Latin American Studies with Human Rights

Latin America is a region of extraordinary complexity and diversity, encompassing some of the world's most dynamic economies, richest indigenous cultural traditions, most contested political histories, and most urgent environmental challenges. Latin American studies examines this region through an interdisciplinary lens, drawing on history, politics, sociology, cultural studies, and linguistics to understand both the legacies of colonialism and the contemporary forces shaping societies from Mexico to Argentina. Pairing this with human rights studies adds a normative and analytical framework that is particularly apt for a region with a history deeply marked by political violence, inequality, and struggles for justice.

This four-year full-time degree at the University of Essex brings together the study of Latin America with a rigorous engagement with human rights as a concept, a legal framework, and a site of political struggle. You will examine questions about sovereignty, justice, memory, and accountability in Latin American contexts alongside broader theoretical debates about what human rights are, how they are enforced, and who they protect. The combination is intellectually demanding and socially significant, developing your ability to engage critically with some of the most pressing political and moral questions in the contemporary world.

A typical entry tariff of 120 points applies.

Graduates from Latin American studies and human rights programmes work in international organisations, NGOs, development agencies, government foreign services, journalism, law, and academic research. Language skills in Spanish or Portuguese, often developed alongside the degree, open further doors in Latin America-facing roles in business, diplomacy, and cultural organisations. Postgraduate study in Latin American studies, human rights, international law, development studies, or political science is a natural continuation for those wishing to pursue specialist careers.