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Human Rights & International Politics MRes

This ESRC-recognised research-training programme: the MRes in Human Rights & International Politics; gives you a broad and rigorous grounding in the study and methodologies of one of the most salient and pressing issues in the contemporary world: the place of individual human rights in a system of international relations in which states' rights have traditionally been paramount.

  • If you want to pursue a research-intensive career or doctoral studies, including under the ESRC 1+3 scheme, then this ESRC-recognised research-training programme is designed for you.
  • The degree is genuinely interdisciplinary in content and structure, and is designed to ensure that you will encounter both legal and political perspectives. You can choose to focus on one domain more than the other.
  • The MRes covers the same subject-specific material as the MSc in Human Rights & International Politics  and also provides additional advanced training in social research methods – ideal if you wish to pursue a PhD or a career in social research. The research training is delivered by the College of Social Sciences so you benefit from teaching by experts in particular methods.
  • The MRes draws on recognised expertise in international institutions, security, gender, political philosophy, theories of rights, and ethics and normative theory, as well as a wide variety of country and regional expertise.
  • You will also benefit from the course offerings of the highly successful taught Master's course in International Relations, the new postgraduate taught programme in Global Security, and postgraduate teaching offered by the University's School of Law on topics including international law and human rights, globalisation, and international economic, environmental, and criminal law, as well as other subjects in the School of Social & Political Sciences and Development Studies.
  • You will be offered the opportunity to participate in a 5-day study trip to Geneva to visit the UN and non-governmental human rights organisations.
  • You will benefit from access to a number of organisations within and beyond the University, including the Glasgow Human Rights Network; The Glasgow Refugee, Asylum & Migration Network; The Glasgow Centre for International Development; and the annual International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival.  

Programme overview

  • MRes: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

You will attend lectures, seminars and tutorials and take part in project and team work and an international study trip.

Core courses

  • Critical perspectives on human rights (Politics)
  • Fundamentals of international law (Law)
  • Human rights and global politics (Politics)
  • Qualitative research methods 
  • Social science statistics.

Optional courses (one chosen)

  • Challenges in international politics
  • China's international politics
  • Comparative European politics
  • Ethics in global politics
  • EU in international politics and development
  • Foreign policy of the United States
  • Globalisation and European integration
  • Internet and civil society
  • Media and democracy.

Note: Some courses might not be available every year. You may also be able to choose from courses in the other subjects in the School of Social & Political Sciences and the School of Law.

Dissertation

The dissertation, written during the final phase of the programme, is your opportunity to explore your own specialist interest in human rights and international politics and to demonstrate the research and writing skills you have developed.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include positions in higher education, government/foreign ministry, intergovernmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and think tanks.

Further information: Dr Mo Hume
email: Mo.Hume@glasgow.ac.uk

Academic entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements are an honours degree at the 2.1/upper second class level or higher or equivalent (e.g. B/3.0 GPA in the undergraduate degree) in politics, law or related social science subject.

We will consider applications from graduates from other fields, but the applicant should submit a statement indicating why they are interested in changing fields or the connection to their previous study. We will also take relevant work experience into account.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

Further information regarding academic entry requirements: student.recruitment@glasgow.ac.uk

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

  • overall score 6.5
  • no sub-test less than 6.0
  • or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
     

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

  • ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
  • CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
  • CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
  • PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

FAQs

What do I do if...

my language qualifications are below the requirements?

The University's Language Centre offers a range of Pre-Sessional Courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching; see Links.

my language qualifications are not listed here?

Please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

my academic qualifications are below the requirements?

Glasgow International College offers Foundation courses to upgrade your academic qualifications.

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

For 2013-14

MRes

Home and EU
Full time fee£5000
Part time 20 credits£550
International
Full time fee£13000