Bachelor in Human Rights

The Human Rights Program provides you with an understanding of what human rights are and how they are interpreted and utilized legally, politically, and philosophically, as well as how the development of human rights is a result of ongoing global transformations.

Human rights are grounded in the belief that all people are born free and are of equal moral worth, and should therefore have equal access to rights. But how are human rights implemented, enforced, and monitored? Are some rights more important than others, and how can conflicts concerning human rights be addressed and resolved? Throughout your studies, you will deeply engage yourself with questions like these.

After graduation, you will be equipped to navigate legal, political, or ethical issues within the realm of human rights. You will also have the opportunity to pursue master's studies.

Why study human rights?

The issue of human rights remains persistently relevant in our contemporary world marked by significant global challenges. By studying the importance, history, interpretation, and implementation of human rights, you will develop a deeper understanding of current events and public debates – including issues that can be traced back to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In this program, you will examine the local and international significance of human rights and the role they play within public authorities, organizations, and businesses. You will also gain insight into the role of human rights within the context of democracies and oppressive regimes.

Human Rights at Malmö University

This three-year bachelor's program offers a profound understanding of human rights and how they affect and are affected by the world we live in. With its multi-disciplinary approach, the program explores human rights through three overarching perspectives:

Law

What are human rights from a legal perspective, and how has international law shaped human rights? Who is responsible for protecting human rights and what happens if they are violated? We will look at international human rights law – how human rights are regulated and protected.

Politics

How are international communities and governments addressing human rights? How are human rights situated within the context of power dynamics, oppression, and resistance, historically and today? You will discuss these issues from sociological and political perspectives.

Philosophy

What is the significance of human rights, and why should we have them in the first place? What are human rights ultimately based on, morally and philosophically, and what does that imply for the question of which rights we should have? Is the current human rights framework too extensive, or ought we perhaps to add additional rights that do not currently exist?

Elective possibilities

During the program, you can choose to pursue an internship, study abroad, or take elective courses. This provides you with the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and gain practical experience in human rights work, as well as the chance to develop relationships and networks with people and organizations working with human rights.

Malmö University strives to be part of society at every level. Whether that is regional, nationally or globally, its focus is making the world a better and fairer place.

We have a mission to be an active hub for research, education and innovation. Our research is often multidisciplinary and pursued in collaboration with partners from outside of the university.

Why choose Malmö University?

Malmö University is...

Collaborative

Offers high-quality education where teachers and students work closely together, and undergraduates are seen as important contributors to the learning process.

Entrepreneurial

Promotes an entrepreneurial and innovative learning environment that influences and is influenced by the education and research at Malmö University.

Multidisciplinary

Boasts multidisciplinary programmes whereby students learn from different faculties, crucially important in an increasingly complex job market.

Diverse

Truly international classrooms where around a third of students have an international background – invaluable for students who are looking for a global career.

Big, but not too big!

The ninth largest higher educational institution in Sweden, with 24,000 students.

Global

Students have the opportunity to study abroad. We have agreements with approximately 250 universities around the world.

Convenient

Copenhagen international airport Kastrup (Denmark) is only 20 minutes away by train, and Copenhagen city 30 minutes away. Network links from here can take you by train throughout Europe and by plane, anywhere in the world!