MSc Human Rights

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The MSc Human Rights at University College Dublin is your pathway to understanding and actively engaging with the critical issues of global justice and equality. This postgraduate degree is designed for those driven to address systemic violations and advocate for fundamental freedoms in an increasingly complex world. You will delve into the core theories, politics, and legal frameworks of human rights, exploring how international and national mechanisms function to protect these rights, and critically examining their limitations. This programme equips you with the analytical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to human rights research, policy, and practice.

This intensive, full-time, on-campus Masters programme is studied over one year. You will engage with core modules such as the Politics of Human Rights, Research Design, and Human Rights Law and Equality, alongside a wide array of optional modules allowing you to specialise in areas like Gender and Development, International Refugee Law, or AI and Large Language Models. You will have the opportunity to either complete a significant research dissertation or undertake a practical SPIRe Internship, gaining invaluable real-world experience. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for impactful careers in international organisations, NGOs, governmental bodies, and academia.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The MSc Human Rights program offers a comprehensive exploration of human rights through core modules in the politics and theory of human rights, research design, and human rights law and equality. Students will further specialize their studies by selecting an internship or thesis option, alongside a diverse range of elective modules covering topics such as gender and development, international refugee law, peace and conflict studies, and international political economy. This program equips students with critical analytical skills and in-depth knowledge to engage with contemporary human rights challenges.

1 Stage 1 Core Modules

Politics of human rights
Research design
Human rights law and equality
Theory of human rights

2 Stage 1 Options - A) 1 of:

SPIRe internship
Thesis

3 Stage 1 Options - B) 20 Credits:

Gender and development
Law of the ECHR
International refugee law
Theories of international relations
Politics of European governance
Politics and change in the Middle East and North Africa
Peace & conflict studies
Gender & the political system
Politics of international trade and investment
Applied data wrangling and visualisation
Feminist theory
Connected politics 1
United nations human rights practice
International migration law
Gender, conflict-related harm & transitional justice
Politics of development
Theories of global justice
Comparative public policy
International political economy
Comparative European politics
EU foreign, security, and defence policy
Gender, peace, and security
Political violence
Quantitative text analysis
International security
IR theory: conflict and identity
AI and large language models

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 26,585.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 26,585.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 349.00 - USD 849.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,930.00 - USD 5,613.00
Transport USD 842.00 - USD 1,965.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 6,176.00 - USD 9,683.00

Living cost estimates are based on Belfield campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

99%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAerospace Supply Chain & LogisticsAviation Safety & RegulationEducational Support ServicesElectrical & Mechanical InstallationEmergency Services & Disaster ResponseFamily & Civil LawIntellectual Property LawProduct Management & UXReal Estate Development

Top Employers Hiring for this course

CGI

Dublin City University

European commission

Legal Aid Board

Trinity College Dublin

University College Dublin

Why Study MSc Human Rights at University College Dublin

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at University College Dublin in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MSc Human Rights at University College Dublin

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks. No separate work permit is required as long as you are enrolled full-time.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English proficiency is required for admission. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, each with specific minimum score requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as Human Rights Advocates, Policy Analysts, and Research Associates.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on global justice, equality, and the legal frameworks surrounding human rights. You'll engage with core modules like the Politics of Human Rights and optional topics such as International Refugee Law.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MSc Human Rights at University College Dublin has an intake in September each year. Be sure to apply in advance to secure your spot in this transformative program.
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