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Graduate (Taught)
Application code:L3UL
Department of Sociology

MSc Human Rights and Politics

Explore the social and political forces shaping human rights in our contemporary world.
Discover what it's like to study the MSc Human Rights and Politics at LSE

Overview

Introduction

In today’s turbulent world, human rights are under threat in many regions – with populist nationalism and discrimination against minority groups on the rise.

This programme explores how political and social factors influence the development and implementation of human rights globally. You’ll examine the challenges and problems affecting human rights institutions, movements and practices.

Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, political theory and philosophy, you’ll delve into themes such as identity politics, political liberalism, authoritarian populism and movements against racism.

The curriculum includes a core course on the contemporary politics of human rights. You’ll also have the chance to choose optional courses on sociology, anthropology, development, gender, politics and international relations.

As a student, you’ll join a vibrant community of academics and researchers and be encouraged to participate in research activities and events. LSE Human Rights, a transdisciplinary hub for cutting-edge, critical research, teaching and scholarship on human rights, is based within the Department of Sociology and runs regular masterclasses and seminars exclusively for our MSc students, as well as public events involving world-leading human rights academics and practitioners.

This degree is ideal if you’re interested in the politics of international human rights but don’t wish to pursue a legal career in this area. Once you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared for a high-level career in human rights advocacy, politics or international development within NGOs, government or academia.

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a social science subject, or a degree in another discipline with demonstrable interest in human rights or relevant experience as a practitioner.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

Overseas

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

Year 1

You'll take a compulsory course on the contemporary politics of human rights, and will have the opportunity to choose courses from a range of available options. You'll also complete a dissertation on an approved topic.

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Sociology conducts world-class research and teaching on some of the most challenging social and ethical issues facing society today.

Founded in 1904, our academics have contributed to shaping research and thinking in the field nationally and internationally.

We are committed to research and scholarship that is socially and politically relevant. The department’s research is organised into five clusters: economic sociology; politics and human rights; social inequalities; knowledge, culture and technology; and urban sociology. We engage in major debates at the intersection of economics, politics and society on issues such as migration, urban ecology and climate change.

With a thriving research community, we play an active role in several research centres and institutes, including LSE Cities, LSE Human Rights and the LSE International Inequalities Institute. Our research has a global impact, informing decision-making and policy for numerous governments, NGOs and international organisations.

Our research expertise is reflected in our teaching curriculum. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 500 students engaged in learning and research at any one time.

We’re a lively department, with a regular programme of events involving workshops, conferences and collaborations with internal and external partners. We’re also home to the British Journal of Sociology, the UK’s leading publication in the field.

Learn more about our programmes and research.

Your application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

  • academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
  • statement of academic purpose
  • two academic references
  • CV.

See further information on supporting documents.

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.

217
Applications
47
Intake
5:1
2023 Ratio

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home

£23,300

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

Learning and assessment

How you learn

Graduate destinations

Overview

This programme provides an excellent foundation for a variety of academic and non-academic careers, including:

  • Politics and government
  • foreign policy
  • human rights and related campaigning organisations
  • international and domestic human rights NGOs
  • development
  • civil liberties
  • welfare
  • work in specialised human rights agencies.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Median salary of our postgraduate students 15 months after graduating:

£30,000

Top 5 sectors our students work in:

Government, Public Sector and Policy
Education, Teaching and Research
Health and Social Care
NGOs and Charities
Financial and Professional Services
This data is drawn from the 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey, run by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Median salaries are calculated for respondents who are paid in UK pounds sterling and in full-time employment.

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