ObjectivesThe MA Human Rights and Social Justice offers a critical overview of the legal and political theory, history and practice of the crucial domestic and international issues of human rights and social justice. It provides you with: -a contextual and critical understanding of ideas of human rights and social justice; -knowledge of how ideas of human rights and social justice are applied in the constitutional, legal and political arrangements of the United Kingdom, the European Union and the international community; -a distinctive course, which, across both the compulsory and non-compulsory modules, examines the content and effectiveness of human rights instruments as incorporated domestically and as applied in the international arena. The course also provides you with generic skills and abilities in: -identifying and analysing domestic and international human rights laws, instruments and mechanisms; -researching, handling and interpreting information; -structuring and organising documented material; -developing, structuring and defending arguments. The mode of delivery is student-centred and interactive. The course will be of particular interest to those with academic and practical interests in the international application of human rights.
Entry requirementsA good second-class degree in law, politics, philosophy, history, sociology or a related discipline. Applicants with a lower degree may be admitted if they have substantial employment or other experience in the field of human rights or social justice.
Academic titleMA Human Rights and Social Justice
Course descriptionCourse structure
-There are three compulsory taught modules:
-History and Theory of Human Rights
-Citizenship and Social Justice
-Social Research: Principles and Practice
You must also complete a compulsory triple-module dissertation.
Three options must be chosen from a list including:
-Human Rights and the International Order
-Ethics and International Relations
-Women, Gender and Human Rights
-Labour, Race and Empire 1880-1960
-Citizenship in the European Union
-International Commercial Relations and Human Rights
-Human Rights in UK and International Law
-Refugees and Human Rights
-Human Rights and Labour Rights
-Criminal Justice and Human Rights
-International Child Law and Human Rights Law
-Social Structures and Policies
-Issues in Contemporary Health Policy
One free module may be taken from elsewhere in the University's postgraduate provision in place of one of these.
Assessment
Assessment methods include unseen, take-home and open-book examinations, and various forms of coursework and assessed seminar performance.
Career opportunities
This distinctive and focused course will be of value to those who are looking for enhanced career opportunities within the human rights field. You can also progress to an MPhil or PhD.
Attendance & duration
Full-time: one year, three evenings or equivalent a week
Part-time (day/eve): two years, two evenings or equivalent a week