Human Rights & International Politics (MRes)

This ESRC-recognised research-training programme gives you a broad and rigorous grounding in the study and methodologies of one of the most salient and pressing issues in the contemporary world: the place of individual human rights in a system of international relations in which states' rights have traditionally been paramount.

Why this programme

• If you want to pursue a research-intensive career or doctoral studies, including under the ESRC 1+3 scheme, then this ESRC-recognised research-training programme is designed for you.
• The programme draws on recognised expertise in international institutions, security, gender, political philosophy, theories of rights, and ethics and normative theory, as well as a wide variety of country and regional expertise.
• The programme covers the same subject-specific material as the MSc in Human Rights & International Politics and provides additional advanced training in social research methods – ideal if you wish to pursue a PhD or a career in social research.
• You will be offered the opportunity to participate in a five-day study trip to Geneva to visit the UN and non-governmental human rights organisations.
• You will benefit from access to a number of organisations within and beyond the University, including the Glasgow Human Rights Network; The Glasgow Refugee, Asylum & Migration Network; The Glasgow Centre for International Development; and the annual International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival. 
• The degree is genuinely interdisciplinary in content and structure, and is designed to ensure that you will encounter both legal and political perspectives. You can choose to focus on one domain more than the other.

Programme structure

You will take six core courses, as well as submit a dissertation. Teaching will be delivered through lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also be able to take part in project and team work and an international study trip. Some courses contain an exam.

Core courses

• Critical perspectives on human rights (Politics)
• Fundamentals of international law (Law)
• Human rights and global politics (Politics)
• Qualitative research methods 
• Quantitative data analysis
• Research design.

Programme alteration or discontinuation

The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include positions in higher education, government/foreign ministry, intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and think tanks.

Visit the Human Rights & International Politics (MRes) page on the University of Glasgow website for more details!