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.