Human Rights & International Politics MSc

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Glasgow

Program Overview

The MSc in Human Rights & International Politics at the University of Glasgow provides an in-depth understanding of how human rights intersect with global politics, combining legal frameworks with political analysis to address pressing international challenges. It is ideal for students who are passionate about making a real impact through careers in NGOs, international organisations, government, or academia.

Curriculum Structure

Year of Study (Full-time – 1 year)
This master’s programme builds progressively from core foundations to specialised topics and independent research.

In the initial phase, you will develop a strong grounding in the essentials. Courses such as Fundamentals of International Law provide insight into how international legal systems protect human rights, while Introduction to Human Rights Theories and Politics: A Critical Perspective equips you with key frameworks for analysing rights in global contexts. Research Design for Politics and International Relations helps you build rigorous research skills that underpin your later work.

As you progress, you can tailor your studies through optional modules to suit your interests. You might explore Human Rights and Global Politics to understand how global systems shape rights practices, or Gender, Race and International Relations to examine how identity and power interact on the world stage. Other options like International Human Rights Law or Global Development and Human Rights broaden your comparative and thematic expertise.

Finally, the dissertation allows you to independently research a topic that matters to you, applying both legal and political perspectives to produce original, critical analysis.

Focus areas:
Human rights law and theory, political analysis of global institutions, international relations frameworks, development and social justice, conflict and security studies

Learning outcomes:
Students will critically engage with global human rights issues, analyse international legal and political structures, conduct original research, communicate complex ideas effectively, and apply interdisciplinary insights to real-world challenges

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme is part of the University of Glasgow’s School of Social & Political Sciences and aligns with academic standards recognised across the UK and internationally for postgraduate study in human rights and international relations. Graduates acquire skills valued by NGOs, governments, intergovernmental bodies, and policy sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Glasgow’s International Relations subject area is ranked 5th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026, reflecting the department’s strength and the relevance of its training for global careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Glasgow, the MSc in Human Rights & International Politics goes beyond lectures and reading, giving you opportunities to engage directly with real-world human rights practice and international affairs. You will develop practical skills by working with practitioners, attending specialist talks, and completing assignments that mirror professional policy and advocacy work. The programme encourages both independent and collaborative work, helping you gain confidence in presenting, debating, and analysing complex issues. Excellent research facilities, extensive library resources, and dedicated postgraduate study spaces support your academic and professional development throughout the course.

Some of the ways this experiential learning comes to life include:

Engagement with the Glasgow Human Rights Network, which brings together researchers, activists, and policy makers through talks, workshops, and research opportunities that enrich your learning beyond the classroom.
Participation in the Glasgow Refugee, Asylum and Migration Network, connecting you with research initiatives and events on migration, asylum, and refugee issues.
The opportunity to join a five-day study trip to Geneva, visiting the United Nations and leading human rights organisations for first-hand insight into international institutions and advocacy.
Access to a practitioner speaker series, featuring professionals at the forefront of human rights and global politics, with opportunities to network and present your work to experts.
Use of one of Europe’s most extensive academic libraries, with postgraduate study areas, digital resources, and research support to strengthen your independent work and dissertation research.

University facilities and study environments, including library spaces, collaborative learning areas, and active research networks, help you develop the analytical, practical, and professional skills that are most valued in human rights and international roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Human Rights & International Politics leave equipped for meaningful careers in the international policy and human rights arena. Many go on to roles such as human rights advisor, policy analyst, international programme officer, and advocacy specialist, working in NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, government departments, or research institutions. Some graduates also continue into competitive PhD programmes, building on the strong academic foundation provided by the degree.

The University provides extensive support to help you achieve these outcomes:

The Careers, Employability & Opportunity service offers personalised career coaching, job search guidance, and support finding internships, work experience, and graduate roles relevant to human rights and international work.
Careers events and networking opportunities connect you with employers, NGOs, alumni, and industry professionals through fairs, talks, and workshops, helping you make valuable connections.
The Student Opportunities Hub and Glasgow Careers platform provide listings for part-time work, internships, and graduate positions, helping you build practical experience while studying and after graduation.
Engagement with organisations such as the Glasgow Human Rights Network and participation in study trips, including visits to the United Nations in Geneva, enhances your practical insight and professional profile.
University of Glasgow graduates consistently enjoy high employability, with strong rates of employment or further study within six months of graduation, reflecting the value employers place on skills gained during the programme.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this master’s, students can continue their studies by pursuing a PhD in Human Rights, International Relations, International Law, or related interdisciplinary fields. Many choose to conduct doctoral research within the School of Social & Political Sciences or join research centres such as the Glasgow Human Rights Network and the Glasgow Centre for International Development, contributing to cutting-edge projects while deepening their expertise. Opportunities also exist for research assistantships or teaching fellowships, combining academic progression with practical experience.