Angelina Jolie lands surprising new role


May 24, 2016

Oscar-winning actress, film director and UN ambassador Angelina Jolie can add the title of professor to her list of diverse roles after landing a new job at the London School of Economics. The 40-year-old has been appointed as a visiting professor on a new Master's degree at the prestigious university, which will begin in September.

Angelina will join former foreign secretary William Hague as one of four visiting professors at the university's Centre for Women, Peace and Security, and said she was looking forward to sharing her experiences of working as a special envoy for the UN Refugee Agency with her students.

© Photo: Getty Images

Angelina Jolie will be a visiting professor on a new Master's degree

"I am very encouraged by the creation of this master's programme. I hope other academic institutions will follow this example, as it is vital that we broaden the discussion on how to advance women's rights and end impunity for crimes that disproportionately affect women, such as sexual violence in conflict," Angelina said in a statement.

"I am looking forward to teaching and to learning from the students as well as to sharing my own experiences of working alongside governments and the United Nations."

Meanwhile Lord Hague, who joined Angelina to host a four-day summit on ending sexual violence in war in 2014, said he was "delighted" about the new role.

© Photo: Getty Images

Angelina will co-teach the course with William Hague

"This course will help underpin our work in preventing sexual violence in conflict, developing expertise and research to assist us in tackling the culture of impunity," William said. "I look forward to working with the LSE students and my fellow visiting professors."

During the one-year program, which commences in autumn 2016, Angelina will deliver guest lectures to students, participate in workshops and public events, in addition to conducting her own research.

According to a statement from the London School of Economics, the visiting professor position, which is unpaid, is offered to individuals who have appropriate distinction within their area of (non-academic) practice.

Angelina is a vocal political campaigner and has worked with United Nations for 14 years, and it appears her children could follow in her footsteps to pursue humanitarian work in the future. Shiloh has previously accompanied her mum to visit a camp for Syrian refugees in south-east Turkey to mark World Refugee Day, and recently made a powerful political statement by wearing a jumper emblazoned with the words, "Einstein was a refugee" as she travelled with her siblings and famous mum.

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