MSc Human Rights & International Politics

Program Overview

The MSc in Human Rights & International Politics at the University of Glasgow offers an in-depth exploration of global human rights issues through the lens of international politics. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human rights theory, international law, political structures, and the global mechanisms that aim to safeguard these rights. It emphasizes how political decisions at the national and international levels affect human rights globally, while equipping students with the analytical and critical skills required for human rights advocacy, policymaking, and research. Graduates of this program are prepared for roles in human rights organizations, international development, political analysis, and humanitarian work.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc in Human Rights & International Politics is both multidisciplinary and globally focused. Key modules in the program cover subjects such as international human rights law, political theory and human rights, global political economy, international relations, and conflict resolution. Students will engage in debates surrounding political ideologies, global governance, and the impact of international organizations like the United Nations, international courts, and NGOs on the advancement of human rights. The program also includes a significant research component, where students can specialize in topics such as refugee rights, economic and social rights, and gender equality. The combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications ensures students are prepared for a variety of careers focused on advancing human rights both locally and globally.

Research Focus: Research within the MSc in Human Rights & International Politics program at the University of Glasgow is centered around the analysis of global human rights challenges and the political frameworks that address them. Faculty members and students engage in cutting-edge research on topics such as humanitarian interventions, global human rights activism, international law, political violence, and the protection of marginalized groups. Students are encouraged to critically analyze the political, legal, and ethical dimensions of human rights in the contemporary world. They will also examine case studies of international human rights violations, and research the effectiveness of international organizations and treaties designed to prevent abuses. The program’s research focus allows students to engage in real-world issues and contribute to scholarly debates around global justice and human rights protection.

Industry Engagement: The University of Glasgow provides numerous opportunities for students to engage with the industry and gain practical experience in the field of human rights and international politics. The university maintains strong links with human rights organizations, international institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, ensuring that students can access internships, work placements, and project opportunities within these sectors. Industry engagement is further enhanced by the university’s extensive network of alumni and partners, including organizations like Amnesty International, UNICEF, and Human Rights Watch. Students have the opportunity to contribute to real-world human rights issues through internships, collaborative projects, and hands-on experience with organizations that advocate for human rights and international justice. This exposure prepares graduates to enter the workforce with a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities in human rights advocacy and international political cooperation.

Global Perspective: The MSc in Human Rights & International Politics program has a strong global perspective, examining human rights issues from both Western and non-Western viewpoints. The program integrates a comprehensive study of global political systems, international laws, and human rights policies. Students will analyze how different political regimes and cultures shape the protection and promotion of human rights. The curriculum emphasizes the challenges faced by marginalized communities, displaced populations, and humanitarian crises globally, equipping students with the tools to address human rights violations in diverse international contexts. Additionally, the university's strong international focus means that students will have opportunities to engage with global human rights debates, attend international conferences, and gain insights into the workings of global political institutions that influence human rights policies. The program ensures that graduates are ready to work in an interconnected world where human rights and international politics are deeply intertwined.