Human rights are predicated upon the belief that every human being deserves to be treated with equal dignity, and that every person has inherent value. But how do we move towards these goals? In this collaborative, interdisciplinary degree program, you will investigate how we fulfill these ideals, but also how we failed to do so in different times and places.
In Human Rights Studies, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the growing field of human rights, examining historical and modern struggles for rights protection. Learn about and critique the effectiveness of legal, diplomatic, and political efforts to protect these rights. You will gain the knowledge you need to be able to advocate for human rights around the world!
Expand your options with a double major.
Program Options
| Area of Study | Honours Specialization | Specialization | Major | Minor | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUMAN RIGHTS STUDIES |
Money Matters
Scholarships/Awards
Investigate the generous unlimited and guaranteed entrance scholarships King's offers to domestic and international high school students.
Residence
Explore your options for on-campus accommodations – they're guaranteed for first-year students who apply before June 2.
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of Human Rights Studies can find careers in the following fields:
- Law
- Education
- Government and public service
- Journalism
- Policy
- Law enforcement
- Business
- Academia
What People Are Saying
Choosing King's meant entering a community that challenged me to turn ideas into action. Leading on Students Council, participating in experiential learning delegations to Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, and completing hands-on internships, transformed an initial interest in social justice into my life's defining passion. Ultimately, my experience at King's shaped the worldview that continues to guide my life today. As I advocate for human rights at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, I rely directly on the foundation King's provided to make a global impact.
Studying at King's gave me a strong academic foundation and an environment where I was encouraged to ask hard questions, challenge ideas, and think critically about the forces shaping our world. King's helped shape my values and sense of purpose. Through mentorship from my professors, I developed a deeper appreciation for human rights, social justice, and listening to diverse perspectives.
Meet Our Faculty - History
Dr. Adam Bohnet
Interim Chair, History
Dr. Stephanie Bangarth
Professor
Dr. Graham Broad
Interim Associate Dean of Research & Professor, HIstory
Dr. Alison Meek
Associate Professor
Dr. Nicolas Virtue
Associate Professor
Dr. Lawrence Burns
Lecturer
Dr. Oleksa Drachewych
Lecturer
Dr. Dorotea Gucciardo
Lecturer
Dr. Frances Henry
Lecturer
Dr. Pietro Pirani
Lecturer
Dr. Mark Sholdice
Lecturer
Dr. Brennan Vogel
Lecturer
Dr. Ruth Compton Brouwer
Professor Emerita
Dr. Desmond Dutrizac
Professor Emeritus
Prof. Eric Jarvis
Professor Emeritus
Dr. Gerald Killan
Professor Emeritus
