Politics with Human Rights

The Politics with Human Rights undergraduate program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and practices, with a specialized focus on human rights issues across the globe. This degree combines core political science modules with dedicated courses in human rights, allowing students to explore topics such as human rights law, international organizations, social justice, and conflict resolution. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and research competence, preparing graduates to engage effectively with contemporary political challenges.

Throughout your studies, you will have opportunities to learn about political ideologies, government structures, policy-making processes, and the role of international actors. The human rights component enriches this learning by examining the legal and ethical frameworks that protect fundamental freedoms and advocate for marginalized groups. You will explore case studies from different regions, analyze the effectiveness of international human rights mechanisms, and develop skills in advocacy and policy analysis.

The programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical projects, fostering an interactive learning environment. Students benefit from the expertise of academic staff who are active researchers and practitioners in the field of politics and human rights. The university’s strong links with international organizations, NGOs, and policymakers provide valuable networking and internship opportunities.

Designed for students passionate about promoting social justice and understanding the complexities of global political issues, the degree prepares graduates for careers in governmental and non-governmental organizations, international agencies, journalism, policy analysis, and more. The program may also serve as a stepping stone for further study or research in political science, human rights law, or international relations. With a focus on both theory and practice, the Politics with Human Rights degree ensures you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to positive social change worldwide.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our course are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you have 60 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional modules. For BA Politics with Human Rights, your optional modules can be chosen from across the faculty in first year and from within the Department of Government in your second and third year. There is a great deal of choice for these optional modules due to the extensive range of modules offered by our departments.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. During your second year you will have 90 credits of compulsory modules and you will take a further 30 credits of optional modules. In your final year you will have 30 credits of compulsory modules and 90 credits of optional modules.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Foundations of Human Rights;
Introduction to Politics;
Introduction to International Relations (recommended); and
one option (The Enlightenment is recommended)

Year 2

Issues and Methods in Human Rights;
Introduction to Political Theory;
Political Analysis; and
one politics option

Year 3

Human Rights Colloquium; and
three politics options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: AAB-ABB
• GCSE English: C or above or equivalent
• GCSE Maths: C or above or equivalent
• IB: 33-32 points, including Standard Mathematics grade 4, if not taken at Higher Level (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Politics with Human Rights program at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, human rights issues, and international relations. This interdisciplinary course combines core political science theories with a focus on human rights challenges across the globe. Students engage with topics such as governance, democracy, political ideologies, international organizations, conflict resolution, and social justice. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis and encourages students to develop a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between politics and human rights.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to study key areas including comparative politics, political theory, international politics, and human rights law. The course is designed to prepare graduates for careers in international organizations, NGOs, policy analysis, human rights advocacy, diplomatic services, or further academic research. The program benefits from the university’s strong links with international institutions, providing students with valuable internship opportunities, guest lectures, and networking events.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, group projects, and independent research. The program also emphasizes practical skills such as policy analysis, ethical reasoning, and effective communication. Students are encouraged to develop a global perspective, understanding the cultural, social, economic, and political factors influencing human rights issues worldwide. The university’s research centers, such as the Human Rights Clinic and the Centre for Politics, offers additional platforms for student engagement and research activities.

The duration of the program is typically three years for full-time study, with options for part-time study. Entry requirements usually include a good secondary education with relevant qualifications, and often prefer students with an interest in social sciences, politics, or international relations. The University of Essex aims to foster an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, supporting students through academic guidance and career development services.

Graduates of Politics with Human Rights are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees or enter professional fields where understanding international policy, legal frameworks, and human rights are essential. The program’s focus on critical thinking, research skills, and real-world application ensures graduates are equipped to contribute effectively to efforts promoting social justice and human dignity globally.