Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion PGCert

Course overview

Make a difference in the field of disability rights and social justice with this ground-breaking new online Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion.

The study of disability has never been more important. Globally, there are around one billion disabled people and, with an ageing population in many countries, this figure is set to rise.

Disability is an important equality and human rights issue, with disabled people more likely to experience poverty and receive fewer education and employment opportunities than non-disabled people.

This online Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion will support you to recognise, understand and meet the challenges facing disabled people around the world. By studying this innovative online course, you’ll be equipped to work to ensure that disabled people’s rights are respected, helping to build more inclusive and sustainable societies.

As an online learner you’ll join a global classroom with like-minded learners from around the world, in an accessible and inclusive online environment.

The Postgraduate Certificate provides a strong foundation for further development of your expertise. You’ll study three compulsory modules and one optional module of the Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion Masters and exit with the Postgraduate Certificate award.

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.

You’ll explore:

• global perspectives on disability issues
• the social creation of disability and social models of disability
• cultural and human rights frameworks
• how and why disabled people experience inequalities
• building inclusive societies and futures
• the role and impact of disability activism and advocacy with an intersectional approach
• influencing disability policy, services and practice in a range of sectors, including law, architecture and design, medicine and healthcare, and the creative industries
• relationships with other areas of study including gender studies, transport studies and geography
• global issues such as climate change, natural disasters and conflict from a disability rights perspective.

Who is this course for?

• disabled people and their allies
• policy makers
• service providers and professionals in the field of disability
• professionals working in NGOs and community organisations
• those new to disability, or who wish to think about disability differently, looking for a safe, affirming learning environment
• those interested in disability rights and inclusion who wish to explore this field of study.

Why study this subject at Leeds?

The University of Leeds is ranked in the global top 100 and in the top 15 in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024). Our online Postgraduate Certificate in Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion is taught by the School of Sociology and Social Policy and informed by our Centre for Disability Studies.

You’ll be taught by our expert academics with contributions from activists, policy makers and practitioners working in the disability space globally.

The School of Sociology and Social Policy is ranked in the global top 100 for Sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). The School has an international reputation for research on social change that has set new agendas, developed new concepts and methodologies, and transformed policy and practice.

Leeds has pioneered education in the field of Disability Studies since 1990 and is recognised as a global leader in the field. The Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Leeds was the first university centre in the UK to establish disability studies as an academic field of research and study.

The Centre is committed to achieving equality and social justice for disabled people globally. Our academics are well-known for their work in the areas of disability politics, policy and practice, the sociology of disability, disability law and human rights, and inclusive design.

The University of Leeds offers a world-class online learning journey within a specialised learning environment. You’ll connect with professionals across the world within our virtual social spaces, and learn from expert academics who conduct regular live sessions for interactive learning.

Join our online taster course

Our short online course on FutureLearn will familiarise you with topics explored on this online course. Gain a deep understanding of disability through a social model perspective with practical insights and tools for inclusivity and empowerment. Sign up for Social Model of Disability.

Why study Disability Studies, Rights and Inclusion?

Video transcript
Audio described version of the video

Applying

Entry requirements

A 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree, ideally in a social science or humanities related subject.
OR
A 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in any other subject plus relevant experience
OR
A 2.2 (hons) degree in any subject with at least three years relevant experience.

Applications will be individually assessed.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For further information, please contact our admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Career opportunities

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.

The knowledge and skills you gain from this course will equip you 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 Masters, 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.