It’s truly incredible to hear the other students’ stories and gain insight into the challenges they face in their home countries. In addition, you’ll learn from professors who have supported human rights causes across a wide range of fields. They are an invaluable resource and always willing to engage with students despite their busy schedules and impressive professional experience. The people at FAU Human Rights are what make the program truly special. 🙂

For me, this programme is a great example of how human rights education can be valuable at any stage of your career. Whether you’re relatively new or bringing years of experience, what matters most is having an open mind, a willingness to challenge yourself, and the curiosity to learn from everyone around you. I’m so grateful to be a part of this family.

Choosing the M.A. Human Rights at FAU has been one of the best decisions I have made in my career. The program has allowed me to exchange experiences with people from all around the world that are as impassioned as myself and learn from them and their background. I  find the interdisciplinary approach to contemporaneous issues regarding human rights worldwide very interesting and necessary to face today’s challenges.

The M.A. Human Rights constitutes a profound, and comprehensive understanding of all the problematic issues like genocide, enforced disappearances, refugees, inequities etc. The content of the programme also touches current issues like environmental human rights. The curriculum is a good combination of both theory and practice.

The M.A. Human Rights program at FAU caught my attention with its distinctive interdisciplinary approach, encompassing legal, political, and philosophical perspectives. Its setting in the historic city of Nuremberg adds an extra layer of significance. The professors and students come from diverse academic fields and countries, which greatly excited me due to the richness of perspectives and approaches brought into the classroom.

The exceptional teaching quality at FAU, together with the large multidisciplinary network, ensures an academic experience unlike any other in Germany. The advanced degree programme in Human Rights allows you to expand your knowledge and career options. Whether you already work in a relevant profession or volunteer for human rights, this degree provides an international perspective.

Beyond theoretical exploration, the program effectively navigates real-life and contemporary human rights issues, ensuring a practical grasp of their complexities. A notable strength of the program lies in the diverse backgrounds of both faculty and peers. This diversity creates a dynamic learning environment, transcending conventional academic boundaries and fostering rich interactions. The multifaceted nature of the program enhances overall engagement, providing a comprehensive understanding of human rights.

I am truly honored to be part of this international programme because it gave me a chance to interact with class fellows from around the world sharing their experiences on human rights. The diverse learning environment in this programme makes me happy and keeps me motivated to work for human rights.

The multidisciplinary approach based on the three pillars (law, philosophy and politics) is an important differential in the program’s proposal given the complexities of human rights issues, that cannot be solely addressed by the legal aspect, for instance. The multi and interdisciplinary approach allowed students to develop an intersectional view on the issues and to build synergies between different topics and areas of human rights. As someone with a legal background but fascinated by philosophy and social sciences, I was very happy with this mixed and complementary approach.

The professors are well-rounded, approachable and friendly experts prepared to yield the students with a reliable ground into the academic universe. In terms of administrative matters, the coordination staff is easily reachable and always willing to support the students in any way possible. Such points provide the programme with a welcoming and trustworthy environment that the students highly regard.

The M.A. Human Rights programme at Friedrich–Alexander University (FAU) has given me the opportunity to meet human rights activists from all over the world. It is unusual to get out of the narrow social space and see the big picture of the challenges that unite all individuals.

This Master’s degree programme, with its legal, philosophical and political focus combined with my pedagogical perspectives and practical experiences was a unique chance and important step for me to become a human rights orientated social worker. A very valuable aspect of this programme is the variety of perspectives of the students. There is enough space for debating non-eurocentric, feminist and critical views and literature. Furthermore, I felt great appreciation from the professors for their opinions, ideas and approaches of the students.

I choose this program because it best meets my career goals. When I got to know about the program, I felt some kind of resonance deep inside me. The content of the program is intense and designed in a way to let international students develop multiple perspectives in understanding dynamics of human rights history and its greater implication in the world today and tomorrow.

I chose the Human Rights Master’s at FAU because it offers the possibility to not only gain a wide and multidisciplinary theoretical background, but it also provides practical knowledge through diverse case studies. This programme offers the possibility to specialize in different areas of human rights, such as transitional justice, and gender and refugee rights, among others.

I chose this programme because I wanted a holistic understanding of human rights and social justice. I enjoy this programme because it focuses on the three important dimensions of human rights- politics, philosophy and law. We can also specialise in the second semester by picking seminars from a wide range of topics offered to us. Another aspect that I would like to highlight about the programme is the class’s diversity, which is crucial to the discussions.

I have chosen the M.A Human Rights programme due to its broad reach- in the sense that it allows its students to comprehend the law, philosophy and politics of international human rights. The institutional support was wonderful and I have had the pleasure to be taught by renowned and tremendously dedicated academics.

I found the Master on Human Rights at FAU a very interesting programme, not only because of the diversity of topics touched upon, but also the methodology: depth analysis and real-life cases. The participation of students from all over the world made the experience more enriching. Learning from human rights issues in different countries and cultures was key to take my human rights knowledge to another level.

