Program Overview
The Theory and Practice of Human Rights at University of Essex is a MA programme in Humanities over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Theory and Practice of Human Rights programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 15,450 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 7,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Colchester, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Theory and Practice of Human Rights programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Human Rights: Theories and Applications
- Dissertation: MA Theory and Practice Human Rights
- Human Rights Clinic (optional)
- Contemporary Issues in Human Rights and Cultural Diversity (optional)
- Religion and Human Rights (optional)
- Human Rights, International Relations and Diplomacy (optional)
- International Security Studies (optional)
- From Cradle to Grave: Social Justice in Childhood, Adulthood, and Death (optional)
- Race and Class in the United States, South Africa and Britain: Select Topics (optional)
- European Union Law and Human Rights (optional)
- Conflict and the UN: Law Relating to the Use of Force, Peacekeeping, Sanctions & Counter Terrorism (optional)
- International Human Rights: Law, Institutions and Practice (optional)
- Public International Law (optional)
- Foundations of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (optional)
- International Child Law (optional)
- European Convention on Human Rights I (optional)
- The Protection of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples in International Law (optional)
- Human Rights and Development (optional)
- International Trade, Investment and Human Rights. (optional)
- Human Rights for Women (optional)
- Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Africa (optional)
- The Inter-American System of Human Rights (optional)
- Business and Human Rights (optional)
- Transitional Justice (optional)
- Psychoanalysis of Groups and Organisations (optional)
- Psychosocial Perspectives on Human Rights (optional)
- Social Psychology (optional)
- Dynamics of Home and Work (optional)
- Formative Debates in Criminology (optional)
- Current Controversies in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy (optional)
- Colonialism, Cultural Diversity and Human Rights (optional)
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Lower Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
UK entry requirements
A degree with an overall high 2:2 in Law. Relevant professional experience and/or traineeships or professional qualifications/certifications issued by professional bodies such as Bar Associations will be taken into account. Graduates in subjects other than law will also be considered, with relevant professional experience.
International & EU entry requirements
They accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 15,450 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 7,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 15,450 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 7,200 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Essex directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Essex
University of Essex
Colchester, United Kingdom
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date Oct, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
