phd human rights

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Area of Interest Human Rights

Through an extensive range of clinical experiences and courses, Harvard Law School students study, research, and practice human rights law, advocating for clients and working with partners and communities in the U.S. and around the world. No other law school provides students with more opportunities to learn about, and help promote and defend, fundamental human rights, both in times of peace and during armed conflict.

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Clinical Professor of Law

Elizabeth Bartholet

Morris Wasserstein Public Interest Professor of Law, Emeritus

Gabriella Blum

Rita E. Hauser Professor of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Susan H. Farbstein

Tyler giannini, mary ann glendon.

Learned Hand Professor of Law, Emerita

Alan Jenkins

Professor of Practice

Martha L. Minow

300th Anniversary University Professor

Gerald L. Neuman

J. Sinclair Armstrong Professor of International, Foreign, and Comparative Law

Henry J. Steiner

Jeremiah Smith, Jr. Professor of Law, Emeritus

Kristen A. Stilt

Professor of Law

Laurence H. Tribe

Carl M. Loeb University Professor, Emeritus

Lucie E. White

Louis A. Horvitz Professor of Law

Visiting Professors & Lecturers

Arnulf becker lorca.

Visiting Professor of Law

Rebecca Richman Cohen

Lecturer on Law

Lisa Dicker

Bonnie docherty, jessica fjeld, nancy gertner.

Senior Lecturer on Law

Havva Guney-Ruebenacker

Sue hendrickson, baba jallow, ioannis kalpouzos, mary d. lewis.

Harvard University Affiliated Professor

Beatrice Lindstrom

Victor madrigal-borloz.

Henry J. Steiner Visiting Professor in Human Rights

Aminta Ossom

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Human Rights PhD

Key information.

• 1st   in the world for Development Studies   (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Our PhD in Human Rights is radically interdisciplinary, spanning the social sciences and humanities. As a doctoral researcher, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake research in human rights beyond a narrow legal approach. You’ll:

• be co-supervised by faculty with expertise in a wide range of areas, from social sciences to humanities and to law
• benefit from our strong international networks for research and collaboration
• be a part of the doctoral and early career researcher community affiliated with the Centre for Rights and Anti-Colonial Justice , and participate in the research-in-progress seminars and other events of the Centre.

Areas of study

Our areas of expertise and supervision include:

• human rights in international politics and global political economy, including foreign policy
• social movements, including labour, religious, indigenous, anti-colonial and rebel politics
• poverty, exploitation and dispossession
• racism, colonialism, anti-colonial mobilisations and anti-racism
• gender and sexuality
• race, indigeneity and ethnicity
• migration, asylum and refugeehood
• historical and contemporary forms of violence, including genocide and ethnic cleansing
• issues of identity and difference
• globalisation, development and climate change
• regional and global governance, as well as international and non-governmental organisations
• theories and philosophies of human rights, including of protection, obligation, responsibility and remedy
• theories and histories of the human and subject of rights
• business and human rights, including corruption and corporate obligations
• transitional and reparative justice
• ethical theories of human rights
• rule of law and post-conflict reconstruction.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Masters and P h D events

Meet us on campus or online

Book your place

Entry requirements

• UK requirements
• International requirements

Please select your country from the list.

Philippines

Saudi arabia, south africa, south korea, switzerland, united arab emirates, my country is not listed.

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

English language requirements

Ielts (academic).

High level (6.5 overall, including at least 6.0 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.  Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests, cambridge advanced certificate in english (cae).

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

High level (International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 39 in each component)

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson PTE Academic

High level (62 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills)

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

High level 88 overall, including at least 20 Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, 23 in Writing.

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

As/a-level (gce).

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

 Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% 

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt english-speaking countries.

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• The British Overseas Territories
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

• Visas and immigration

Admissions information for applicants

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

• How to apply

If you’d like to join us as a research student, there are two main routes:

• browse funded projects in this subject area
• browse our potential supervisors and propose your own research project.

Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to work on your research full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. For details about part-time study, contact us at [email protected]

PhD or MPhil?

You can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. PhD and MPhil degrees differ in duration and in the extent of your research work.

• For a PhD, your research work makes a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in your chosen field.
• For an MPhil, your work is an independent piece of research but in less depth than for a PhD. You’ll graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy. You might be able to change to a PhD while you study for an MPhil.

Our supervisors

Our faculty have undertaken research and consultancy in a range of human rights fields and regional contexts.

Your primary supervisor will be located in the School of Global Studies . Your secondary supervisor will be drawn from faculty researching human rights in a range of areas at Sussex.  

Dr Stephanie Berry

Senior Lecturer in International Human Rights Law

[email protected]

View profile of Stephanie Berry

Prof Gurminder Bhambra

Professor of Historical Sociology

[email protected]

View profile of Gurminder Bhambra

Dr Lara Montesinos Coleman

Reader in International Relations, Law and Development

[email protected]

View profile of Lara Montesinos Coleman

Dr Matthew Evans

Senior Lecturer in Law

[email protected]

View profile of Matthew Evans

Prof James Fairhead

Professor of Social Anthropology

[email protected]

View profile of James Fairhead

Prof Nuno Ferreira

Professor of Law

[email protected]

View profile of Nuno Ferreira

Dr David Karp

Senior Lecturer In International Relations

[email protected]

View profile of David Karp

Dr Elizabeth Mills

Senior Lecturer in International Development

[email protected]

View profile of Elizabeth Mills

Dr Agathe Mora

Lecturer in Social Anthropology

[email protected]

View profile of Agathe Mora

Prof Louiza Odysseos

Professor of International Relations

[email protected]

View profile of Louiza Odysseos

Dr Ceri Oeppen

Senior Lecturer in Human Geography

[email protected]

View profile of Ceri Oeppen

Prof Darrow Schecter

Professor of Critical Theory and Modern European History

[email protected]

View profile of Darrow Schecter

Dr Charlotte Skeet

[email protected]

View profile of Charlotte Skeet

Dr Bal Sokhi-Bulley

Senior Lecturer in Law and Critical Theory

[email protected]

View profile of Bal Sokhi-Bulley

Prof Maya Unnithan

Professor 0f Social And Medical Anthropology

[email protected]

View profile of Maya Unnithan

Funding and fees

How can i fund my course, funded projects and scholarships.

Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.

£3,000 scholarships available to environmental influencers bringing about real-world behaviour change

Find out more

£800 scholarship available to reward talented organ player studying on any course at Sussex.

Scholarships of £800 are available to reward talented musicians studying on any course at Sussex

Cash scholarships available for students who have demonstrated sporting excellence

University of Sussex Stuart Hall Doctoral Scholarship

Up to 10 scholarships for outstanding PhD students holding China Scholarship Council awards

Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?

If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

Part-time work

We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.

Find out more about careers and employability

How much does it cost?

Fees for self-funding students.

Home students: £4,786 per year for full-time students

Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £4,786 per year for full-time students

International students: £21,500 per year for full-time students

Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page

Additional costs

Note about additional costs.

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life .

Empirical research costs

On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include: - travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities) - a laptop - overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training) - conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation) - laboratory consumables and workshop materials - participant costs - transcription or translation costs - open-access publication costs. If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding. If you're self funded, or if your scholarship doesn’t cover these costs, check with the Research and Enterprise Co-ordinator in your School for details of School or Doctoral School funding that may be available.

• Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

Explore our campus

Experience Sussex life in our virtual tour.

Start your virtual tour

PhD Information Sessions

Visit campus and chat to staff and students. Book your place

Online PhD Sessions

Join a live webchat. Book your place

International

Meet us in your country

Course enquiries

+44 (0)1273 876787

Send us a message

Admissions enquiries

If you haven’t applied yet:

+44 (0)1273 877107 globalresearch@​sussex.ac.uk

Dr Sam Knafo Human Rights PhD Convenor +44 (0)1273  678041 s.knafo@​sussex.ac.uk

Find out about the School of Global Studies

After you’ve applied:

+44 (0)1273 877773 [email protected]

Find out how to apply

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PhD at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies

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Apply now to this course

Undertaking doctoral research allows you to develop in-depth knowledge, while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.

With guidance from our expert supervisors, you'll carry out extensive independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. Broadly speaking the focus of research degrees has increasingly been on the humanities and cognate social sciences, particularly on the subjects of human rights, globalization and development, politics, and Commonwealth history.

This degree presents the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On completing this course, you'll be well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.

The Institute of Commonwealth Studies

The  Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICwS)  is the only postgraduate academic institution in the UK devoted to the study of the Commonwealth. The Institute has been supervising interdisciplinary doctoral degrees for over half a century.

The focus of research degrees has increasingly been on the humanities and cognate social sciences, particularly on the subjects of human rights, globalization and development, politics and Commonwealth history.

You'll pursue academic interests in the friendly and supportive environment of the Institute, where your research will be enhanced by the outstanding libraries of the University of London, including the Institute’s own prestigious collection. The Institute offers a unique scholarly environment and you'll be able to draw on the wide-ranging expertise of our staff. 

The School of Advanced Study

The  School of Advanced Study  at the  University of London  brings together  eight internationally renowned research institutes  to form the UK's national centre for the support of researchers and the promotion of research in the humanities.

Course structure

The degree can be taken full time over three years (or a maximum of four) or part time over five years (or a maximum of six), with entry in either October or January.

You'll initially be registered for our MPhil and then, providing your progress has been satisfactory, be upgraded to our PhD programme.

The primary activity of the PhD programme is the writing of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. There is no formal coursework, but you will be expected to participate in a weekly seminar on Work in Progress and to present a paper every year from your second year onwards. In your first year you are required to attend a weekly class on Techniques of Scholarship. You're also encouraged to participate in the regular seminars held at the Institute during the academic year.

After submission of the thesis, you will attend an oral examination conducted by an internal examiner, from the University of London, and an external examiner, normally from another British university. Graduates are awarded a University of London degree.

Distance Learning

The School of Advanced Study offers students with an appropriate topic and level of local resource the opportunity to undertake a PhD by distance learning. These students are required to attend our London campus at set intervals to complete an intensive research training module, for upgrade, and for the viva but will otherwise study at their own location. This option is available to UK, EU and international students on the same basis as our on-campus PhD programmes (three years full time, six years part time). Fees are the same as for our on-campus PhD programmes. Please note that not all institutes and supervisors offer this option, and that some topics are not appropriate to be studied this way.

If you would like to be considered for our Research Degree programme via Distance Learning, please download and fill out the  Research Degrees by Distance Learning form , to attach to your online application.

