Master of Human Rights (MHR)

Program Overview

The University of Manitoba's Master of Human Rights (MHR) program combines theory and practice, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values to analyze, advocate for, and research human rights issues. Through coursework, a practicum, or a thesis, students gain a comprehensive understanding of human rights law, policy, and advocacy, preparing them for careers in human rights advocacy, policy development, research, and education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The University of Manitoba's Master of Human Rights (MHR) program merges human rights theory with practice, educating students in human rights law and policy to drive change through advocacy and research. The program's curriculum is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the legal and practical aspects of human rights protection and promotion.
• Objectives:
Upon completing the MHR program, graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to:
• Analyze and critique human rights issues from interdisciplinary perspectives, employing a comprehensive understanding of human rights law, theory, and practice.
• Apply human rights principles to real-world situations, utilizing research, advocacy, and policy analysis to address human rights challenges.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society organizations, and community groups, to promote human rights and social justice.
• Conduct independent research on human rights topics, contributing to the body of knowledge in the field.
• Pursue careers in human rights advocacy, policy development, research, and education, making a meaningful impact on the protection and promotion of human rights globally.
• Program Description:
The MHR program offers two streams of study:
• Practicum Stream:
This 16-month stream combines coursework with a practicum placement at a leading local or international human rights organization. Students gain hands-on experience applying their knowledge and skills to real-world human rights issues.
• Thesis Stream:
This 16-24 month stream focuses on research and culminates in a master's thesis. Students conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member, making a significant contribution to the field of human rights.

Outline:

• Content:
The MHR program's curriculum covers a wide range of human rights topics, including:
• International human rights law
• Human rights theory and ethics
• Human rights advocacy
• Human rights research methods
• Human rights policy analysis
• Contemporary human rights issues, such as climate change, migration, and technology
• Structure:
The program requires the completion of 18 credit hours of coursework, as well as a practicum or thesis. Students can choose from a variety of elective courses to tailor their program to their interests and career goals.
• Course Schedule:
The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students typically complete the program in 16 months, while part-time students can take up to three years to complete the program.
• Modules:
The program's core modules include:
• Human Rights Law and Theory:
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the international human rights system, including the major human rights treaties and their implementation mechanisms.
• Human Rights Advocacy:
This module explores the strategies and techniques used to advocate for human rights, both at the national and international levels.
• Human Rights Research Methods:
This module provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct independent research on human rights topics.
• Human Rights Policy Analysis:
This module examines the role of policy analysis in promoting human rights, and provides students with the skills to analyze and critique human rights policies.
• Practicum:
This module provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a human rights organization.
• Thesis:
This module requires students to conduct original research on a human rights topic, culminating in a master's thesis.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
Students' progress in the MHR program is assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Essays
• Research papers
• Presentations
• Practicum reports
• Thesis
• Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their:
• Knowledge and understanding of human rights law and theory
• Ability to apply human rights principles to real-world situations
• Research and analytical skills
• Communication and presentation skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
The MHR program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Field trips
• Guest lectures
• Faculty:
The MHR program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in human rights law, theory, and practice. The faculty includes:
• Professor James Anaya, Former UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Professor Abdelwahab Biad, Director of the Clara Thomas Archives and Research Centre
• Professor Rebecca Johnson, Canada Research Chair in Global Governance and Security
• Unique Approaches:
The MHR program offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
• Experiential Learning:
Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in human rights organizations through the practicum stream.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
The program collaborates with other disciplines at the University of Manitoba, such as law, political science, and social work, to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human rights.
• Research-Informed Teaching:
The program's faculty members are actively engaged in research, and their teaching is informed by their latest research findings.

Careers:

• Career Paths:
Graduates of the MHR program pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including:
• Human rights advocacy
• Policy development
• Research
• Education
• Government
• International organizations
• Opportunities:
The MHR program provides students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the field of human rights. Graduates have gone on to work for organizations such as:
• Amnesty International
• Human Rights Watch
• The United Nations
• The Canadian Human Rights Commission
• The Manitoba Human Rights Commission
• The Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba