University of Leicester

What you'll study

This distance-learning MA combines theoretical reflection with applied analysis of human rights and global ethics. Core themes include the philosophical foundations of rights, global justice, comparative human rights institutions, and ethical approaches to humanitarianism and development. The programme is taught through a mixture of recorded lectures, online seminars, directed reading, and assessed coursework.

• Core modules typically cover: theories of human rights and moral philosophy; international human rights law and institutions; research methods for human rights and ethics; and global ethics and political practice.
• Optional modules allow specialisation and may include topics such as migration and refugee rights, human rights and development, the ethics of intervention and humanitarianism, business, human rights and corporate responsibility, and contemporary debates in bioethics.
• Dissertation/major project is a substantial piece of independent research on a human rights or global ethics topic of your choice, supervised remotely by academic staff. The dissertation enables you to consolidate theoretical knowledge and apply it to empirical or normative questions.
• Mode and pacing is designed for distance learners, with part-time study options to fit professional commitments. Teaching is delivered online with scheduled interactive sessions and a virtual learning environment for resources and discussion.

Structure

Students follow a modular structure, combining taught modules with a final dissertation or research project. The typical route involves completing core and optional modules to accumulate the required credit total before progressing to the dissertation. The programme emphasises critical reading, academic writing, and independent research skills relevant to policy and advocacy contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK second-class honours degree (2:1 or 2:2, depending on professional experience and the rest of the application) or an overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline such as politics, international relations, law, philosophy, sociology, or development studies. Professional experience in human rights, NGOs, international organisations, or public service can be considered in place of, or in addition to, an academic qualification.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English through an appropriate qualification or test, unless exempt. Candidates should submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for study and a CV; references may be requested. The university considers mature and part-time applicants and supports those balancing study with employment.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles in the public, private and third sectors. Common career paths include work with human rights NGOs and charities, international organisations, policy and advocacy roles, humanitarian and development agencies, research and academic posts, and legal and compliance positions where human rights knowledge is valuable. The programme also supports those pursuing further research at doctoral level.

Skills developed include critical ethical analysis, policy evaluation, research design, report writing, and remote collaboration—competencies sought by employers involved in human rights monitoring, campaigning, programme design, and advisory services.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is known for its long-standing strengths in human rights, ethics and political theory, with experienced academic staff actively publishing in these fields. The distance-learning MA is backed by established research expertise and a supportive virtual learning environment that enables sustained academic contact and supervision.

The programme's flexible delivery suits professionals and international students, offering access to specialist modules and research supervision while permitting study alongside work. Students benefit from connections across the university's research centres, public lectures, and a network of alumni working in human rights and policy roles.