Subject areas

The  Institute of Commonwealth Studies  offers doctoral research supervision in the following broad areas:

• Human rights

• Ecocide, environmental destruction and human rights

• Genocide studies

• African politics, governance and development

• International human rights law

• Ethnicity: conflict and accommodation in plural societies

• Protection of refugees

• Minority and Indigenous rights protection

• Dynamics of armed conflict and forced displacement

• Twentieth-century British and Commonwealth History

• Globalisation, security and conflict

• The Commonwealth as an international organisation

• British Imperial history, including decolonization

• European colonialism in comparative perspective

• Post-colonial legacies in the Commonwealth and beyond

• Non-governmental public actors, civil society and development

• British and Commonwealth intelligence communities

Before submitting an application you are advised to contact a member of the Institute's academic staff who has interests in your proposed field of study to discuss your proposal. A list of academic staff and their interests can be found  here .

Supervisors

Dr Corinne Lennox, Co-Director of the Human Rights Consortium

Email  |  Research Profile

Topics :  

• Minority rights protection
• Ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
• Multiculturalism
• Human rights and development and human rights-based approaches to development
• UN human rights mechanisms
• Transnational social mobilisation and norm entrepreneurship
• Indigenous peoples' rights
• Afro-descendants in Latin America
• Dalits and caste-based discrimination
• Roma in Europe

BA (McMaster), MA (Essex), MSc, PhD (LSE)

Research interests include: human rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples; civil society mobilisation; human rights and development; social mobilisation of Afro-descendants in Latin America; Dalits and caste-based discrimination; international relations and human rights; the role of international organisations in the protection of minority and indigenous rights.

Professor Damien Short, Co-Director of the Human Rights Consortium

• Sociological and anthropological approaches to human rights
• Indigenous rights
• Reconciliation initiatives
• Genocide Studies

LLB (University of Wales), MA, PhD (Essex)

Dr Damien Short is Director of the Human Rights Consortium (HRC) and a Reader in Human Rights at the School of Advanced Study. He has spent his entire professional career working in the field of human rights, both as a scholar and human rights advocate.

He has researched and published extensively in the areas of indigenous peoples’ rights, genocide studies, reconciliation projects and environmental human rights. He is currently researching the human rights impacts of extreme energy processes (e.g Tar Sands and Fracking - see our designated HRC website http://extremeenergy.org) . Dr Short is a regular academic contributor to the United Nation’s ‘Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’ and an academic consultant for the ‘Ethical Trade Task Force’ of the Soil Association.

He is also Assistant Editor of the International Journal of Human Rights (Taylor and Francis) and Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Human Rights in the Commonwealth (University of London) and convenor of the British Sociological Association’s Sociology of Rights Study Group and an active member of the International Network of Genocide Scholars.

Dr Short has also worked with a variety of NGOs including Amnesty International, War on Want, Survival International, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs; and with a range of campaign groups including Eradicating Ecocide, Biofuelwatch, Climate Justice Collective and the UK Tar Sands Network.

He currently advises local anti-fracking groups in the UK and county councils on the human rights implications of unconventional (extreme) energy extraction processes such as fracking. 

Dr Bronwen Manby, Lecturer in International Human Rights Law 

• International human rights law
• African region
• Statelessness
• Comparative nationality law
• Legal identity

PhD (Maastricht University)

Dr Bronwen Manby is a part time lecturer in international human rights with the School of Advanced Study in the University of London. In the 2022-23 academic year, Dr Manby was a Jean Monnet Visiting Fellow at the European University Institute in Florence. She is also a senior visiting fellow at the LSE’s Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa, and in 2017-20 she was principal researcher at the LSE Middle East Centre on the project Preventing Statelessness among Migrants in North Africa and their Children. 

Bronwen’s research and writing focus is statelessness, comparative nationality law, and legal identity. Her book Citizenship in Africa: The Law of Belonging analysed the history of nationality laws in Africa, and their relationship with politics, from the colonial era to the present. She has worked closely with UNHCR on its global campaign against statelessness, including writing in-depth reports on different regions of Africa; and has also advised World Bank 'identification for development' initiative. Bronwen has degrees from Oxford and Columbia Universities, is qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales, and previously worked for the Open Society Foundations and the Africa division of Human Rights Watch. She is a board member of the International Lawyers Project and of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion. 

The Institute registers students for MPhil/PhD study only when principal supervision is offered by the staff listed below. It is, however, possible to arrange co-supervision with particular experts in the Colleges of the University of London, and, on occasion, with experts from institutions outside the University of London (e.g. the British Library) when such experts are also Teachers of the University of London.  In cases where it is more appropriate for MPhil/PhD students to be registered at a College of the University, the Institute is happy to offer informal advice.

Opportunities and facilities

The Human Rights Consortium (HRC) at the School of Advanced Study brings together multidisciplinary expertise across a range of areas within human rights, including environmental justice, ecocide and genocide studies, indigenous rights, international refugee law, and securing rights for LGBTI people worldwide. The HRC acts as a national and international collaborative centre to support, promote and disseminate academic and policy work in human rights and hosts a number of seminars and research-led conferences on different themes in human rights throughout the academic year.

How to apply

Before submitting an application you are advised to contact a member of the academic staff who has interests in your proposed field of study to discuss your proposal. A list of academic staff and their interests can be found  here .

Before agreeing to accept you, the School will require you to submit a research proposal, so it is worthwhile having this drafted ahead of a formal application.  Guidelines on drafting your research proposal .

Candidates will normally receive an initial response to their application within 28 working days. Those who have been formally interviewed will normally be informed within one week as to whether they are to be offered a place.

Note : in accordance with regulations research students will be registered for the MPhil degree in the first instance. Upgrading to PhD will be considered in the second year for full-time students and in the third or fourth year for part-time students. 

Contact the Institute

Key information.

