Politics and International Relations (Conflict, Rights and Justice)

MSc Politics and International Relations (Conflict, Rights and Justice) applicants should apply for MSc Politics and International Relations but can decide to follow the Conflict, Rights and Justice pathway upon arrival by choosing the pathway’s required combination of modules.

The Conflict, Rights and Justice pathway is designed for students working, or intending to work, in the field of rights, humanitarian assistance, and transitional justice. It considers the future of global human rights in a world where, many claim, the influence of the West is declining.

It asks critical questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms and humanitarian intervention. Students on this pathway also participate in the activities of the SOAS Centre on Conflict, Rights and Justice, including closed and public seminars, workshops, expert briefings and professional trainings, a student-led blog, regular social events, and the Centre’s key internship scheme (for a small group selected through a competitive application process).

The MSc Politics and International Studies is designed to train students in research skills to the level prescribed by the ESRC's research training guidelines. As a result, students are eligible for ESRC funding if they plan to study for our MSc degree followed by a PhD in our department.

Why study MSc Politics and International Relations (Conflict, Rights and Justice) at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 5th in the UK and 16th worldwide for Politics (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• We're ranked 3rd in the world for Academic Reputation in Politics (QS World University Rankings 2026).
• SOAS is unique - our global student body, multi-disciplinary approach, critical and questioning attitude contribute to a vibrant learning environment that stretches students beyond the focus on basic ‘skills training’.
• Eligibility for ESRC funding for students who want to follow their MSc degree with a PhD.

Study Tours

All postgraduate students can take part in our Study Tours and explore the world. Destinations include New Delhi, Lahore, Seoul, Luang Prabang, Almaty, Bishkek, Kigali, Johannesburg, and Doha. For more information, see our Study Tours page