Overview
The MA in Human Rights is a postgraduate degree program that delves into the principles, history, and contemporary challenges of human rights globally. It equips students with critical analytical skills to understand and address human rights violations and promote justice.
Quick Highlights
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Level | Masters Degree |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's Degree in any discipline (or equivalent) |
| Entrance Exam | University specific entrance exams, CUET (PG) is becoming common |
| Avg Fees | INR 20,000 - 1,50,000 per year |
| Sarkari Jobs | Available |
Why Study This Course?
Market Demand:
Moderate/10
- Develop expertise in international human rights law and policy.
- Gain critical thinking and advocacy skills for social justice.
- Contribute to a more equitable and just society.
- Open doors to roles in NGOs, international organizations, and government.
Who should study?
This course is ideal for individuals passionate about social justice, international law, public policy, and humanitarian work. It suits graduates from diverse backgrounds like Arts, Law, Social Sciences, and Journalism who wish to specialize in human rights advocacy, research, or policy development.
Eligibility & Admission
Minimum Qualification:
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline (or equivalent) with a minimum aggregate score of 50-55% (varies by university).
Entrance Exams
| Exam Name |
Conducting Body |
| CUET (PG) |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| University Specific Entrance Exams |
Various Universities |
Top Institutes
Selection Criteria:
Merit-based admission through entrance exams (university-specific or CUET PG), followed by a Personal Interview (PI) or Group Discussion (GD) in some cases.
Government Hubs
| Government Institutes |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi |
| Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai |
| University of Delhi (DU), Delhi |
| Central University of Gujarat (CUG), Gandhinagar |
Notable Private Hubs
| Government Institutes |
| Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) |
| Christ University, Bangalore |
| Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune (through various institutes) |
| O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonepat |
Top Cities Offering This Course
Delhi
Mumbai
Bangalore
Pune
Gandhinagar
Hyderabad
Career Opportunities
Private Sector Scope
Top Industries: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs),
International Organizations (UN agencies, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch),
Legal Aid Societies,
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) departments,
Research Institutions,
Media houses (human rights reporting)
| Job Role | Approx. Salary (INR) Monthly |
| Human Rights Advocate/Counsellor | 30,000 - 60,000 |
| NGO Program Officer | 35,000 - 70,000 |
| Research Analyst | 30,000 - 55,000 |
| International Aid Worker | 45,000 - 80,000+ |
| CSR Executive | 40,000 - 75,000 |
Government Sector Jobs
Graduates are eligible for exams conducted by:
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC),
State Human Rights Commissions,
Ministry of External Affairs,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
NITI Aayog,
Law Commission of India,
Judiciary (through LLM or civil services)
| Job Role | Approx. Salary (INR) Monthly |
| Human Rights Officer | 40,000 - 70,000 |
| Research Assistant (NHRC/SHRC) | 30,000 - 50,000 |
| Programme Officer (Govt. Schemes) | 35,000 - 60,000 |
| Assistant Professor (Sociology/Political Science with HR focus) | 50,000 - 80,000 |
IndCareer Editorial Take
Ideal Candidate:
A candidate with a strong sense of ethical responsibility, excellent communication skills, analytical thinking, empathy, and a commitment to justice and fairness.
Critical Checks before Admission:
- Verify the curriculum's relevance to current global and Indian human rights issues.
- Check for internship and placement support from the institution.
- Research faculty expertise and their contributions to the field.
- Understand the specific admission criteria and weightage of entrance exams vs. interview.
Common Misconceptions:
That this course is purely academic and does not lead to practical careers. The field offers numerous opportunities in advocacy, policy, and grassroots work.
State-Specific Note:
Many states now have State Human Rights Commissions, creating localized job opportunities. Legal aid societies are also gaining prominence across India.
Content Accuracy: This content is
curated by experts and verified against current educational standards. While we strive for
accuracy, fees and admission criteria may vary by institute. Please verify with official
sources.