The School of Advanced Study is a unique environment in which to study the humanities.  The School strives to reflect the latest developments in thinking across the humanities disciplines it supports and to ensure that its programmes reflect this.   We are also aware that the needs of our students are constantly changing.  With that in mind, the School continually reviews the its programmes and, as part of that process, reserves the right to alter or discontinue them. 

We assure you that we carry out these exercises at no detriment to any enrolled students. Students enrolled on any programme that we discontinue will be able to complete that programme within a reasonable timeframe and with all the necessary resources at their disposal. The School will communicate any anticipated changes with students as early as possible.

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About The Program

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RICEVI LA MINIGUIDA

Human rights, society, and multi-level governance.

The Ph.D Programme in Human Rights, Society and Multi-level Governance is a three-year, interdisciplinary academic programme offered by the University of Padova (Italy). The administrative structure is the Human Rights Centre “Antonio Papisca” of the University of Padova.

PhD graduates gain a multi/interdisciplinary profile in human rights studies, with a major in politics, law, sociology, psychology, economics or philosophy. The programme includes learning, research and training activities, is open to different approaches and methodologies, and has global geographical scope.

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The scientific design of the doctoral programme is characterized by its multi- and inter-disciplinarity. Law, politics, economics and sociology are the main disciplines involved. Both theoretical perspectives and practical analyses will be given relevance in the overall approach.

Research will delve into the areas of human rights concern and will critically assess the effectiveness and consistency of doctrines and practices as well as their impact. Accordingly, the focus is on the global dimension (i.e. the UN and UN family legal frameworks, institutions, policies and practices); the European regional context and its global impact, as well as other regional systems; the national governance structures (possibly with a comparative approach); the local community actors and dynamics (i.e. cities, regions, transboundary territories).

From an psychological and developmental perspective, the research lines, concern how to construct ways to think of the future as life design, decent work, and growth; how contextual barriers, often not very evident, stifle thought, reflection, and future design; attention to approaches and dimensions that shed light on the traps between persons and their rights, to release new energies and promote the construction of inclusive and sustainable projects for the future. Another specific research line will address palliative care and quality of life.

Students will be trained in case-analysis, project setting and problem-solving. They will acquire research skills and analytical competences to address the socio-political challenges posed by the processes of implementation and contextualization of human rights standards and policies.

Doctoral graduates will possess the competence and the skills required for a research and teaching career in Academia, and for research positions in public and private organization. The doctoral degree allows graduates to compete for high-level positions in public and private institutions, including intergovernmental organizations, and to perform operative functions as legal officers, project managers, research and development staff as well as specialized field officers. They will have the skills to advise and assist public and private bodies in implementing complex human rights programmes in areas such as education, communication, cultural mediation, social planning, etc. in the framework of human development, human security and social cohesion strategies

  Curriculum

• Human Rights Protection and Social Justice
• Inclusion and Psychological growth

  Other information

• PhD Programmes Calls and Admissions
• PhD Programmes
• The International PhD guide
• More informations

  Contacts

University of Padova, Human Rights Centre "Antonio Papisca" Address: via Martiri della libertà 2, 35137 Padova, Italy Telephone: +39 049 8271812 E-mail: [email protected]

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Doctoral studies at CAHR

After studying the MA in Applied Human Rights, I was keen to continue in the Centre's PhD programme. The fieldwork experience I gained during the MA visit to Cape Town inspired my PhD's exploration of transitional justice, masculinities and male victimisation. Additionally, it gave me a head-start on the PhD by facilitating links with a network of practitioners. Lucy Harding, MA Student 2009/10; PhD awarded 2015

The Centre has an active research agenda and a growing number of PhD students. We are happy to entertain applications for doctoral studies on a wide range of topics in human rights, particularly on:

• human rights defenders
• human rights practice 
• human rights and development
• legal empowerment
• refugee law and policy
• responsibility to protect
• transitional justice

We particularly encourage applications from individuals with practical experience relating to the topic of their research. In keeping with the international nature of the Centre and its staff, we welcome applications from individuals from around the world. For current supervised topics, please see current PhD student profiles .

Research environment

The Centre, both independently and through its affiliations with the Department of Politics and International Relations and the York Law School , has an active programme of research and seeks to develop research communities on the topics noted above, including for example the inter-departmental Development and Conflict Working Group and York Law School’s Socio-Legal Research group. We regularly programme lectures, workshops and conferences on various human rights issues; we also host the Journal of Human Rights Practice (published by OUP). We view our doctoral students as key participants in the research activities of the Centre and the wider university and practitioner communities in which the Centre locates itself, including the Centre’s visiting human rights defenders . We would expect all of our doctoral students to actively contribute to the research environment of the Centre.

Supervision

For an indication of the range of potential areas of doctoral supervision available please see the research and staff  pages of the Centre. For specific advice on applying and the possibility of supervision please contact the member of academic staff by which you would like to be supervised. Co-supervision is also available with academic staff in other departments and at other research centres.

Programme of study

Having decided to write my MA dissertation on land reform and the right to housing, I chose to pursue my research further by undertaking PhD study, with the rights of landless people in South Africa as the main case study. My supervisor has been very supportive in focusing my topic and in giving advice on the research process. Matthew Evans, MA Student 2009/10; PhD awarded 2013

In their first year of study, doctoral students will receive formal training in research methods conducted in conjunction with the Department of Politics and International Relations and the the York Law School. The training includes regular sessions during term on theory, ethics and methodology. In addition, doctoral students are invited to attend faculty research seminars and other academic events on campus.

The PhD programme does not include any formal course-work. Doctoral students are eligible to audit (or to formally enrol in) any of the postgraduate courses offered by the Centre as part of its MA in Applied Human Rights or its LLM in International Human Rights Law and Practice . Arrangements can also be made with other departments to audit (or enrol in) additional courses.

Progress, Dissertation and Examination

All PhD students are subject to formal reviews of progress. These formal reviews of progress take place at the end of the first year and at the end of the second year (or part-time equivalent). 

Students meet regularly with their supervisor and attend a Thesis Advisory Panel twice a year. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the student's progress, in particular with a view to ensuring that the student's thesis is completed on time.

After completing and submitting their thesis, the student must attend an oral examination. There are usually two examiners, at least one external to the University (in most cases a member of the academic staff of another higher education institution in the UK). If there is an internal examiner, he or she is normally a member of the academic staff of the University other than the candidate’s supervisor.

Full-time PhD students are expected to have completed and submitted their dissertation within 3 years of commencing studies. This deadline is extended to 6 years in the case of part-time students.

The Centre’s staff has consistently made time to talk with me about my work -- as well as any other concerns that arise. My supervisor has been fantastic. He helped me secure full funding for my PhD. He has also provided both academic opportunities and the chance to engage with, and contribute to, human rights practice. Lucy Harding, MA Student 2009/10; PhD awarded 2015

Only students who have applied to and have been accepted into the programme are eligible for consideration for financial assistance. Financial assistance is available both from the university and from external funders. Some opportunities for part-time employment as tutors or lecturers may also be available. We are happy to discuss potential scholarships and other assistance with individuals after an offer of admission has been made. Please be mindful that many scholarships have early application deadlines.

In recent years, the Centre has successfully nominated and advocated on behalf of prospective students for competitively awarded university and ESRC scholarship funding. This funding, in the case of UK students, can cover tuition and provide a basic stipend. Funding for international students through these routes is more limited and generally only covers a relatively small portion of their expenses (usually some of the tuition). In all cases, students seeking funding should apply early in the academic year. Most university and ESRC funding decisions are made by April so in order to be considered a complete application is recommended by the end of January. We are happy to support applications for external funding by prospective students, for example by providing letters of support for this purpose.

WRoCAH studentships  The White Rose College of the Arts & Humanities (WRoCAH) is a Doctoral Training Partnership of the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. It is responsible for the distribution of AHRC-funded studentships for these universities and for the coordination of a doctoral training programme.  WRoCAH is able to offer over 50 AHRC studentships per year to candidates with a place for doctoral study at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield or York. Applicants for an AHRC studentship must have applied for a place of study in an eligible School, Department or Centre and may only apply for funding at one of Leeds, Sheffield or York. The studentship application form and details of how to apply are only available from the WRoCAH website .

Applications and Further Information

We are happy to discuss your interest in doctoral studies with you. Please feel free to contact any of the staff of the Centre, particularly the person(s) who you would be interested in as a supervisor. 

Find out more Current PhD students PhD Alumni Draft dissertation proposal (PDF , 153kb)

After having worked for several years in the protection of refugees and migrants with both NGOs and the UN, I had a desire to reflect and look more deeply into some of the issues encountered on the ground. The CAHR offered me the opportunity to conduct innovative and ethical academic research that considers above all the practical outcome for the people it aims to reach. I am particularly grateful for the support I receive from my supervisors regarding my interdisciplinary approach and the choice to apply a drama-based methodology in working with unaccompanied migrant children in South Africa. Lena Opfermann, PhD student

Centre for Applied Human Rights 6 Innovation Close , University of York , Heslington , York , YO10 5ZF , UK Tel: work +44 (0)1904 325830 | [email protected]

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Global Institute for Human Rights

Legal education programs.

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Summer Certificate Program

May 28-31, 2024   |  11:00am to 3:00pm (et) live, virtual format registration deadline: april 30, 2024.

At a time of profound global challenges, including a revolution in artificial intelligence, a climate crisis, and alleged crimes against humanity in conflict in many parts of the world, the Global Institute trains the next generation of advocates as human rights fact finders. An immersive course of study, this opportunity is aimed at undergraduate students, graduate students, and new career professionals passionate about a career in human rights advocacy, or just looking to enhance their understanding and awareness of the laws, norms, policies, movements, and strategies critical towards addressing the world’s most pressing human rights challenges.

The Global Institute is unique compared to traditional academic studies of human rights, as the focus of this program is to bring working human rights advocates from around the world to the table, allowing them to share their experiences with the next generation of human rights advocates. The Institute identifies human rights as foundational to leadership and the bedrock principles of the human rights agenda as the bulwark of global citizenship. All students who complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Click Here to View a Program Video

Program Highlights

Unique Chance to Learn from Experienced Practitioners in the Field   The Institute brings experienced human rights advocates and practitioners together from around the world to share their experiences with students. Some of this year’s planned presenters include*: • Craig Newmark, Founder of Craig’s List • Catherine Amirfar , Litigation Partner, International Dispute Resolution and Co- Chair of Debevoise and Plimpton Public International Law Group and Past- president of the American Society of International Law • Steve Crown , Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Human Rights, Microsoft Corporation • Radhika Coomaraswamy , Former UN Under Secretary General of the United Nations * presenters are subject to change.   Click Here to View Past Speakers .  Theory Blended with the Examination of Developing Trends in Human Rights This program is designed to increase your understanding of human rights theory through a blend of interactive lectures that explore the most current and pressing human rights issues. Discover How Human Rights Intersect with Other Careers The sessions help to uncover the ways that human rights advocacy can intersect with your career aspirations, whether in law, policy, business, or other fields. A Gateway Towards Becoming an Effective Leader & Advocate for Human Rights The Institute is designed to transform students into the next generation of human rights scholars, practitioners, and leaders. Past students of the Institute have gone on to lead impactful advocacy work in different parts of the world, including Latin America and the Middle East. Others have opted to attend law school, including the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Opportunity to Network with Peers & Fellow Advocates Learn from the shared experiences of fellow students from around the globe and expand your network of human rights advocates leading change both near and far.

