The E.MA is an interdisciplinary programme that reflects the indivisible links between human rights, democracy, peace and development. The programme offers an action- and policy-oriented approach to learning about international relations, law, philosophy, history and anthropology of human rights. While studying in a multicultural environment, students have the opportunity to meet and be taught by leading academics representing the 41 E.MA participating universities, representatives of international organisations (including the European Union, the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe-OSCE), NGO experts, and activists and human rights defenders.

Degree components

The degree components are the following:
•    First Semester courses in Venice-Lido
    Thematic Sections 1-5 (50% of the total mark, equivalent to 30 ECTS credits)
•    Second Semester courses at one of the participating Universities
    At least two assessed course units (15% of the total mark, equivalent to 9 ECTS credits)
•    Thesis (35% of the total mark, equivalent to 21 ECTS credits)


Learning methodology

The E.MA learning methodology encompasses a variety of approaches: lectures; workshops; seminars focused on post-graduate level studies in politics, philosophy, and law; skill-building sessions; project work; student initiatives and events; discussion lounge; moot court; tutorials; and individual research.

E.MA students, upon completion of all the degree components, are equipped with both academic and practical skills: on the one hand, the ability to conduct independent and interdisciplinary academic research in relation to human rights and democratisation issues; on the other hand, the necessary know-how in areas which are relevant to human rights practice such as reporting, lobbying and negotiating, fundraising, project managing.

Timeline

The academic year of the European Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation is divided into two semesters:

•    First Semester: September to January in Venice-Lido
•    Second Semester: February to July at an E.MA participating university situated in the European Union.