International Programmes 2023/2024

Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

European University Viadrina • Frankfurt (Oder)

Degree
Master of Law (LLM)
Diploma and certificate options are also available.
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English (100%)

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
  • part-time (study alongside work)
Mode of study
Less than 50% online
Programme duration
3 semesters, 6 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline

The application deadline for the winter semester class is 1 September for non-visa holders and 30 September for visa holders.

The application deadline for the summer semester class is 1 January for non-visa holders and 15 February for visa holders.

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
2,034 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

The tuition fee of 6,100 EUR covers all three semesters. The tuition fee for the diploma programme is 5,580 EUR and the certificate programme is 2,790 EUR.

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content
  • Civil and political rights
  • Economic, social and cultural rights
  • Prohibition of discrimination
  • Women's and children's rights
  • Rights of minorities and peoples
  • Refugees, internally displaced persons  
  • Migration law
  • Individual (criminal) responsibility
  • State responsibility
  • Justice and (criminal) penalties and enforcement
  • Democracy, rule of law and administration
  • Conflict prevention/management
  • Current issues of armed conflict
  • Research and training
  • Public international law
  • Academic English writing
  • Legal analysis and legal writing
  • Human rights work in conflict and crisis settings

The courses consist of both periods of on-site and distance learning elements. Lectures and seminars during the on-site periods take place in Frankfurt (Oder). Teaching takes place in a small-group setting. The distance learning elements are presented via an Internet platform that enables students to study interactively.

Course organisation

Winter semester

  • Introduction to international human rights and humanitarian law
  • Civil and political rights
  • Economic, social and cultural rights and prohibition of discrimination
  • Conflict management and current issues in international humanitarian law

Summer semester

  • Rights of disadvantaged groups
  • Law of refugees and migration
  • Individual (criminal) responsibility and state responsibility
  • Constitutional principles

Third semester: practical module (internship) and Master's thesis

Additional seminars/workshops are offered to improve the practical skills of the participating students.

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Study trips
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Description of other international elements

In their last semester, students can complete an internship and their Master's thesis from anywhere.

Integrated internships

The internship is intended to provide the opportunity for the practical application of things learnt in the coursework programme. Therefore, it is essential it should be spent with an organisation which has some connection with the focus of the IHL programme. This can cover a wide variety of organisations, both international and national, public or private, including the following types:

  • international or national human rights bodies (for example, within the UN, the Council of Europe, or other regional human rights systems)
  • NGOs (for example, Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch), whether international or national
  • organisations concerned with humanitarian issues and aid (for example, UNHCR or the Red Cross)
  • bodies dealing with conflict management and international negotiation
  • police forces or military/defence institutions (depending on some extent on the particular focus of the activities carried out)
  • academic bodies and research institutes focused on human rights (so long as this involves not simply attending further courses on the subject but rather involves a practical focus on more specific issues or problems)
  • a public prosecutor's office or a law firm (with a focus on human rights or related matters)
  • certain branches of public administration (for example, child welfare or anti-discrimination).

This list is not exhaustive, but it gives an idea of the types of areas and activities that should be considered. When an IHL student has already been (or is still) working in a position that would be suitable for an internship, the Academic board chair may be able to give credit for this.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Types of online learning elements
  • Access to databases with study material
  • Chats (with lecturers and other students)
  • Message Boards
  • Online sessions
  • Online study material provided by institution
  • Online tutorials
  • Video learning (Pre-recorded videos, Vlogs, Video-Podcasts)
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
2,034 EUR
Additional information on tuition fees

The tuition fee of 6,100 EUR covers all three semesters. The tuition fee for the diploma programme is 5,580 EUR and the certificate programme is 2,790 EUR.

Semester contribution

Approx. 300 EUR (subject to change, please see: https://www.europa-uni.de/en/studium/informationen/semesterbeitrag.html)

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements
  • A university degree in law or equivalent qualification
    • A certified copy of the degree(s) in German, English or French must be submitted with the application form.
  • Adequate aptitude in both spoken and written English is required. See language requirements below.
  • A high level of motivation to participate in the programme
    • A statement of motivation must be provided in the application form.
  • At least one year of practical professional experience:
    • A appropriate certificate or confirmation by a relevant employer or organisation must be submitted.
    • Exemptions from this requirement may be granted by the admission board.
  • The support of two independent references from two different institutions or organisations
Language requirements

The ability to write academic papers and to engage in academic discourse competently in English is required.

You need to prove:

  • 93 in TOEFL IBT, 180 Cambridge Advanced Certificate (C1) or IELTS grade of at least average 7, but no less then 6.5 for each component grade; 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
Technical equipment and programmes

Viacampus
Moodle
Submittable

Application deadline

The application deadline for the winter semester class is 1 September for non-visa holders and 30 September for visa holders.

The application deadline for the summer semester class is 1 January for non-visa holders and 15 February for visa holders.

Submit application to

https://europa-uni.submittable.com/submit/326812e2-00b6-4344-9e57-ee5ce8ea1aea/winter-semester-2023-24-ll-m-diploma-and-certificate

Accommodation

Both Frankfurt (Oder) and its neighbouring town Slubice on the Polish side of the river have plenty of flats for rent via the "Studentenwerk". For further information and applications, please contact live@studentenwerk-frankfurt.de.

Career advisory service

The Career Center at the European University Viadrina helps students to get acquainted with all the requirements for their future professional life.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Visa matters

European University Viadrina

Content Bild

The Viadrina European University, refounded in 1991, began its first academic year in 1992, continuing the fine tradition of the first State University of Brandenburg (Alma Mater Viadrina, 1506-1811). It especially endeavours to face the challenge of a newly opened and expanded Europe today. In co-operation with Polish and other affiliated European universities, the Viadrina European University plays a special role as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe due to its unique geography and history. The university's faculties go beyond the confines of their own disciplines, providing excellent study conditions.

University location

Frankfurt (Oder) is located directly on the border with Poland, 90 kilometres east of Berlin (45 minutes away by public transport). The city, with a population of 70,000 has become a place of study.

Please visit the city's official website at http://www.frankfurt-oder.de.

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