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Program Details, Fee, & Registration Deadlines

  Dates/Time

May 28-31, 2024 / 11:00am to 3:00pm (ET)

Live, Virtual (Online)

Zoom Digital Platform

Program Fee

*Program fee includes all lectures and course materials.

A limited amount of financial assistance is also available to qualified candidates. Please visit the section on financial assistance for more information and details.

Registration Deadline

Final Registration Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Last opportunity to register for the program.

Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis until the final deadline, but we encourage everyone interested to apply as early as possible as there are a limited number of spots available in the program.

Payment Information

A $350 deposit is due at registration. Payment for the remaining balance of the program fee (program fee minus the deposit paid) is due by the final registration deadline .

We accept payment by credit card. Other payment methods are available upon request. To arrange a different method of payment or request an extension for submitting the full payment, please contact [email protected] .

Group Pricing

If you are interested in registering a group, we do offer special pricing for groups of four or more (4+) from the same institution. Requests for more information on registering a group can be directed to [email protected] .

Who Should Attend?

The Global Institute is tailored to current undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in human rights, public policy, political office, and global justice. It also welcomes professionals in education, public policy, government, and business who do not have a formal background in human rights. Those in the non-profit sector with an interest in, but limited background with issues involving human rights, are also encouraged to enroll.

Past Speakers and Session Topics

The Global Institute offers students the opportunity to learn from experienced human rights advocates and practitioners from around the world. Click Here to View a Selection of Past Global Institute Speakers.

Human rights issues and topics covered*, included (but are not limited to):

●  Migrant & Refugee Rights ●  Women’s Rights ●  Economic & Social Rights ●  Business and the UN Sustainable Development Goals ●  Access to Justice & Technology ●  LGBTQ Rights ● The Role of the United Nations in Protecting Human Rights

Click Here to View a Sample Program Schedule*

*Schedule and session topics are subject to change.

Financial Assistance

The Institute is offering financial aid to cover the full program fee for two eligible students, as well as a limited amount of financial assistance to cover a portion of the program fee for some qualified applicants. The applicants and level of aid to be awarded will be selected on the basis of two criteria: 1) a statement of need, and 2) the merit and background of the applicant as demonstrated through their online application.

Applicants requesting financial aid should submit a resume/CV and short statement of financial need, in PDF format, to [email protected] . In order to be fully considered, the statement of financial need should only be one or two paragraphs in length, note the desired level of aid (full or partial), and distinctly demonstrate the financial burden in covering the program fees. The deadline for submitting a request is March 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified of financial aid awards by early April 2024.  

Questions about the program, financial aid, or the registration process can be directed to [email protected] .

Penn Carey Law’s Global Institute for Human Rights was a critical step in advancing my passion for human rights and global governance. Equally, the Institute challenged, broadened, and opened my mind to the varied intersections of human rights advocacy in the public, private, and international arenas. Thanks to this program, I know I have been equipped with the tools to be an effective and efficient advocate for human rights, nation-building, and good governance. —2018 Participant, Saint Joseph’s University

Academic Director, Senior Adjunct Professor of Global Leadership, Member-Elect to the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women ( CEDAW), Treaty Body Expert Committee (2023-2026)

Rangita de Silva de Alwis is the Senior Adjunct Professor of Global Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. She is an esteemed women’s human rights scholar and practitioner with over 25 years of experience working globally in over 25 countries. Rangita has worked with a vast network of academic institutions, governments, and non-government entities on women’s human rights law, policy making, and institutional reform.

Rangita de Silva de Alwis podcast — ‘Human Rights in the Time of COVID-19’

Listen to Rangita de Silva de Alwis in conversation with Agnes Callamard , UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions to discuss human rights in the time of COVID-19.

Keep Exploring

Understand GIHR’s impact: read the event recaps and watch content.

2020 event recap

2021 event recap

 Request Program Updates

Please fill out your information to receive updates on the 2024 program and registration. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is committed to protecting your personal information. By completing this form, you agree to receive communications and to allow Penn Carey Law to store your data. Penn Carey Law will never sell your email address or other information to a third party. All communications will include the opportunity to unsubscribe.

UMass Boston

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Human rights is an increasingly important field of study in the United States and around the world.  The United States government must report regularly to UN human rights bodies on its implementation of international human rights law. This includes reporting to the UN Human Rights Council every four years, like all other UN members, as part of the Universal Periodic Review. The US also reports regularly to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Human Rights Committee and the Committee Against Torture.

Beyond these national level endeavors, at the state and local levels dozens of nongovernmental organizations are successfully advocating and organizing to advance health, education and decent work as human rights for all, as well as advocating for the rights of marginalized people across the country. Indeed, over the past two decades, inter-governmental organizations, governments, nongovernmental organizations and social justice activists around the world have adopted human rights frameworks, strategies and tools to advance their missions and their goals. 

At UMass Boston, there are four programs of study in human rights, allowing a student to start in human rights at the undergraduate level and follow through to the PhD with a focus on human rights. There are also options at every level to take a course or two in human rights.

