Overview

The Human Rights and Social Justice programme at Carleton University offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the historical and contemporary issues that impact human lives globally. Students examine the roots of oppression and the various mechanisms used to protect fundamental freedoms in modern society.

Why Human Rights and Social Justice at Carleton University?

Studying in Ottawa provides a significant capital advantage, offering direct access to national and international organisations dedicated to social justice and the elimination of human rights abuses. The university features award-winning faculty members who are recognised for both their academic expertise and their active involvement in social justice advocacy.

Eligible students can also participate in the Co-operative Education programme. This initiative allows for professional work terms within various organisations based in the capital, helping students to develop workplace-ready skills and gain a competitive edge in the global job market before graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 36979 per year
National fee: CAD 8846 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum draws from the humanities and social sciences to provide a deep understanding of treaty-monitoring bodies and global human rights committees. Modules may include:

Human Rights & Social Justice
Collective Action and Social Movements
Indigenous Rights
Structural Violence
State and Corporate Power
Economic Exploitation
Social Change

Careers with Human Rights and Social Justice

Graduates are prepared for a diverse range of professional paths in both the public and private sectors. The programme develops critical analytical skills that are highly valued in fields focused on advocacy and international relations. Potential career destinations include:

Civil Service and Government
Humanitarian Aid and Non-Governmental Organisations
Law and Lobbying
International Relations and Politics
Community Service and Advocacy

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Human Rights: Theories and Foundations

Sexuality, Gender, and Security

Power Relations and Human Rights

Human Rights and Sexualities

Political Repression: Impacts and Responses

Agents of Political Violence

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

86

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Credits

20 alternative credits

For 20.0 credit Major degrees, at least 3.0 credits in the major and at the 2000-level or above.

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ottawa, Canada

Disciplines

International Law Legal Studies Social Policy View 66 other Bachelors in Legal Studies in Canada

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

86

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

You will need a secondary school or high school graduation certificate. Education should normally consist of a minimum of 12 years of study.

You will need to present transcripts from your senior high school along with your graduation diploma or certificate, and any graduation exam results.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Carleton University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36979 CAD / year

≈ 36979 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8846 CAD / year

≈ 8846 CAD / year

Additional Details

Ontario Tuition Fee: 7279 CAD per year

Living costs

Ottawa

Canada

1168 - 1925 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Human Rights and Social Justice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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