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Sepo-maimouna Sitali (2021-22)
Prior to beginning my studies in February 2019, I had hoped to find an international distance learning MA programme that would be flexible yet intense. I knew I wanted to focus on human rights but coming across the MA offered by School of Advanced Study was a complete confirmation of my pursuit. The online learning experience has been positive all around with timely support from the faculty especially in terms of long term career development . In my final two elective modules this past semester, my advancing profile has secured me four interviews at an NGO, two colleges, and a private company. I strongly attribute this to the detailed practicality of the MA.

Atiq Sayed (2020-21)
As a social worker with two decades of experience with the UK authorities, the UN and humanitarian sector, I always felt the need for a top-up of my qualification. After an extensive research and consultation with my former UN colleagues in the field, my choice was narrowed down to MA in Human Rights. Human Rights is helping me a great deal in my social work role and in my work with unaccompanied children. I chose School of Advanced Study among 4 universities because of the flexible structure, the choice of modules and the very supportive virtual learning environment it offers. After completing 5 modules, I am so pleased I have chosen this course and SAS; I have a very different understanding of human rights and a good insight to the issues and solutions. My studies work well with my full time work

Bongani Nyathi (2020-21)
Enrolling at the University of London for a Master of Arts in Human Rights Course has been a humbling, fulfilling and intellectually enriching experience. Admittedly, through this course, I have gained a sound theoretical as well as the practical aspect of human rights, which knowledge has sharpened my insight and understanding of the dynamics underpinning the struggle for the perpetuation of human rights. The course has broadened my mental horizon, through imparting technical and hands-on skills in respect to fighting for and entrenching human rights.  As a human rights defender, this course has awakened me to the reality that human rights activism is not only about being endowed with, iron will, courage, sacrifice and indomitable energy but entails strategy, tact, networking and a nuanced discernment of the subtleties attending to human rights. I am now better equipped to understand that our local efforts and struggles for human rights are a microcosm of and are interlinked with broader struggles for human rights all over the world. I have been inspired and galvanized by the struggles, tactics, strategies, and resilience of human rights defenders from across the globe. I should confess that enrolling at this institution has been infinitely rewarding to me.  

Victoria de Mello (2020-21)
I had decided to enrol in the MA Human Rights after working in the international development field for five years. The programme has enhanced my professional skills, but most importantly, my confidence. Engaging in academic writing using my second language was a challenge that I am glad I have faced. I chose to enrol after having some years of experience in the field – I was able to tailor my learning experience to my field of practice to expand my advocacy skills then, and understand international human rights mechanisms that I am using in my everyday work. Distance learning while working full time was not easy, but is absolutely manageable. This experience has sparked my interest and curiosity, and I am thinking of pursuing a Doctoral degree later on. 

Hannah Matthews (2012-13)
The MA in Understanding and Securing Human Rights far surpassed my expectations.  Every lecture and seminar was on a different but no less fascinating theme and the tutors were clear, engaging and knowledgeable.  I dipped into so many areas that I never realised I would be interested in and honed down on Human Rights in Latin America, specifically Colombia where I am now working.  I feel the course gave me a great overview of important issues and theories and demonstrated how they interconnect.  I now feel much better equipped to enter the world of human rights and excited to see how what we have learnt plays out in reality.

Georgia Booth (2012-13)
This MA was invaluable to me - the lecturers, guest speakers (and subsequent exposure to so many organisations), Geneva trip, evening events and other students from such varied background all made this course interesting, challenging and just so worthwhile. I enjoyed every minute and still feel part of network and I really believe this course was instrumental in my being offered a job shortly after graduating.

Tanja Venisnik (2012-13)
Having a background in law, I had some grasp of human rights issues before joining the course, however, the programme armed me with substantial additional theoretical and practical understanding of international human rights law, human rights theory, advocacy and research. It enabled me to seize very interesting job opportunities and to engage with human rights issues with confidence. The course ultimately played an important role in enabling me to shift my career and become a practicing human rights professional.

Denis Flavius (2011-12)
The multidisciplinary nature of the MA allowed me to gain insight into the various career paths I could follow while still having an impact on the human rights field. The Securing Human Rights module’s funding proposal project contributed significantly to my decision to focus on development and fundraising for important causes. I appreciated my work on the funding proposal/presentation and with my project having been focused on LGBT advocacy; it is rather gratifying that I am now employed in this field.  In addition to enjoying my work on the funding proposal and the entire MA, I gained a new found appreciation for grant writing to support human rights efforts and discovered talents that I otherwise wouldn’t have known existed. I am forever grateful to the MA for helping to inspire my career.

Louise Cripps (2009-10)
Four years on and I am still so glad and grateful for having made the decision to do the MA in Human Right at SAS. Not only did I learn so much through the course, practical skills and the invaluable experience from the Internship. But the network of support that still exists has really been invaluable. I still receive emails with job adverts, and it’s so wonderful to have so many former classmates and friends working for such a diverse mix of organisation, here in London and across the world. I can't recommend the course enough for those who want to learn more amount human rights issues and prepare for a career in the third sector.

Angela Huddlestone (2009-10)
The MA in Human Rights was an immense benefit to all of the work that I have been doing since 2010, particularly due its inter-disciplinary focus. Theoretical and legal knowledge provided me with a solid foundation of concepts, principles, and laws that I have been able to apply in my work in Turkey, Kenya and Haiti. The practical module, which was what initially attracted me to the MA, was particularly useful in improving my skills and abilities in fundraising, project cycle management, advocacy and the rights-based approach to development. Practical understanding of all of these topics has been essential to any success I have had in my work with humanitarian and development agencies.