Governance and Human Rights

The Master's programme in Governance and Human Rights connects the theory of science with its practical application. In seven modules, the students will learn to analyse and understand legal and political theories of governance and international and regional human rights regimes and how they are interrelated.

The students and scholars of the Master of Governance and Human Rights will design, plan, organise, and realise their own project addressing a practical challenge related to the field of governance and human rights.

Project-based learning is of central importance for the programme. The students will learn to conceptualise and contribute to social change and acquire the design and communication skills to adapt theoretical approaches to governance and human rights to their professional working environment, e.g. as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainable development policies. They will be taught and supervised by outstanding and renowned international human rights academics, practitioners and experienced project coaches.

The programme is developed in cooperation with the Humboldt-Viadrina Governance Platform in Berlin.

At a glance:

• First and only professional Master's programme connecting Governance and Human Rights
• Classes and seminars taught entirely in English
• Distance-learning classes with three two-week classroom sessions in Berlin and Lüneburg
• Application of the subjects in individual project

Course details:
There are four theoretical modules and three hands-on modules consisting each of three to four courses. You will be able to apply your knowledge in an individual project and organise a conference together with your class. You will finish your studies with a Master's thesis.

Four theoretical modules:
Introduction to Governance and Human Rights

• Good Governance Principles
• Human Rights Concepts and Norms
• Transition, Transformation and Development Theories
• Introduction to International Legal Theory

Human Rights and Governance: Norms and Principles

• Political and Religious Rights
• Criminal Justice
• Privacy, Security and Data Protection
• Equality and Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights

Contemporary Challenges of Governance and Human Rights Application

• Business and Human Rights
• Human Rights Regimes Protecting Specific Groups
• Case Studies and Development of Best Practice Scenarios

Human Rights Institutions, Mechanisms and Transitional Justice

• Human Rights Institutions and Mechanisms
• Human Rights Reporting and Monitoring
• Transitional Justice Theories and Concepts

Three hands-on modules:
Research, Communication and Decision-Making Skills

• Problem Solving and Design Thinking
• Communication and Negotiation Skills
• Evaluation, Assessment, Supervision and Co-Counselling Tools

Social Change: Campaigning, Social Media and Communication

• Campaigning & Awareness Raising
• Social Media and Networks
• Sustainability, Communication and Transfer
• Conference Event

Programme Design

• (Personal) Engagement in Human Rights
• Governance and Human Rights in Organisations
• Human Rights and Governance Proposals and Fundraising
• Project Development and Project Management Tools

Additionally, students will develop their individual project in a question relating to governance and human rights.

Educational organisation

The programme consists of lectures, seminars and small-group discussions taking place online as a distance-learning format. There are three two-week classroom sessions (lectures, workshops, discussions). Students apply their knowledge by developing an individual project throughout the course and organise a conference at the end of their studies.

Forms of assessment

Assignments, essays and presentations, Master's thesis in accordance with the guidelines

Course objectives

Students will learn to analyse and understand legal and political theories of governance. They will be able to protect and enforce human rights using human rights regimes. The programme has a strong hands-on approach and enables students to apply their knowledge in their human rights and governance projects.

Language requirements

Applicants must prove a sophisticated level of English by an official English language test (TOEFL, IELTS, TOIEC, etc.).

Academic requirements

Academic admission requirements:

• a first university degree (e.g. Bachelor)
• one year professional experience in the field of governance and human rights
• sophisticated English language skills

The following documents are required for application:

• application form, duly filled out and signed
• CV
• certified copy of first university diploma

Where to apply:
For more information concerning the application process, you can contact the study course coordinator Christoph Kleineberg (kleineberg@leuphana.de, phone +49 4131 6 77 19 83) or visit the website http://www.leuphana.de/gahr-application

Enrolment fees

Each semester, students have to pay an enrolment fee of approx. 330 EUR.

Costs of living

The students usually live in their countries of origin and only come to Berlin and Lüneburg for the three classroom sessions.

Arrival support

The study course coordinator will provide you with detailed information and support in all questions concerning your arrival in Germany.

Services and support for international students

Extensive support is provided by faculty and staff of Leuphana Professional School and the Master's programme.

Accommodation

The study course coordinator will help you find accommodation during the classroom sessions in Berlin and Lüneburg. Rooms will be reserved for you in advance.