Human Rights  MA

Overview

City's Human Rights MA builds on the research expertise of the Department of Sociology, offering advanced interdisciplinary study for those who wish to understand human rights in a rapidly-changing global context.

The last decade has seen a large increase in the demand for human rights expertise as the UN, nation states, regional political actors, NGOs and multi-national corporations have increased their sensitivity to and interest in human rights.

This course give you the theoretical knowledge, practical research skills and substantive expertise necessary to be an effective human rights policy maker, researcher with government departments and inter-governmental organisations, and advocate and evaluator working for a range of specialist NGOs and allied groups.

Our London location is of vital importance to the human rights course. This global city is a key centre for human rights activity (indeed Amnesty International's office is less than half a mile from the University), and is therefore an ideal place to pursue specialist study in human rights and related fields.


Entry Requirements:


More...

Course Fees:

  • Full-time EU: £6,950 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)
  • Part-time EU: £3,800 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)
  • Full-time Non EU: £11,300 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)
  • Part-time Non EU: £6,200 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)

Start Date:

24 September 2012

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

You will usually need to have a good honours degree in any subject, but we also welcome applications from those with substantial experience in human rights organisations, NGOs, social services, journalism and other related sectors.

Pre-requisites


Other Suitable Qualifications

INTO Postgraduate Preparation Programmes

If you do not qualify for direct entry, INTO City University London offers academic preparation programmes which focus on the skills you need. Successful completion to the required standard of the Graduate Diploma in Business, Law and Social Science at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree.

Kaplan International College (KIC) London

Additionally, the University works in partnership with KIC London to provide preparatory courses for international students.  Foundation and Pre Masters courses at KIC London offer comprehensive support to students including regular one-to-one tuition. Progression to the University is guaranteed if you complete the KIC London course at the required level.

English Requirements

If your first language is not English, one of the following qualifications is also required:
  • IELTS: an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 for each subtest
  • TOEFL (internet based): 100 - 105

INTO English Language Programmes

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, INTO City University London offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Please click the links below for more information:

Visa Requirements

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course at City, there are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than 6 months
  • Students on courses of less than 6 months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English Language course

For more information see our main Visa page.

When and Where

Start Date:
24 September 2012
Duration:
One year full-time. Two years part-time
Duration:

Course Content

This course builds on the research expertise of the Department of Sociology, offering advanced interdisciplinary study for those who wish to understand human rights in a rapidly-changing global context.

The last decade has seen a large increase in the demand for human rights expertise as the UN, nation states, regional political actors, NGOs and multi-national corporations have increased their sensitivity to and interest in human rights.

This course give you the theoretical knowledge, practical research skills and substantive expertise necessary to be an effective human rights policy maker, researcher with government departments and inter-governmental organisations, and advocate and evaluator working for a range of specialist NGOs and allied groups.

Our London location is of vital importance to the human rights course. This global city is a key centre for human rights activity (indeed Amnesty International's office is less than half a mile from the University), and is therefore an ideal place to pursue specialist study in human rights and related fields.

Course Structure

You complete six taught modules: three compulsory core modules and three elective options. You also take part in a dissertation workshop and produce a dissertation over the summer.

Core modules:


Elective modules - choose three from:

 
NB. Elective modules choices are subject to availability.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

We will teach you through a combination of lectures, classes and seminars, taking place in the first and second academic periods (September-April).

Assessment

The majority of postgraduate sociology modules are assessed by 100% coursework. However, some modules outside of the department may have different assessment methods so please check carefully. You are required to obtain a minimum pass mark of 50% in all assessment components.

Dissertation

The dissertation of 15,000 words accounts for one-third of the total marks for the MA degree.

Study Abroad


Recommended Reading


Sample Course Materials


Fees

  • Full-time EU: £6,950 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)
  • Part-time EU: £3,800 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)
  • Full-time Non EU: £11,300 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)
  • Part-time Non EU: £6,200 (2011 fee. Fees for 2012 published here soon.)
Please note that, for part-time courses, the tuition fee is likely to increase by a small percentage in subsequent years.

Funding

For up-to-date information about tuition fees, living costs and financial support, visit Undergraduate Fees and Finance or Postgraduate Fees and Finance.


Scholarships


Prizes


Bursaries


Placements


Career Prospects

82% of City's Sociology graduates are in employment or further study within 6 months of completing their course.

Human Rights MA graduates are equipped with the theoretical knowledge, research skills and substantive expertise to be human rights policy makers, researchers, advocates or evaluators in government departments, intergovernmental organisations and specialist NGOs.

This course will enable you to...


About the School and Department


Find out more about City University London

Application Deadline

There is no fixed application deadline. Applications will close when the course is full, so you are encouraged to apply early.

MA Human Rights

To apply for one of our Sociology courses you will need to submit:

  • A completed application form (either electronically or by post)
  • Two references (at least one should be from an academic referee)
  • A certified copy of your undergraduate academic results and degree certificate
  • Proof of English proficiency (if you are not a native English speaker, or someone who has not been taught in English for their first degree subject)

Applicants are encouraged to apply online and either upload or email scanned copies of their supporting documents for convenience.

The application form and reference form can also be downloaded via the following link:

If you require a hard copy of the application pack (containing an application form and reference forms) then please email your name, address and the name of the programme to the Programme Administrator along with your request. 

Return the completed form to:

Tatiana Dias
Department of Sociology
School of Social Sciences
City University
Northampton Square
LONDON EC1V 0HB