About our research

Equality and human rights aim to give everyone an equal chance to use their potential and lead a fulfilling life. We have a rich and diverse history of producing world-leading research in this area. Our specialisms include:

  • transgender rights
  • caste discrimination
  • domestic violence
  • LGBTQI+ rights
  • honour-based violence
  • parental leave
  • healthcare law
  • pregnancy and surrogacy rights

Our researchers work with and develop new international and transnational legal frameworks. They aim to reduce discrimination and promote equality:

  • at work
  • in the home
  • in the beauty and leisure sectors 

Our researchers were instrumental in the establishment of the Sylvia Pankhurst Gender and Diversity Research Centre. This research centre aims to develop an understanding of how decent work and productivity can be helped, or hindered, by employment practices. It explores areas such as workplace wellbeing, diversity and social mobility.

Practical, professional, and evidence-based

We power our research with activism. Our research academics have worked with a wide range of stakeholder groups including:

  • all party parliamentary groups
  • Amnesty International
  • the Discrimination Law Association
  • French Ministry of Justice
  • GM4 Women
  • Greater Manchester Law Centre
  • The Proud Trust
  • the United Office of the United Nations Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Network

Study with us

Not only does our research help to inform policy and shape the world, it also enlightens the courses that we teach. Our important work in Equalities and Human Rights feeds into units taught on our LLM (Master of Laws), such as:

  • International Human Rights Law
  • European Migration and Asylum Law and Human Rights
  • Minorities and the Law