BA with Minor in Human Rights

Human Rights Minor   at the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at the College of Liberal Arts

• Open to students from all disciplines
• Learn about United Nations conventions, transnational advocacy, gender, and postcolonial perspectives
• Both online and on campus courses 
• Contact:  [email protected]

Accelerated 4+1 Master's Program

Accelerated 4 + 1 Master's Program   at the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development

• Open to students starting their undergraduate degree
• Take MA courses as your electives in your junior and senior years
• Leave UMass Boston with a BA and an MA after a total of 5 years
• Contact:  [email protected]

Human Rights Certificate

Human Rights Certificate  at the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development

• Open to graduate students from all disciplines
• Learn about Human Rights Law, Human Rights-based Approaches to Social Justice, Global Health and Human Rights and more

Human Rights Concentration 

Master's Degree with a Concentration in Human Rights   at the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development

• Learn about domestic and international human rights systems and understand human rights in the context of social inclusion/exclusion worldwide
• Both online and on campus courses

PhD Degree with a Concentration in Human Rights   at the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development

• Open to all Master’s level students from all disciplines
• Take core classes for the PhD at the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development paired with a concentration in human rights

Photo by: Miwa Tanabe

Human rights at umass boston.

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UC Davis Graduate Studies

Human rights, about the program, learn more about the program.

Human Rights is a new field, but one that allows us as students and scholars to examine enduring and important questions about suffering, revolution and social change, the destruction of culture, injustice, and power and powerlessness in ways that transcend established disciplines. New forms of knowledge, artistic expression and social criticism are being constituted around Human Rights in ways that are attracting a great deal of scholarly attention. Furthermore, the study of Human Rights has important implications for confirming the relevance of the university to society. The study of Human Rights has achieved the markers of an established field through the formation of dedicated scholarly organizations and academic journals. Endowed chairs, centers and programs in Human Rights have been created at many American and foreign universities.

Program Contact Information

Adam Zientek [email protected]

Program Coordinator Maria Ruby (530) 752-2239 | [email protected]

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Doctoral Studies

Lund University is the only university in Sweden to offer a Phd-programme in the multidisciplinary field of Human Rights. The programme covers four years of full time studies (240 credits). The programme is convened by Human Rights Studies at the Department of History.

The research field integrates historical, philosophical, legal, and political perspectives on the study of human rights, their circumstances, challenges and role in our current times. Current areas of study are state and non-state agency, historiography and conceptualizations of human rights, minority protection, human rights in school curricula and teaching practice, women’s rights, rights and activism, children’s rights, political resistance, and rights discourses in civil society.

Read about our Doctoral students and their projects at our doctoral students .

Eligibility

In order to satisfy the general eligibility requirements for admission to Doctoral studies the applicant must have completed an academic degree on advanced level (one or two year master), or completed courses amounting to 240 Swedish university credits (of which at least 60 credits on advanced level), or equivalent. In order to satisfy the special eligibility requirements for Doctoral studies in Human Rights, two of the applicant’s prior years of study (120 credits) must have clear relevance for the field of human rights studies and for the planned dissertation project. The applicant must also have completed a thesis on master level (at least 15 credits) clearly oriented within the field of human rights.   Read more in our general syllabus .  

Questions about Doctoral studies in Human Rights are answered by Dan-Erik Andersson .  

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Dan-Erik Andersson LUX:A227 E-mail: dan-erik.andersson mrs.lu se

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Human Rights at Harvard

Centers, programs, and initiatives at harvard.

François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health & Human Rights (FXB Center)

Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI)

Harvard Kennedy School Carr Center for Human Rights Policy (Carr Center)

Harvard Law and International Development Society (LIDS)

International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC)

Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR)

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Human Rights courses at Harvard

Funding, Internship, and Research Opportunities at Harvard

Student research and funding opportunities- harvard humanitarian initiative, news from the school.

From public servant to public health student

Exploring the intersection of health, mindfulness, and climate change

Conference aims to help experts foster health equity

Building solidarity to face global injustice

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Global Affairs

Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute

Research grant competition.

The Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute announces the Human Rights Research Grant Competition for graduate students at the University of Connecticut. The objective of the competition is to support and promote research projects on human rights related questions.

2023 Graduate Research Grant Recipients

Catalina Alvarado-Cañuta Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Anthropology

"Healing of Colonial Wounds in Indigenous Peoples through Art"

Historically, indigenous peoples have been victims of multiple human and cultural rights violations. Catalina is working on a dissertation that explores art as a material, spiritual, sensorial, and historical mechanism used to heal colonial wounds and traumas. Catalina´s work explores decolonizing methods and techniques that favor Indigenous rights of self-determination so that Indigenous people themselves tell their stories and seek their own forms of healing centered on the search for balance.

More about Catalina Alvarado-Cañuta

Catalina Alvarado-Cañuta belongs to the Mapuche people of Chile. She studied a Master's degree in Anthropology in Mexico and has studied childbirth care for Mapuche women. Catalina has developed research linked to medical anthropology and intercultural health. Prior to coming to the United States, Catalina worked in public service as a manager of health programs for indigenous populations and as an academic at universities in Chile. Catalina is currently a Fulbright scholar, and is also a member of the University of Connecticut Native and Indigenous Student Network (UNISSN).

