Human Rights in the Global World: Agents, Indicators, and Institutions

Course Overview

The historiography of human rights is a dynamic field with ongoing ideological and conceptual debates. This course offers a critical analysis of political and philosophical perspectives on human rights in modern times. The focus is on current trends in philosophy and historiography, examining how the understanding and language of human rights have evolved over time and how this affects our current use and understanding of them.

Course Details

• Level: Master's
• Language: English
• Place of study: Lund
• Course code: MRSM12
• Credits: 15

Course Description

In this course, you critically analyse the political and philosophical history of human rights in modern times. The focus is on current trends in philosophy and historiography, examining how the understanding and language of human rights have evolved over time and how this affects our current use and understanding of them. You will study the formation of concepts and ideas about the role of human rights in political and philosophical history. You will also debate various methods of legitimisation, authorisation, and critique of human rights and study original texts of central importance. In addition, you will analyse how human rights have been legitimised and justified throughout history and explore how both the understanding and language of human rights have changed over time.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching methods include lectures and seminars where you engage with current trends in philosophy and historiography.

After the Course

The course can normally be included in a first or second cycle degree. If you want to continue studying human rights, you can take stand-alone courses in Human Rights Studies up to 60 credits.

Dates

Autumn Semester 2026

• Start: 31 August 2026
• End: 1 November 2026
• Form: Normal learning
• Pace: Full time
• Language: English
• City: Lund

Requirements and Selection

Prerequisites

• A first-cycle exam in the humanities or social sciences, with a bachelor thesis oriented towards human rights studies.
• English 6/English B.

Selection Criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100%.

Tuition Fees

Tuition Fees for Non-EU/EEA Citizens

Citizens of countries outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees.

• Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 33,750
• First payment: SEK 33,750

No Tuition Fees for Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

Lund University

---

Overview:

Lund University is a renowned international university located in Sweden. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees, exchange programs, and doctoral studies. The university is known for its strong research and innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration and excellence.

---

Services Offered:

Lund University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Student services and support:

This includes assistance with IT resources, literature and libraries, study skills, language and academic writing, examination, study guidance and career, grades, credits and certificates, and more.

International Desk:

Offers support for international students.

Student Health Centre:

Provides healthcare services to students.

International opportunities:

Offers exchange programs, traineeships, fieldwork opportunities, summer courses, and grants and scholarships for students seeking international experiences.

Financial matters:

Provides information on tuition payments, banking in Sweden, and scholarships for current students.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lund University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students.

Lund as a student city:

The city of Lund is known for its rich history, cultural activities, and student-friendly atmosphere.

Student organizations:

Students can participate in various student nations, the Academic Society, student unions, and associations.

Sport and exercise:

The university offers opportunities for sports and exercise.

Cultural activities:

Students can engage in a variety of cultural activities.

Faith and spirituality:

The university provides support for students' faith and spirituality.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

International reputation:

Lund University is highly ranked internationally and recognized for its academic excellence.

Diverse academic programs:

Offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines.

Strong research and innovation:

Provides opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

Vibrant student life:

Offers a lively and supportive campus community.

Beautiful and historic location:

Located in the charming city of Lund, with a rich history and cultural heritage.

---

Academic Programs:

Bachelor's and Master's studies:

Offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's degree programs in various subject areas, including architecture and design, area studies, business, economics and management, engineering and technology, environment and sustainability, fine and performing arts, humanities and languages, law, medicine and health, science, service management, and social sciences.

Exchange and study abroad:

Provides opportunities for students to study abroad at partner universities.

Doctoral studies:

Offers doctoral programs in various fields.