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EU Master's Program in Human Rights and Democratization

by: Global Campus of Human Rights

The European Master's Program in Human Rights and Democratization (EMA) is one of the eight regional master's programs organized by the Global Campus of Human Rights. EMA is a one-year, full-time interdisciplinary program that reflects the indivisible links between human rights, democracy, peace, and development. It 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 receive instruction from leading academics representing the 43 EMA participating universities, as well as representatives of international organizations (including the European Union, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe), NGO experts, and activists and human rights defenders. The EMA is both a residential and an exchange program, structured into two semesters. Students spend their first semester (September to January) at the Global Campus of Human Rights headquarters in Venice. They spend their second semester in a participating host university, where they follow courses and prepare a research thesis.

Program Highlights

Benefit from the richness and variety of perspectives on human rights, which no single department or faculty could offer, thanks to participating universities and associated institutions.

Experience a unique example of European university cooperation, with 43 prestigious universities working together on curriculum development, teaching methodology, and student selection.

Join a field trip in Kosovo at the end of the first semester to visit international organizations and local NGOs working on human rights issues, discussing the topic from a post-conflict context.

Go on a European exchange during the EMA second semester, wherein you are hosted in one of the 40+ partner universities located in a country other than your own.

Bask in the unparalleled atmosphere of Venice, amidst its intricate network of islands, canals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage—offering a uniquely enchanting experience.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Venice, Italy
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027
Age Requirement: 21-35
Types & Subjects
Degree Levels:
  • Masters
Subjects & Courses:
  • Human Rights Advocacy
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 02, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Venice, Italy

Types and Subjects

  • Degree Levels
  • Masters
  • Subjects & Courses
  • Human Rights Advocacy

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Age Requirement

21-35

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Academic Advising
  • Alumni / Networking Membership
  • Academic Credit
  • Certificate of Completion

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Independent living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Bachelor’s degree

Application Procedures

  • Letters of Reference
  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Transcript
  • Resume
  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Is attendance mandatory?

Yes. Attendance is compulsory and monitored daily. A maximum of seven absences from mandatory classes during the first semester is acceptable where legitimate reasons justify such absences.

Do I need to buy textbooks and other reading materials?

The EMA program provides you with the necessary reading materials via its e-learning platform Blackboard.

Will I be assigned to a second semester university or can I choose?

It is a combination of both. The allocation is made based on your thesis proposal and the university you have chosen. You can apply to six participating universities with your thesis proposal. These universities then evaluate whether suitable supervision is available for the thesis topic. The EMA Team and the governing bodies finalize the allocation based on your choice and university feedback.

Is EMA an MA or LLM program?

The EMA is an interdisciplinary program that enables students to explore human rights from various academic perspectives. It is not a strictly legal or LLM program. Moreover, the national equivalent value attributed to the EMA Joint Degree varies among the Inner Circle Universities conferring the diploma.

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