UWC Slavery Studies · 2026

A subject without
one discipline.

We study historical and contemporary slavery in a global context, drawing on multiple fields of study.

An official online UWC summer short course, Slavery Studies typically brings together around 40–50 students from more than 20 countries. The programme aims to make participation accessible to students from different economic backgrounds.

Liam Goodacre speaking about why understanding modern slavery matters.
A global set of case studies

History alongside the present.

Our case studies span the Caribbean, India, the Middle East and Russia, connecting historical forms of slavery with contemporary realities and their effects.

Liam Goodacre explains why understanding modern slavery matters today.

Questions we explore

Questions that
stay with us.

  1. 01

    Can slavery be defined?

  2. 02

    Should slavery be defined?

  3. 03

    How does historical slavery continue to affect people today?

  4. 04

    What can be done to fight contemporary slavery?

A way of working

Study through
exchange.

We bring disciplinary perspectives together through facilitated discussion and guided research.

  1. 01

    Read and annotate

    Readings are paired with online interactive commentary.

  2. 02

    Discuss together

    Daily online seminar discussions are led by experienced facilitators.

  3. 03

    Research a question

    Collaborate on structured research and pursue an independent project connected to your own interests.

Independent modules

Follow a line
of inquiry.

Independent modules are designed and taught by educators, survivors and experts in the field of modern slavery.

  1. 01

    The Worlds We Inherit: Carrying, Witnessing and Transforming Language (a creative writing elective)

  2. 02

    Modern Slavery and Sustainable Development

  3. 03

    Case studies in anti-slavery and the survivor-led community

Online guest lecture showing a community meeting and participants on screen.
A defining part of the course

Weekly guest lectures.

Weekly guest lectures feature educators, practitioners, survivors and experts in modern slavery.

Across disciplines

More than one way to read a source.

We study the subject through perspectives from:

  • Historical case studies of slavery and slave societies
  • Sociological and economic theories of slavery
  • Slave narratives and survivor testimony
  • Religion and gender
  • Music, art, dance and literature
  • Cultural studies and law
Next step

Check the current admissions status.

Application information