GOLDSMITHS COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
MA/LLM Human Rights and Social Justice
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
€27k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1 yearFull-time duration
- MA or LLM pathwaySpecialisation options
- Clinic and placement opportunitiesPractical experience
- London's best student city (QS 2025)Location
- 1st in UK for student satisfaction in Law (Complete University Guide 2024)Rankings
This interdisciplinary Master's program combines legal, sociological, and critical theory approaches to understand and challenge how human rights function in theory and practice. You can choose between an MA, focusing on sociological perspectives, or an LLM, concentrating on legal study. The program addresses pressing global issues like inequality, state violence, displacement, and climate change, integrating decolonial, feminist, and political economy viewpoints. It emphasizes developing advanced critical knowledge, research skills, and practical experience through clinics and placements with NGOs and community organizations. Taught by leading scholars and practitioners, the program prepares you for careers in human rights law, policy, advocacy, research, or further doctoral study.
Curriculum
The program includes compulsory modules in human rights theory and research methods, alongside a dissertation. Students then choose 60 credits of optional modules to tailor their studies to specific interests, preparing them for various career paths.
- Core Modules (Both Pathways)
- Constructing Human Rights
- Researching Human Rights
- Dissertation
- MA Optional Modules (Choose 60 credits)
- Decolonising Politics: Actions and Ideas from the Global South
- Critical and Cultural Analysis
- Global Capitalism: Theory and History
- Human Rights in Practice: Clinic and Placement
- Borders and Migration
- LLM Optional Modules (Choose 60 credits)
- Gender, Sexualities and the Law
- Human Rights in Practice: Clinic and Placement
- International Human Rights: Advanced Themes and Contemporary Debates
- Art Law
Careers
This program equips you with advanced research and communication skills, preparing you for diverse roles in the human rights sector.
- Human rights law
- Policy advocacy
- Research
- Activism
- Community organizing
- NGO work
- Charity sector
- Journalism
- Civil service
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a related subject (law, social sciences, humanities) or relevant professional experience.
IELTS6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0
Applications are also considered from individuals with significant professional experience in NGOs, charities, criminal justice, human rights, journalism, or government. Goldsmiths accepts a wide range of international qualifications.
Fees
Tuition (international)£23000 per year (full-time)
Tuition (home)£11800 per year (full-time)
LivingNot specified
Part-time fees are £5900 per year for Home students. International students cannot typically study part-time on a student visa.
How to apply
1. Submit an ApplicationUse the online application portal linked from the program page.
2. Provide Academic QualificationsSubmit evidence of your undergraduate degree, typically at a 2:1 standard, in a relevant subject. International qualifications are accepted.
3. Meet English Language RequirementsProvide an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0, or an equivalent qualification.
4. Consider Professional ExperienceIf your academic qualifications are borderline, relevant professional experience in sectors like NGOs, charities, or human rights organizations can strengthen your application.