Disclosure: Human Rights Careers may be compensated by course providers.

5 United Nations Online Courses You Can Take Anywhere, Anytime

Learn how the United Nations tackles some of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.

Top master's degrees from our partners
Master of Laws in Public International Law (LL.M.)

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + Sigmund Freud University Vienna

Featured Fully Online
Austria · Europe 12 months August
Master of Science (M.S.) in International Affairs and Diplomatic Practice

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + Seton Hall University

Featured Fully Online
United States · Americas 12 months January, August
Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + Schiller International University

Featured On-Campus
Multiple · Americas 12 months February, June, October
Master of Science in Sustainability Management

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + Schiller International University

Featured On-Campus
Multiple · Americas 12 months February, October
M.A. International Law and the Settlement of Disputes

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + University for Peace

Featured Fully Online
Costa Rica · Americas 18 months April, June
Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + University for Peace

Featured Hybrid
Costa Rica · Americas 16 months April, June
Master of Arts in Gender and Development

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + University for Peace

Featured Hybrid
Costa Rica · Americas 12 months April, August
Featured Hybrid
Italy · Europe 9 months March, May, July
Master of Arts in Development Studies and Diplomacy

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + University for Peace

Featured Fully Online
Costa Rica · Americas 11 months August
Masters in Human Rights and Diplomacy (MSc, LL.M)

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + University of Stirling

Featured On-Campus
Scotland · Europe 12 months November
Master in International Affairs and Diplomacy

United Nations Institute for Training and Research + Open University of Catalonia

Featured Fully Online
Spain · Europe 12 months February

In this article we have compiled a list of UN Courses that are accessible for everyone, everywhere. Offered by United Nations institutions and renowned universities around the globe, the course contents are available for free. If you would like to obtain a course credential by UNICEF or one of the universities below you may opt-in for a paid verified certificate.

Social Change, Social Norms

Offered by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Ivy League member University of Pennsylvania, this course is tackling various human rights issues such as gender violence, child marriage and sanitation practices. The UN course is taught in English and consists of one theoretical and one practical part with a duration of 4 weeks each. In the second part of the course you will look at a variety of tools that policy makers use to create change. In addition you will explore the conditions under which social change interventions are more likely to be successful.

Register here

The United Nations in the World

Designed by two leading UK Universities, the University of London and SOAS, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the United Nations system. In this UN course you will not only learn about important UN themes, key functions of UN bodies such as the UN Security Council but also develop analysis, communication and policy-related skills. Together with learners from around the world you will discuss human rights in international politics, how the UN responds to crisis and current UN affairs.

Register here

International Organizations Management

This hands-on course is designed for everyone who strives to work in international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union or the OSCE. Course is offered by University of Geneva, one of the leading universities in Switzerland. The course offers you valuable insights into the inner workings of international organizations and the challenges they face today. It will introduce you to effective, state-of-the art management tools and principles to help you lead change in this world. The course is taught by senior staff of international organizations such as UNDP and UNICEF.

Register here

UNITAR Courses

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research is offering a variety of courses you can take online. Topics include Integrated Planning for Climate Change and Biodiversity, Confronting Trauma – a Primer for Global Action, Milestones in UN Peacekeeping and Human Rights and the Environment. The courses are available several times a year and can be attended free of charge.

Register here

The UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Adopted by 193 member states, the goals represent an important international step in setting humanity on a trajectory towards sustainable development. In this course, which is offered by the University of Copenhagen, you will learn how the SDGs relate to the global systems supporting humanity with a particular focus on Climate Action and other urgent issues impacting human rights on a global scale.

Register now for the free UN online courses and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need about the United Nations.

Register here

 

Human Rights Careers
Author
Robert Fellner
Robert is founder of Human Rights Careers (HRC). A platform with the aim to support human rights students, alumni, graduates and professionals in pursuing and developing their career in human rights. Prior to launching HRC, Robert worked as Global Human Rights EdTech Manager at Amnesty International in London and as consultant for international human rights organizations globally. During 2011 and 2012, Robert worked as lecturer at Ain Shams university in Egypt. Robert has a masters in literature and human rights.