Master's Degree Programme in International Law and Human Rights
Turku, Finland
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
22 Jan 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 10,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* the application period begins from 8 Jan 2025
** for non EU EEA students
Introduction
The Master’s Degree Programme in International Law and Human Rights is designed to prepare its graduates for challenging careers in international organisations, non-governmental organisations, public administration or legal practice. The programme offers specialised knowledge and an in-depth understanding of topical issues in international and human rights law. Studies within the programme consist of courses analysing the structure of the legal order governing states and organisations along with the protection of the rights of individuals in an increasingly complex international environment. The programme offers students the possibility to profile themselves in different specialisation areas, such as international human rights law, migration and refugee law, international law and conflicts, and general international law. Studies within the programme equip students with expert knowledge, provide the requisite background for advanced research, and develop practical application skills.
The program is made up of courses and seminars offered to small or medium-sized groups of 15-30 students. Student learning is enhanced through an encouraging and supportive learning environment and close student-teacher interaction. Courses within the programme make use of a broad range of teaching methods.
Students who have completed the full-time study programme will be awarded a Master of International and Comparative Law degree.
This two-year programme is offered by the Institute for Human Rights and the Chair of Public International Law at Åbo Akademi University. The programme has been ongoing since 2006 and was originally called the Master’s Degree Programme in International Human Rights Law. In 2018, the programme was broadened by adding studies in public international law alongside the human rights law focus.
Admissions
Curriculum
Compulsory studies
Governance through International Law
- Sources and Principles of Public International Law
- International Protection of Human Rights
Turku Law School Courses
- Comparative Law in a Changing World
- Freedom of Religion and Belief in the Educational Space
- Gender and Human Rights
- International Law in Context: Russia, ECHR, and the CIS
- Political Institutions in the European Union
- Religious Diversity, Minorities and the Law
- Strategic Litigation
- The Many Faces of Autonomy - Theory and Practice
- The Åland Islands Autonomy and Its Four Normative Layers
Master's seminars
- Master's Paper
- Advanced International Legal Approaches
Master's Thesis
- Master's Thesis in International Law and Human Rights: Part 1
- Master's Thesis in International Law and Human Rights: Part 2
- Master's Thesis in International Law and Human Rights: Part 3
- Language Response for Master's Thesis
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the programme find employment in public institutions, international organisations, national or international non-governmental organisations, academia, legal practice and increasingly also in the private sector where, for instance, corporate social responsibility receives increasing attention.
Scholarships and Funding
Tuition fee-paying (non-EU/EEA) applicants applying to our master's degree programmes can apply for the Finland scholarship (in connection with applying for studies at Åbo Akademi University).
Finland scholarship/100% Tuition Fee Scholarship (waiver), awarded for 2 years (second year conditional)
- Number of scholarships to be granted: 1/programme
Finland Scholarships awarded by Åbo Akademi University are part of the national Finland Scholarship programme. This scholarship will be awarded to the most merited applicant in each programme.
The Finland scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fee for two years, the second year is conditional and requires that the student has earned at least 55 ECTS during the first year of studies.
In addition, the applicant is awarded a one-time 5000€ relocation grant, which will be paid to the student, to a Finnish bank account, once they have arrived in Turku/Vaasa and enrolled as present for the academic year.
To be considered for the Finland scholarship you must apply for it as part of your application for admission during the application period. Applicants will find, in the application form, a set of questions evaluating motivation and communicative skills, academic goals and general interest in the field. The applicant’s answers will be assessed by the programme and the scholarship committee. The committee decides which applicants will be awarded a Finland scholarship. The decision on the granted scholarship will be included in the admission letter.
Please note that if you are exempted from paying tuition fees, you will no longer be eligible for Finland scholarships.
80% Tuition Fee Scholarship (waiver), awarded for the whole length of the study right
- This scholarship is granted to all admitted applicants liable to pay tuition fees, who have not received a 100% Tuition Fee Scholarship.