Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion MSc
Woodhouse, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
17 Feb 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Mar 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 12,750
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Lead change in disability studies and inclusion with an Online Master’s from the University of Leeds
Make a lasting impact in the field of disability rights, inclusion, and social justice with this innovative online Master's degree in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion from the University of Leeds. Designed for learners worldwide, this flexible online programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to address the complex challenges facing disabled people globally.
Why study disability studies, rights, and inclusion?
The study of disability has never been more important. Currently, there are around 1 billion disabled people worldwide — a number expected to rise in ageing populations across many countries, as well as factors such as poverty, inequality, climate change, conflict, and natural disasters — many of which are preventable.
Disability is an important equality and human rights issue, with disabled people more likely to experience higher rates of poverty and fewer education and employment opportunities than non-disabled people. Non-disabled people.
The online MSc Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion offers you the chance to explore these global challenges critically, empowering you to promote the rights of disabled people and contribute to building more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable societies.
Flexible online learning for a global classroom
As an online learner, you’ll join a diverse classroom with like-minded students from around the world, in an accessible and inclusive online environment. Study the course that suits you - with our flexible course structure, you could work towards the Master's around the world, in an accessible and inclusive online environment. Study the course that suits you - with our flexible course structure, you could work towards the Master's qualification, a postgraduate certificate, or a postgraduate diploma.
Whether you are already active in the field of disability rights or looking to take your first steps, this course gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to be a change-maker in the field of social justice and disability activism.
Across the programme, you will:
- Examine global perspectives on disability, the social creation of disability, and social models of disability
- Gain an understanding of cultural and human rights frameworks related to disability
- Analyse how and why disabled people experience inequalities
- Building inclusive societies and futures
- Explore the role and impact of disability activism and advocacy with an intersectional approach
- Examine and influence disability policy, services, and practice in a range of sectors, including law, architecture and design, medicine and healthcare, and the creative industries
- Investigate other fields such as gender studies, transport studies, and geography beyond
- Consider global challenges like climate change, natural disasters, and conflict from a disability rights lens.
Who is this course for?
- This Master's in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion is for learners who want to develop a comprehensive understanding of disability studies and the skills to make a meaningful impact in the field: disabled people and their allies
- policy makers and public sector professionals
- Service providers and professionals in disability support
- NGOs and community organisation workers
- those new to disability studies seeking to think about disability differently, looking for a safe, affirming learning environment
- anyone passionate about disability rights, inclusion, and social justice.
University bursary
Graduates of the University of Leeds (or an affiliated institution) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility for the alumni bursary and how to apply.
Government loans
UK students may be able to apply for a UK government-backed loan and there may be specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications should be made through the Student Loans Company. Visit the UK Government website to find out more.
External funding
If you have a disability there are a range of external funding and scholarships that you may be eligible for, including:
- Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) - UK students may be eligible for a government bursary that can fund additional support for your studies. Find out more about the Disabled Students Allowance.
- Snowdon Masters Grants and Scholarships - the Snowdon Trust is a UK charity that awards grants to support disability-related study costs for online or on-campus study with UK universities. They also offer scholarships for disabled students starting Masters level study. Funding is open to both UK and international students. Visit the Snowdon Trust website to find out more.
Course details and modules
Our online MSc in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion is designed to cater for online postgraduate learners from around the world who wish to balance their studies with other commitments.
The course begins with a two-week induction, preparing you for successful online study at the University of Leeds and introducing the study skills you will need to complete your degree.
There are nine 15-credit taught online modules, each running for eight weeks, with a mix of tutor-guided and self-guided learning. Students usually spend around 10 hours of tutor-guided learning per week and 10 hours independent study.
Flexible study options allow learners to take breaks between modules if needed, with up to 4 years to complete the course, making it easier to balance study and other commitments.
You'll also take part in a weekly scheduled webinar, collaborating with tutors and other students. Webinars take place during the University of Leeds working day and are recorded for students who are unable to attend or wish to revisit the content later. Module discussion boards and programme area provide space to connect with your peers and share your learning journey.
After completing your taught modules, you’ll move on to a 45-credit applied project lasting 24 weeks. The applied project enables you to choose your own topic, giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to an area that supports or promotes meaningful change.
For example, you can choose to:
- Work in partnership with a disability rights or disabled people’s organisation, service provider, or policy/practice-focused organisation (this could include your employer) to address a specific challenge.
- Conduct a research project into a specific issue or concept, generating insights to inform activism and advocacy, or recommendations for policy, programmes or professional practice.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time.
Year 1 compulsory modules
- Disability and Inequality
- Understanding Disability
- Disability and Inclusion
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will typically study three out of the six development modules in your first year. You will study the remaining three development modules in your second year.
- Building Enabling Futures
- A Human Rights Approach to Disability
- Realising Disability Equality Through Policy
- Disability and Global Challenges
- Doing Disability Research
- Becoming Disability Change Makers
Year 2 compulsory modules
- Disability Studies Applied Project
Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You will study the remaining three development modules that you did not study in your first year.
- Building Enabling Futures
- A Human Rights Approach to Disability
- Realising Disability Equality Through Policy
- Disability and Global Challenges
- Doing Disability Research
- Becoming Disability Change Makers
The School of Sociology and Social Policy and our Centre for Disability Studies have long established links with organisations in the UK and overseas. Our experts provide research and consultancy, working with local, national and international organisations to help achieve equality and social justice for disabled people, globally. Our influential network of academics and professionals includes organisations such as the European Network on Independent Living, UNESCO, the International Disability Alliance and Harvard Law School’s Project on Disability.
Thanks to our global connections, you’ll be able to hear first-hand from inspiring contributors about the real-world challenges and opportunities for your future career. Your applied project is also an opportunity to explore an area you're passionate about, with the opportunity to work in partnership with an appropriate organisation, and with expert academic supervision.
As a graduate, you’ll be well placed to develop your career in governments and organisations around the globe in a wide range of professional fields. This may include health and social support services, activism, education, arts and creative sectors, statutory and voluntary agencies, legal services, national and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs and INGOs), human resources, business environments and charities. You would also be well prepared for further research at PhD level and careers in disability research or academia.
Hear from our graduates
Gill Brown graduated from this course with a PG Cert, and talks about her experience studying online with Leeds on her student profile. You can read her text account and watch her post-graduation video interview.
Careers support
You will have access to the University of Leeds Careers Service’s extensive online resources to help you make the most of your studies and support you to achieve your ambitions.
This includes:
- One-to-one support from a careers advisor via telephone or virtual meeting
- Online career workshops and webinars
- A database of job opportunities and online employer events
- E-resources including the University of Leeds LinkedIn Learning platform
- CV writing tips
- Job application support
- Interview skills advice and practice sessions.
The Careers Service can often connect students wishing to work in a specific region with other students in the same country to assist with job seeking. The service can also offer professional development access to our alumni network, online careers support and employer links.