights Law: Some students use their MA in Human Rights to move into legal professions, specializing in human rights law, including litigation, policy analysis, and advisory roles within law firms, human rights organizations, or governmental bodies.

Humanitarian Aid Worker: Working in crisis zones or refugee camps, human rights graduates are in demand for roles in humanitarian organizations where they apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, advocating for vulnerable populations.

Government and Diplomatic Roles: Graduates often take up positions in government agencies or international diplomatic missions, working on human rights policy and diplomatic initiatives.

Academia and Research: Some graduates decide to continue their studies, pursuing further research or PhD programs, ultimately becoming academics and scholars contributing to the field of human rights.