Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
This postgraduate program provides advanced study of the international protection of fundamental human rights. The curriculum integrates general human rights protection in times of peace and war with the special protection of basic rights in situations of armed conflict (under international humanitarian law). Such an approach is especially important as the boundary between war and peace becomes increasingly blurred.
Aim of the program
The Master’s program prepares graduates for taking up career opportunities in policy making, international, public and governmental service, public and private legal practice, work for non-governmental organisations, and academic teaching and research.
The special character of the program lies in its integration of the protection of human rights generally with rights protection in diverse situations of armed conflict. Thus many aspects of the program are directed specifically to providing understanding and insight into the links between tradition international human rights law and international humanitarian law. As well, the program aims not only to provide a solid theoretical understanding of the issues, principles, structures, substantive law and institutions relevant to this topic but also to aid students in acquiring reliable practical skills in the application of their theoretical knowledge.
Particular importance is placed on the development and promotion of the following:
-- comprehensive knowledge of the system of protection of the individual spanning both the international law of peace and the international law of armed conflict, including the philosophical, political and historical foundations of that system;
-- in-depth knowledge of legally binding international rights and guarantees and their protection and enforcement under various legal remedial regimes;
-- practical skills in applying international standards of protection in specific circumstances, in particular in international court proceedings and other institutional procedures, the investigation of facts, or conflict resolution;
-- skills and procedures in undertaking academic investigation and research including the preparation of reports;
-- intercultural communication and transfer of knowledge, particularly in relation to (but not limited to) the countries of central, eastern and south-eastern Europe.
Curriculum
The program content is organised into three categories:
Category 1: Compulsory core modules
- General introduction
- Civil and political rights
- Economic, social and cultural rights
- Prohibition of discrimination
- Women’s and children’s rights
- Rights of minorities and indigenous peoples
- Refugees, internally displaced persons and migration
- Individual (criminal) responsibility and state responsibility
Category 2: Elective modules (theory and skills)
- Justice and (criminal) penalties and enforcement
- Democracy, rule of law and administration
- Global economy, employment and working conditions
- Media and science
- Conflict prevention/management
- Fulfilment and enforcement
- Representation of interests
- Research and training
The compulsory and the elective modules consist of both presence and distance-learning elements. Lectures and seminars within the presence elements take place in Frankfurt (Oder) based on small-group teaching. Students are expected to prepare intensively for such lectures and seminars and carry out follow-up work through distance learning or library activity so as to consolidate the material dealt with in face-to-face teaching. The distance-learning elements are presented via an internet platform providing for an interactive study.
Category 3: Practical experience and thesis
Students enrolled in the Master’s program complete a period of practical training and experience relevant to the subject matter. This internship period is conducted within institution active in the field covered by the Master’s program or with a direct relation to it. Students are expected to organise their own internships. The Master’s Office provides maximum assistance in arranging internships.
Students write and defend a Master's thesis on an approved topic, supervised by one or more members of the Master’s Faculty or by another expert approved by the Examinations Committee. Students also have the opportunity of participating in research projects conducted by teachers and scholars affiliated with the Master’s program.
Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission are:
-- a university degree in law or an equivalent qualification
- a certified copy of the degree(s) in German, English or French must be submitted with the application form
-- adequate aptitude in English, both spoken and written, to be able to read academic literature, write academic papers and engage competently in academic discourse; this can be satisfied by
- a test result of at least 230 points in the TOEFEL computer-based test, at least grade B in the Cambridge Advanced Certificate or a IELTS grade of at least 6; or
- school education in English of at least four years’ duration; or
- equivalent proof, e.g. residence in an English-speaking foreign country for a sufficient period; or clear evidence of being a native speaker of English
-- a high level of motivation to participate in the programme
- a statement of motivation must be provided within the application form
-- at least one year’s practical professional experience
- this must be demonstrated by submission of an appropriate certificate or other confirmation of a relevant employer or organisation
- exemptions from this requirement may be granted by the Examinations Committee
-- the support of two independent referees from two different institutions or organisations
- confidential references must be provided
-- the passing of an admission examination or, in the case of failure, successful completion of the bridging course in public international law (exemptions from this requirement may be granted by the Examinations Committee where equivalent knowledge can be independently demonstrated)
- full details of an applicants knowledge of public international law should be provided (for example information concerning the curriculum of course or subjects where the applicant has passed an examination)
-- payment of the tuition fees in accordance with the Fees Regulations of the Viadrina European University.
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