From migrant welfare and protecting the vulnerable, to same-sex couples’ inheritance rights, freedom of speech or political corruption, human rights remains one of the key discourses of our times. Our MA offers an interdisciplinary study of human rights at domestic, regional and international levels, capitalising on Keele’s wide-ranging expertise in race, gender, sexuality, globalisation, culture, identity, justice, and contemporary social movements. Whether you’re seeking a career in campaigning, communication, research, education, advocacy or activism, or already work in these and related fields, like law, public sector, social services, it offers the chance to explore your interests and discover new passions.
COURSE SUMMARY
In an increasingly globalised world, ongoing international problems such as war, famine, intervention, poverty and discrimination against vulnerable people make the role of human rights more significant – and relevant – than ever.
Keele’s long-running MA in Human Rights provides a practical and theoretical exploration of human rights law and philosophy in the context of global politics, economics and socal justice.
It offers the chance to gain new insight into high-profile human rights issues relating to equality, discrimination and minority rights, for example, or trafficking, global trade and economic law. You’ll engage with matters of gender, sexuality, race, class, ethnicity, religion and power in relation to human rights realisation.
Understanding human rights is clearly essential for anyone directly involved in politics, policy-making, criminal justice, humanitarian or development work. However, the broad knowledge you’ll gain of the legal, economic, cultural, ethical and political contexts in which human rights law, politics and practices operate will be of benefit to almost any career.
Supporting your personal and professional development is a central aim of the programme. Among the many skills you’ll develop are critical thinking and reasoning, communication, mental flexibility, teamwork ability and self-leadership, some of the most in-demand essential transferable ‘soft’ skills according to global consultants McKinsey.
YOUR CAREER
Intellectually challenging and personally fulfilling, the MA in Human Rights equips you with specialist knowledge to support human rights research, policy work, international development, public relations, journalism, fundraising, community campaigning and more.
Future employers could include the civil service, humanitarian and human rights non-government organisations (NGOs), charities, policy think-tanks, advocacy groups or in broader-based care-work for victims of human rights violations.
The private sector is increasingly seeking professionals with a strong background in human rights due to the rapid development of CSR (corporate social responsibility) and 'business and human rights' standards. Multinational firms, for example, are much more aware of the need to protect their corporate image in relation to human rights and the environment, particularly in emerging countries.