About the course

Overview

The topic of human rights is a staple of contemporary politics, philosophy and law, and is one of the key discourses of our times. The primary aim of the MA in Human Rights, Globalisation and Justice (HRGJ) Course is to provide you with an intensive period of study in which to develop practical and theoretical understandings of human rights law, politics and philosophy, at domestic, regional and international levels. The course also aims to provide key critical perspectives on human rights theory and practice, drawing in particular on feminist and postcolonial critiques to engage with issues of gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, religion and power in relation to human rights realisation. Jointly taught by the School of Law and School of Politics, Philosophy, International Relations and Environment (SPIRE), the HRGJ course takes an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to the study of human rights.

Internship Programme

As part of our concern to develop our students' experience in the field of human rights, one of our founding course team members and longstanding members of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Professor Patrick Thornberry will host students at the Committee's sessions in Geneva. 

See here for more details about Professor Thornberry's work on racial discrimination and minority rights. Please see here for further information about CERD.

Course structure

Course Structure

The programme consists of 3 core modules and 5 elective modules.

You will write 8 module essays and a dissertation of between 15,000-20,000. words.

Taught Modules

Entry Requirements

Academic entry requirements

This programme is open to graduates with a first or second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. 

English Language entry requirement for international students

Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of a qualification in English language, unless they hold a previous degree that was taught and examined in English. Minimum score is academic IELTS 6.5 (with no subtest below 5.5) or equivalent. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees (2020/21 academic year)

UK/EU students £7,750 per year

International students £14,750 per year

Living costs

Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.

Scholarships and Funding

The University is committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Each year we offer a range of prestigious scholarships;

UK/EU students - more information on scholarships and funding

International students - more information on scholarships and funding

Our expertise

Academics in Law and SPIRE have wide-ranging expertise in human rights, with particular specialties in race, gender, sexuality, globalisation, culture, identity, justice, and contemporary social movements. Colleagues have developed specialisations in cosmopolitan aspects of human rights as well as in the conditions of specific regions and cultural environments, in abstract and specific aspects of rights, in the universal and the particular.

For further information please visit:

Spire Staff

Law Academic Staff

Careers

HRGJ equips students for careers in a range of fields, such as legal practice, human rights research, policy work, international development, journalism, community campaigning, etc.

The University has a Careers and Employability team who can provide you with advice and guidance about your future career. The team offer specialist workshops, for example 'Options with Postgraduate Study' and Moving on with your PhD', and can also meet you individually to give guidance and support to help you develop your career.  We also hold regular careers fairs on campus and informal events where you can meet employers. You will also have access to our database of job opportunities and digital resources such as online psychometric testing.