Master of Arts in Human Rights
Interdisciplinary master’s programme equipping graduates for human rights advocacy, policy, and research.
Best for:Best for students with a strong interest in human rights, seeking interdisciplinary training in law, politics, and philosophy to pursue careers in advocacy, policy, or research.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Human Rights at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is a four-semester programme designed for students seeking expertise in the political, philosophical, and legal dimensions of human rights. Taught entirely in English, it combines foundational modules with specialised electives such as Business and Human Rights, International Criminal Law, and Transitional Justice. Students can choose between writing a scientific thesis or completing a thesis paired with a mandatory internship. The programme fosters interdisciplinary learning through international guest lecturers, comparative analyses, and thematic projects, preparing graduates for careers in academia, NGOs, international organisations, and human rights advocacy.
What you'll do
- Study core modules in political, philosophical, and legal foundations of human rights during the first semester.
- Participate in an interdisciplinary module on non-discrimination in the second semester.
- Select four specialised modules from topics like Business and Human Rights, International Criminal Law, or Migration and Human Rights.
- Complete a one-year-long seminar on Current Issues in Human Rights.
- Develop methodological and soft skills for human rights work in the third semester.
- Choose between writing an in-depth scientific thesis or combining a shorter thesis with a mandatory internship in the fourth semester.
- Engage with international guest lecturers and comparative thematic analyses.
Requirements
Degree required: A university degree equivalent to at least 180 ECTS credits (typically a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, Philosophy, or related fields).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (MA) in Human Rights
Language: C1-level English proficiency (e.g., IELTS Academic 7.0, TOEFL iBT 95, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or equivalent).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic ability in law, political science, philosophy, or related disciplines.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to conduct independent research and write academic papers.
- Proficiency in conducting interdisciplinary analysis.
- No German language skills required.
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior work experience required.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
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- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 15 February - 31 May (for the winter semester)
Applicants must submit their application through the FAU online portal (CAMPUS). Required documents include a completed application form, proof of degree, language proficiency certificate, CV, and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the programme’s website.
- Completed application form
- Proof of a university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with at least 180 ECTS credits
- Official C1-level English language proficiency certificate
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of recommendation (number not specified)
- Passport-sized photograph
Contact
Programme Coordinator· Master of Arts in Human Rights
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