The programme’s professors are very friendly and supportive as well as have a wide range of professional and practical experiences. These experiences, in combination with a multi-dimensional theoretical approach, form part of their teaching. It is a great privilege to study and share with colleagues who have different professional, cultural and geographical backgrounds. I will miss all these lovely people.

The academic team is made up of experienced professors who are not only there to teach but also guide the students. The classes are very interactive, with room for dialogue and brainstorming giving students the opportunity to learn from the experiences of one another and about human rights issues from countries other than their own. I am happy I chose the Master’s in human rights at FAU because it has not only made me gain academic knowledge but has also been insightful in helping me decide on how to pursue my career in the field of human rights.

I chose the program because of its multidisciplinary nature. There is a wide offer of human rights master programmes in Germany and Europe that only focus on law. For me, an interdisciplinary approach is more relevant because it allows a better understanding of human rights.

I decided to study this programme as I knew about human rights only from the few courses I took in my previous studies. It takes an in-depth knowledge of human rights to live up to the challenges encountered in one’s day to day professional activities. FAU is an ideal place to study human rights because of its combination of experienced professors, staff and a very friendly living environment in Erlangen.

I have decided to study the M.A Human Rights at FAU primarily due to its interdisciplinary approach (legal, philosophical, and political) to the fundamental challenges as well as constantly evolving human rights issues. As a generalist social worker who has been practising human rights protection, the interdisciplinary approach of the program perfectly suits my expectation in terms of broadening the legal and philosophical understanding of human rights. The lecture courses which are supported with extensive seminars provide students with a space to engage and deeply investigate contested human rights subjects aided by experiences from their home regions.

Human rights values, its challenges and realization can be found in the entire world. The existence of an interdisciplinary master study programme with knowledgeable professors and multicultural students from different countries and continents, leads to discussion full of learning and knowledge.

I became interested in the programme because of its multidimensional approach of human rights. It is a programme I will recommend to anyone who wants to study human rights and build a career in human rights. My two years of studies was a wonderful experience. I encountered a friendly learning environment with very understanding professors and coordinator who are always there to help the students.

What drew my attention to the programme firstly was its multidisciplinary design; since I am from a political science background, I was eager to know more about the legal and the social aspects of human rights. The very prominent names of the professors, who oversee the programme increased my trust towards the programme, as well. Now, after finishing my course, I realized how professional was the academic and administrative sides of the programme. I really couldn’t feel more comfortable and academically enriched, as I felt during this programme.

Since starting the programme here at FAU I feel that I’ve already accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge that will transfer into working in a human rights field, or at least contributing to a greater foundation in my current profession as an educator. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable around the disciplines of law, politics and philosophy and provide great spaces for engaging, thoughtful and critical discussion. The atmosphere and breadth of discussion is uniquely established in the diversity and variety of professional backgrounds of the students involved. The professors and programme coordinators have also ensured a personable and engaging environment with themselves and within the cohort.

I would highlight the professional background of the academics in charge of each chair, along with their teacher training. In my perspective, each one manages to combine solid handling of the contents with the ability to transmit them to a heterogeneous group of students. This diversity has been another highlight of the program. The opportunity to share with students from different continents, cultures and experiences, all motivated by the development of human rights, has been unique and challenging.

I took an interest in the MA in Human Rights at FAU because of its interdisciplinary nature which furnishes students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the fundamental principles of human rights. It approaches human rights from a legal, political and philosophical way and the combination of lectures and seminars. Coming from a Communications background, the teaching method, as well as the multidisciplinary approaches, facilitated my understanding of this broad subject.

As a social worker, human rights, solidarity, and social justice are important reference frameworks for professional work. I wanted to deepen my understanding of theoretical discourses about human rights and current political debates and combine it with my previous work experience. It equips us with the foundations of human rights from a legal, political, and philosophical perspective and offers the opportunity to specialize in specific issues in this field.

Although I started studying at FAU during the Corona Virus pandemic, which has introduced significant changes to face-to-face education, what I like the most about this master is its holistic approach; this is an interdisciplinary course focused on studying human rights from a legal, philosophical, political, and historical perspective, combining not only theory but, more importantly, case studies. These are the reasons why M.A. Human Rights is a unique programme in this field.

The professors make learning very attention-grabbing, engaging the students in interactive sessions and lending their ears to the different points of view in the class. The atmosphere of the classes is remarkable, and there is a lot of help and guidance available from the professors and staff.

I firmly believe that the M.A. Human Rights programme at Friedrich–Alexander University (FAU) is the best academic environment to help me realize my goal of developing as a researcher. FAU’s distinguished faculty and excellent facilities suit my professional and future goals and provide a dynamic intellectual atmosphere.

I enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of this programme; combining the three areas of philosophy, political science, and law provides us with a well-rounded, holistic approach to human rights. The professors are very knowledgeable and foster rich discussions between the students in every class. All my classmates [also] contribute so much to my education. I am grateful to be able to learn from and alongside these talented and dedicated human rights defenders.

