MA Human Rights and Social Enterprise

Program Overview

This is a unique course within the UK which will lead to a comprehensive, historical and critical understanding of human rights alongside a thorough appreciation of social enterprises, project planning, budgeting and an understanding of voluntary and charitable sector contributions that support human rights in practice. Theoretically, both the 'harder', normative framework for human rights established following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 'softer' side of rights formation emerging 'from the people' will be explored. Pedagogically, ideas around human rights 'from above' and 'from below' will enrich thinking during this course. Practically, social enterprise will be a key aspect of this course, allowing for support of students wishing to set up social enterprises following their studies.

The course will lead to a comprehensive, historical and critical understanding of human rights, alongside social enterprises, project planning, budgeting, research, monitoring and evaluation, securing funding, and an understanding of voluntary and charitable sector contributions that support human rights in practice. In this respect, the course has been designed for students who are interested in establishing their own local, national or international based social enterprise utilising the theoretical, substantive and practical skills gained throughout. It is also designed for students who may also wish to enter into or enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies for work in the voluntary, charitable, governmental and inter-governmental sectors.

Career prospects

This MA programme is designed for those who wish to develop or enhance careers in a range of professional contexts in the human rights or humanitarian fields.Graduates have gone on to work for major international charities, as well as several UN agencies, businesses, academia and in government.