Welcome address by the E.MA Programme Director

Dear E.MA students 2011/2012,

Welcome to the European Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation (E.MA)!

You are about to start an extra-ordinary learning and human experience that will not only provide you with solid conceptual knowledge and practical skills but also with the opportunity to better understand your abilities and interests and develop the competences and the self-confidence necessary for a successful career.

The E.MA is aimed at forming you as professionals in the field of human rights and democratisation. After completing the course, you will be equipped to respond to the operational requirements of daily work in international organisations, field operations, governmental and non-governmental bodies and academia. You will be prepared to do so through an intensive and rigorous one-year academic programme that combines theoretical understanding with action- and policy-oriented insight for effective human rights advocacy. Thanks to its comprehensive scope, interdisciplinary approach, and inter-university cooperation among 41 prestigious universities in Europe, the E.MA is a truly unique programme.

The E.MA teaching methodology is equally unique and multifaceted: you will have the opportunity to be taught by a wide range of leading academics, renowned experts and representatives of international organisations while studying in a multicultural environment and in multiple locations. You will spend the first semester in Venice where you will attend lectures, seminars and workshops and will participate in simulations, skill-building sessions, project work. This will provide you with the foundations for more in-depth research that you will then carry out in your second semester destination (in one of the participating universities).

Last, but not least, you will share this experience within a group of committed human rights advocates coming from all around the world. You were all chosen precisely because of your background, experience and motivation. I am convinced this will be the basis of high quality exchanges, engaging discussions and long-term connections.


I am delighted to have you join us and I look forward to working together over the coming year. 

Dr. Angela Melchiorre
E.MA Programme Director