Introduction
The M.A. in Human Rights focuses on both theory and practice from legal, historical, philosophical, political, and social science-based perspectives. Students are provided with specialized knowledge about human rights law, including the relationship between the law and other types of human rights initiatives and activities.
Human rights are approached as an element of public international law, at global and regional levels, and the various forms of implementation are examined at the international, regional, and national levels. Human rights are also contextualized within a social science perspective and knowledge about contemporary issues related to religion, ethnicity, women, and health.
Vision
The study of human rights endows researchers with knowledge about the general approaches to human rights and enables them, to some extent, to critically analyze the relevant issues. Studying this field, graduates understand that human rights in the present world lacks an objective meaning and the application of human rights principles is not the same in all countries. Human rights researchers see the subjects and problems of this field in relation to politics, commerce, and civilization and understand that the domain of the authority for human rights is a responsibility of the State.
Mission
The M.A. in Human Rights mission is to enable graduates to undertake scholarly study and advanced research and prepare for professional work in the field of human rights.
Goals and Objectives
The programs aims to educate students to be able to:
- understand the historical growth of the idea of human rights
- demonstrate an awareness of the international context of human rights
- understand the importance of the Human Rights Act
- analyze and evaluate concepts and ideas
Admission Requirements
The program is open to those with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. An official transcript from the attended university is required.
Applicants apply online using an application form that collects personal data as well as a 500-word essay in English that outlines why the candidate would like to pursue this program and summarizes personal background that is relevant to their application. All applicants should provide two letters of recommendation from referees who are not family members or friends and who have worked closely with the applicant in the academic or work environments, ideally with some research component. The referees should be familiar with the applicant’s work habits, motivation, and ability to work creatively and independently. Applicants must also submit their resume (educational background and related scientific, social, and occupational activities).
The applicants are required to present proof of English proficiency at the level of the "International English Language Testing System" (IELTS) 5.5 in each of writing, reading, comprehension & expression. This can be assessed by an IELTS, the "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) or equivalent.
All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview.
At present, the program can admit a maximum number of 15 students.
Curriculum
For M.A. in Human Rights students are obliged to pass the ten courses listed below, a total of 30 credit hours.
- LAW5126: Human Rights in International and National Law (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5130: Human Rights in History (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5127: Philosophy and Politics of Human Rights (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5128: Human Rights Law in Context (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5129: Human Rights in Practice (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5131: Human Rights and Minorities (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5135: Human Rights Methodology & Research (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5133: Human Rights and Women (3 Credit Hours)
- LAW5134: Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (3 Credit Hours)
- THS5135: Master Thesis (3 Credit Hours)