Overview

Human rights shape every aspect of our lives. They influence access to education, healthcare and housing, as well as freedom, equality and participation in society. Yet across the world, millions of people continue to face barriers to these fundamental rights.

Addressing these challenges requires people who can think critically, understand complex social issues and turn ideas into meaningful action.

Whether you're a recent graduate or looking to change direction in your career, this course is open to students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.

Through a distinctive social sciences approach, you'll explore human rights from multiple perspectives. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the forces that shape justice, inequality and social change in communities around the world.

The course brings together an exciting mix of:

sociology
politics
history
criminology.

Together, these disciplines will help you understand complex human rights challenges and develop informed, practical responses at local, national and global levels.

Human rights challenges are complex and interconnected. You'll examine issues including:

climate change
migration
poverty and inequality
discrimination
global conflict
activism and social movements for change and justice.

You'll explore how global political and institutional factors shape equality and human rights. As your knowledge develops, you'll build practical research, analytical and communication skills. These will enable you to evaluate policy, influence debate and contribute to rights-based solutions across a range of professional settings.

Grounded in GCU's commitment as the University for the Common Good, this future-focused course is informed by internationally recognised research and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you want to work in policy, advocacy, public service, research or the third sector, you'll graduate ready to help make human rights a reality and to contribute to a fairer future for all.

You can choose to study full time or part time, giving you the flexibility to balance your learning with work and personal commitments. You can find more details in the additional information section below.

Why study Human Rights at GCU?

Learn from researchers contributing to contemporary human rights debates across social policy, politics, history and criminology.
Study in Glasgow, a city with a strong tradition of activism, civic engagement and social change. Connect with communities, networks and rights-based organisations.
Explore contemporary human rights challenges including inequality, migration, poverty and discrimination through course content aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Build practical research, policy and analytical skills that prepare you for careers in advocacy, public service, research and social justice.
Join a University committed to the Common Good and develop the knowledge and confidence to help create a fairer future for all.

What you will study

Modules

Realising Rights in Practice

Transformative Social Science

Human Rights, Citizenship and Poverty

Power and Global (In)Justice

Social Movements and Activism for Justice

GOVERNING THE WORLD: IDEAS AND INSTITUTIONS

The Social Science Toolkit: Theoretical Frameworks and Critical Skills

Postgraduate Research Methods

Masters Research Project

Developing Leadership for the Common Good

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

The MSc Human Rights prepares you for a wide range of careers focused on social justice, policy and positive change. You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills to work across the public, private and third sectors in the UK and internationally.

Career opportunities include roles in:

public administration
policy analysis and development
research organisations and think tanks
advocacy and campaigning
human rights and social justice organisations
consultancy.

You could work for local or national governments, public bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities, international organisations or private consultancies. The course also provides a strong foundation for further academic research and doctoral study.

Throughout your studies, you'll develop transferable skills that are valued across many sectors. These include research, critical thinking, communication, writing and policy analysis. You'll also build the confidence to evaluate complex issues, influence debate and respond to the challenges of an evolving global workplace.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	1 year	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2-3 years	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full time	16 months	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Part time	2-3 years	Jan 27	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Minimum academic requirement

UK honours degree 2:2 (or equivalent) in any subject area.

English language requirement

Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 5.5.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching and learning

We combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills and real-world engagement. Through lectures, seminars, masterclasses and fieldwork, you'll explore ideas in depth and reflect on how human rights are applied in practice.

Learning takes place in an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages discussion, debate and collaboration. Throughout the course, you'll connect academic knowledge with contemporary social and political issues at local, national and global levels.

Assessment methods

Our varied assessment methods are designed to develop both subject knowledge and professional skills. They help you build critical thinking, communication, research and digital capabilities that are valued by employers.

Assessment methods include:

essays
policy briefs
case studies
reflective writing
podcasts.

Research-informed teaching

Teaching is informed by internationally recognised research across a range of social science disciplines. You'll explore contemporary issues through research focused on:

inequality
justice
politics and governance
crime.

The course is taught by active researchers and supported by specialist research groups, including:

Scottish Poverty Information Research Unit (SPIRU)
Gender Research and Equalities Network (GREeN)
Social, Criminal and Legal Justice Research Group (SCaLe)

You'll also benefit from strong links with third sector organisations, policymakers and governance networks, helping you connect academic study with real-world human rights challenges.

University for the Common Good

As the University for the Common Good, GCU is committed to creating positive social impact through education, research and partnership. This ethos is embedded throughout the MSc Human Rights and reflected in the values and attributes you'll develop during your studies, including:

active global citizenship
systems thinking
responsible leadership
integrity
creativity
resilience
compassion
empathy
confidence.

Part-time study options

You can study this course part time, giving you the flexibility to balance your studies with work or personal commitments.

The course can be completed over two to three years (depending which trimester you start) and is designed to support working professionals. You’ll build your qualification gradually, progressing from PgCert to PgDip and finally MSc level. Modules can be combined across trimesters, helping you shape your studies around your schedule and professional development goals.

Alongside teaching, you should expect to spend around 10 hours per week on independent study, depending on your experience and study approach. This includes reading, preparing for assessments and engaging with case materials. The structure is designed to remain manageable alongside employment and other responsibilities, while still supporting strong academic engagement.

Applied learning is a key feature of this programme. If you are a working professional, you’ll be encouraged to draw on your own organisational and professional experience throughout your studies. This helps you apply academic concepts directly to workplace challenges, supporting practical insight and immediate value for employers.

The Master's Research Project gives you the opportunity to focus on an area of direct organisational relevance. This may involve exploring a live issue or strategic priority within your workplace. Your project can produce outputs that help inform decision making within your organisation.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.