Former Recipients

• Sarah Luria PhD Candidate, Neag School of Education "Toward Equity Mindsets: A Tool for Evaluating the Equitable Self"
• Rianka Roy Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Sociology "Mapping Transnational Rights: Indian Tech Workers’ Mobilization in India and the US"
• Madeline Baird Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Anthropology "Ethnographic research on the socio-ecological impact and right to health for migrant peoples ‘in transit’ through Darién, Panamá"
• Asmita Aasaavari PhD Candidate, Department of Sociology "Domestic Workers’ Organizing in India"
• Maria Hall-Faul Ph.D. Candidate, School of Social Work "The Right of Children to an Adequate Standard of Living: TANF in the United States"
• Ashley Walters Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Anthropology "Statelessly United: An Ethnographic Inquiry of Statelessness in the United States"

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all JD, LLM, master's, and doctoral students in all disciplines from any UConn campus
• In any given year, a student may receive either a Graduate Student Research Grant or the Dissertation Research Fellowship, but not both.

How to Apply

Access the application via Microsoft Forms . The application requires the following materials:

• Project Rationale: Please describe your reasoning for undertaking this research project and the impact you believe your project will have on understanding of or policies affecting human rights.
• Impact: Identify the expected contribution your research will make to the field of human rights.
• Methodology: Explain how you will conduct your research. Be explicit in describing the types of methods employed and the advantage of using these particular methods.
• Anticipated budget and budget justification (of up to $2,500). The purpose of the budget narrative is to supplement the information provided in the anticipated budget document to demonstrate you have considered the costs associated with your research. The narrative is different from the spreadsheet in that rather than listing expected costs in dollars, the narrative explains the rationales for these expected costs. (Download the Anticipated Budget and Budget Narrative Template )
• Separate statement from your advisor or supervisor on how the funding will advance your research. The statement should be submitted electronically via https://forms.office.com/r/uNhcjRgDsi .

 Application Deadline for 2024: April 1st

Evaluation of Applications

The proposal should demonstrate overall excellence with a focus on human rights issues, understood broadly. Projects should make a significant contribution to ongoing scholarly, policy, and practice debates in the field of human rights. Priority will be given to applications that evidence human rights coursework and/or prior substantive human rights engagement.

Awards will prioritize primary research activities, including but not limited to: archival research, participant observation, interview, data collection, data set construction, ethnography, textual criticism, digital archiving, and historical preservation. Requests for funding for conference travel and seminar/course tuition (including language or methods training) will also be considered.

All proposals will be reviewed and ranked by a multidisciplinary review committee chaired by the associate director of the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute and comprised of members of the Gladstein Human Rights Committee. The number of grants will depend on the number of applications ranked 'excellent' by the review panel.

Fully Funded PhD Scholarships for International Human Rights Students

Obtaining a PhD qualification requires full determination and without adequate funding it is impossible for many students to obtain a PhD. This article has identified six scholarships which cover the full expenses of a PhD. Some of these scholarships are offered for a variety of disciplines and some are directed specifically towards human rights related degrees.

Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships

The Heinrich Boll Foundation is a German institute which has a variety of core interests, one of which is the upholding of human rights internationally. The institute offers scholarships for study in Germany for up to 1200 undergraduate, masters and PhD candidates from a variety of fields per year. The selection of candidates is a three-stage process including interviews and a final workshop held in Berlin where successful candidates will be chosen. The scholarship provides a monthly living and travel allowance. Candidates wishing to apply for human rights related degrees should provide information stating how their chosen degree aligns with the interests of the Foundation. Applications close at the beginning of March and the end of August each year for the following university cycle.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship is offered to citizens from a list of countries associated with the British Commonwealth for study at a university within the United Kingdom. Funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), there are over 800 scholarships and fellowships offered per year for scholars from different disciplines. The scholarship provides full funding for the selected candidates including full tuition costs, flights to the United Kingdom, a living allowance, as well as covering any research and examination costs that may occur. Commonwealth scholarships are awarded competitively based on merit and the closing date for applications is mid-November annually.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Award is a United States government initiative that supports foreign students from various disciplines to study at universities in the USA. Around 4000 students receive this scholarship per year from over 150 different countries. The Fulbright offers comprehensive funding covering tuition, return flights to the US, a living allowance as well as health insurance. Once successfully chosen, candidates will receive funding for the entire duration of their degree. The deadline for application varies and candidates should check for the specific course or university they wish to attend.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is funded by the Canadian government and aims to attract world-class researchers undertaking their doctoral studies at Canadian universities. The scholarship is open to applications from Canadian citizens as well as foreign students. Students from a variety of disciplines can apply with human rights related degrees falling under the ‘social sciences and/or humanities’ program. The award is worth $ 50,000 per year of study, thus covering students’ tuition and living needs. In order to be eligible for this award, candidates should first be nominated by the university they wish to attend. Internal university applications should be checked individually and nominations submitted to the Vanier board by 1 st November annually.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship

This Foundation offers scholarships specifically for doctoral candidates in the field of humanities and the social sciences to study at a Canadian university. There are up to 15 scholarships available for both Canadian citizens and foreign students. ‘Human rights and dignity’ is highlighted as a specific theme of interest to this foundation. The scholarship provides $40,000 per year for three years with an additional $20,000 per year available for research and travel allowance. The selection process involves a final interview which takes place in Montreal. Applications open on September 1 st and the deadline for submission is the 8 th of December.

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About the author, margaret lebron.

Margaret Lebron is an academic, performer, and social justice worker based in Chicago, IL. She has a PhD in Performance Studies from Northwestern University where she studied theater groups that worked with military veterans. She has also worked in nonprofit theater and housing justice organizations across the United States.