European Master’s Programme at European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation

The European Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA) is organised by the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC); it was created with the support of the European Union and 41 participating universities from all the EU member states.

EMA is an intensive one-year course aimed at educating 90 professionals annually in the field of human rights and democratisation.

The Master’s Degree is also an action and policy-oriented approach to learning that combines legal, political, historical, anthropological, and philosophical perspectives with skill-building activities, and in-depth study of the following areas: Human Rights Institutions, Mechanisms and Standards; Human Rights in Context: Historical, Philosophical, Religious and Anthropological Perspectives; Globalisation, Development and Human Rights; Building and Protecting Democracy; Human Rights, Peace and Security. 

EMA provides the foundation for a successful career in national, international, governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as academic institutions dealing with human rights and democratisation.

Programme Structure  

The first semester takes place at the Global Campus of Human Rights premises in Venice from mid-September to the end of January. Students are taught by academics from the 42 EMA participating universities, as well as experts and representatives of IGOs and NGOs. The first semester curriculum consists of a core programme organised in five thematic sections, a series of elective courses and skill-building activities and the field trip to Kosovo.

The core programme covers the following topics: Human Rights Institutions, Mechanisms and Standards; Globalisation, Development and Human Rights; Human Rights in Context: Historical, Philosophical, Anthropological and Religious Perspectives; Building and Protecting Democracy; Human Rights, Peace and Security.

Elective courses and skill-building activities are offered on issues such as New Technologies and Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Gender Relations and Human Rights, Children Rights, Bioethics, Digital Verification, Human Rights Impact Assessment and Project Management. In addition, students have the choice between semester-long courses in International Law, International Relations or Philosophy of Human Rights. Simulation exercises are also a central part of the EMA curriculum and the resident academic staff offers research and academic skills classes and workshops.

ASSESSMENT AND DEGREE

First semester assessment is made on the basis of written and oral assignments and exams. Only successful students are allowed to proceed to second semester courses. During the second semester, students will attend further specialised courses the assessment of which will be based
on the practices of the hosting universities.

After successfully passing exams and completing a Master’s thesis, students will be awarded "European Master's Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation" jointly conferred by those Universities of the EIUC/EMA network that have ratified the Joint Degree Agreement.

These universities include:

• The Universities of Graz, Deusto (Bilbao), Padua, and Ca’ Foscari Venice issue the EMA diploma to students having accessed the EMA programme holding a university degree of 180 ECTS credits or recognised as equivalent thereto;
• The Universities of Graz, Deusto (Bilbao), Padua, Ca’ Foscari Venice, Bochum, Hamburg, and Ljubljana issue the EMA diploma to students having accessed the EMA programme with a university degree of at least 240 ECTS credits or recognised as equivalent thereto.

WHY CHOOSE THE EMA PROGRAMME

• Multidisciplinarity as opposed to single focus in traditional university departments;
• Range of high level academics, experts, officials from a variety of institutions and organisations, most of whom engage on a daily basis in human rights practice and thus are always abreast of the latest developments and debates;
• Combination of theory and practice to be operational as soon as the course is completed;
• Opportunity to see how the theory studied in the classroom ‘comes alive’ during a field trip to a post-conflict country;
• European mobility: first Venice, historically at the centre of a multicultural approach to international relations, and then one of the many prestigious universities and human rights centres participating in the programme;
• Possibility to undertake internships and fellowships in leading human rights organisations;
• Ties with EU institutions and links with governmental, inter-governmental and non- governmental organisations for a regional and global experience;
• Extensive worldwide EMAlumni Association for contacts, job opportunities, career development, projects, research;
• Excellent value for money;
• A unique social and professional experience during which all those involved (students, faculty and resident staff) develop long-term bonds and networks with each other.

DEADLINES:

• Deadline for non-EU and scholarship applicants: 12 February 2025
• Deadline for EU and self-funded applicants: 16 April 2025