MA Applied Human Rights

Program Overview

The MA in Applied Human Rights at York University bridges theory and practice, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to advance human rights globally. Through hands-on field placements, students gain practical experience while exploring complex human rights issues and developing advocacy strategies. The program prepares graduates for careers in human rights organizations, international development, and other fields where human rights expertise is essential.

Program Outline

Degree Overview: (MA) Applied Human Rights

This postgraduate program focuses on bridging theory and practice in the field of human rights. Students will develop the theoretical understanding and practical skills required to advance human rights around the world. Through this program, students can:

Objectives

• Learn about the different aspects of human rights practice, including strategies, debates, and institutions.
• Analyze and evaluate complex human rights issues with informed understanding of how social, political, economic, and institutional interests impact them.
• Design and implement human rights advocacy, utilizing their understanding of policy-making processes at UN, regional, and state levels.
• Effectively communicate human rights knowledge to various stakeholders, including policymakers, lawyers, activists, and peers in diverse professional settings.
• Employ collaborative and culturally sensitive approaches in shaping solutions and interventions for difficult challenges in various contexts.
• Reflect critically upon various approaches and their effectiveness in diverse human rights contexts and develop continual self-improvement practices.

Program Description

This 1-year MA program offers a comprehensive approach:

• Semester 1: Introduces theoretical frameworks and practical applications through hands-on experience via group placement with an established human rights organization.
• Semester 2: Focuses on International Human Rights Law and two self-selected option modules for deeper specialization.
• Summer Term and Summer Break: Dedicate to writing a 12,000-word dissertation on a chosen human rights-related topic supported by an experienced supervisor.
The program includes direct field experience with partner organisations in Cape Town, Bogotá, or York through placements that involve project work, culminating in project completion and dissemination of results.

Outline:

This MA program provides a comprehensive curriculum divided into 2 semesters:

Semester 1:

• Modules
• International Human Rights Laboratory: Introduces students to critical human rights frameworks.
• Practice of Fieldwork: Equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful fieldwork experiences.
• Project Placement: Offers hands-on experience through placement with human rights organizations.
• Applying Human Rights: Deepens understanding through application in specific contexts.

Semester 2

• Option Modules:
Students select two from various topics, offering deeper specialization depending on personal interests. Examples of previous offerings include:
• Governing for the Environment
• Politics of Migration
• New Security Challenges
• Ethics and World Politics
• Politics of the Poor
• Transitional Justice and Human Rights
• Women, Citizenship and Conflict
• Law, Violence and Authoritarianism
• Dissertation
• During summer term and break, students undertake research and write an extensive dissertation (12,000 words) under supervision, focusing on a specific human rights-related topic.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods
• Essays: In-depth analysis of complex topics with written argumentation.
• Group Projects: Collaboration on projects applying learned skills and knowledge in practical scenarios.
• Reflective Diaries: Individual reflection on learning, challenges, and development throughout the program.
• Dissertation: Comprehensive research project and written analysis demonstrating understanding and application of knowledge.
• Assessment Criteria
• Analysis: Ability to critically assess human rights issues with understanding of relevant factors.
• Communication : Effective transmission of knowledge and arguments in different formats to diverse audiences.
• Data Analysis: Ability to gather, assess, and interpret qualitative information to strengthen arguments.
• Application: Successful application of theoretical knowledge in solving practical human rights issues.

Teaching:

Teaching Format

• Lectures: Provide comprehensive overviews of key topics and concepts.
• Seminars: Encourage in-depth discussion, analysis, and debate.
• Directed reading: Encourage independent exploration of specific areas and critical reflection.
• Simulation and role-play: Offer hands-on experiences in real-world human rights scenarios.
• Independent study: Promotes self-directed learning and deepening knowledge based on individual interests.

Teaching staff

• Experienced academics with extensive expertise in both human rights scholarship and practical application.
• Field placements provide direct mentorship from experienced human rights practitioners.

Careers:

• Program prepares individuals for various careers related to human rights:
• Human Rights Officers
• International Development Researchers
• External Affairs/Communications Officers
• Philanthropy/NGO Leadership
• Refugee Relocation Specialists
• Ethical Trade/Sustainability Coordinators

Other Information:

• Students have opportunities to engage with experienced human rights defenders, enhancing practical learning.
• York is recognized as the UK's first "Human Rights City", fostering a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to human rights advancement.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25

Study mode

Full-time (1 year) £10,590 £23,900

Part-time (2 years)

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• Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
• For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
• UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%).
• International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

Additional costs

If you choose to undertake a placement in South Africa or Colombia you will need to budget around £1,200 to £1,400, over and above MA tuition fees and living expenses. Placements in York do not incur additional costs, apart from potential limited local travel.