The M.A in Human Rights exposes the students to not only theoretical aspects, but real life and current situations as well. The best part about the whole course is that all the students come from all over and various parts of the world. It was the most humbling experience to learn from one another, and the professors that teach the topics are also experts in their fields. This course does not just make you think about a problem from one perspective, but also from a legal, political and philosophical perspective.

I am very grateful that I attended this multidisciplinary programme. The learning atmosphere was perfect. I highly enjoyed the in-depth discussions with my classmate, where we shared our experiences in the human right field. The professors and the whole staff offered me generous support during the course of my studies. I am grateful to the entire faculty for enhancing my knowledge.

The M.A. Human Rights opened a new academic door for me. I could continue my study and finish my doctoral thesis thanks to the wonderful professors I have met in the program. Through the process of writing my master’s thesis, learned a lot about the topic of same-sex marriage and discrimination based on sexual orientation. In addition, working as a tutor to the human rights master students was also a very valuable experience for me.

Coming from Brazil, I was always very interested in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the human rights challenges present in the Latin American context. My interests were accommodated in this programme since these topics were well addressed, and the Professors were motivated to discuss further and provide extra materials aligned to the student’s interest.

The M.A. Human Rights programme of FAU is a unique interdisciplinary programme that logically ties the practical experiences of students with human rights law and politics in a theoretical ground of human rights philosophy. The programme is enriched by practical research and case studies which in the presence of students from different parts of the world with different experiences in the human rights field, it makes a unique atmosphere for learning and creativity.

What first drew my attention to this programme was its interdisciplinary approach that focuses on legal, political and philosophical aspects of human rights. Due to my training as a lawyer, my knowledge of human rights was strictly normative. But after studying the MA, I now have a multidimensional view of human rights which has impacted my current academic and professional path.

When I applied for the programme, I first looked up the qualifications of the programme directors. All of them have outstanding teaching and practical experience in the human rights field. Besides that, the programme opens the opportunity to be an expert on specific human rights fields. Moreover, there was a lot to learn during the programme and the fact that the students were from different countries made it more interesting.

Having a background in law and humanitarian studies, I have always been passionate about studying a programme on human rights, one that is strictly not legal. The M.A in Human Rights at the FAU fits this description well because it not only consists of the legal aspects but also philosophical studies on human rights. The courses allow students to have an open discussion by creating a platform for the exchange of ideas. Additionally, the programme has brilliant professors who are experts in the field and programme staff who are always supportive and in close contact with students.

Even before I left Brazil, I got a lot of support from the staff, who were very keen on answering all my questions and helping me out in any way possible. My classmates came from all around the world and enriched the experience even further. The classes were relevant and dynamic: beyond learning the theory, we discussed current topics and conducted case studies, analysing human rights issues across the different regional systems (European, American and African). I had the opportunity to engage myself in research, extracurricular activities and language courses, gaining more knowledge and making my CV more competitive internationally.

I believe that this Master’s programme is very well-rounded in the way that it marries the legal, philosophical and political dimensions of human rights. While we learn a lot about the theories, the history of treaties or social movements, we also learn practical anecdotes on how hard it sometimes is to change perceptions, to let the marginalised be heard and to fight for freer and fairer societies.  What I cherish the most are the moments outside of the classroom, where we just bond over coffee and our visions for our home countries—discussing historical and cultural contexts, geopolitics, religion, and the like. I don’t think any other program would have given me such a global and current perspective.

I chose this programme to know more about the UN, the WHO, the right to health, and the origins of human rights and the limitations of modern medicine. My experience with the master’s programme was interesting and rewarding. I am glad I could participate. I wish all graduates power and good luck in advancing human rights!

The human rights program prepares students for career opportunities in international, public, and governmental service due to its interdisciplinary approach. Many aspects of the program provided direct links between international human rights law, politics, and philosophy. The program not only aimed to provide a theoretical understanding of the principles and issues in law but also, acquired reliable practical skills through field trips. Lastly, the faculty is a highly qualified group of academics and professionals who are committed to finding innovative ways to meet the educational needs of the students.

I currently work in a protracted humanitarian crisis. This programme empowers me with the skills and knowledge required to assess, understand, and seek solutions to human rights violations in humanitarian crises using a multifaceted approach. The lecturers have a refreshingly genuine volition to impart knowledge and support students in their learning objectives. The rest of the faculty members are patient and always willing to help.

The master’s in human rights at FAU is unique because it provides a solid foundation in the philosophical, political and legal aspects of the discipline before allowing students the opportunity to focus on our unique individual interests. My hope for this program is that it will position and empower me to become a better community advocate.

The main reason I had to choose the M.A. Human Rights in FAU was its interdisciplinary and international approach. In Latin America, human rights are tending to be treated from a strictly legal perspective and this make citizens believe that it is a problem only for lawyers or judges but not for them. In my experience, in order to making sense of human rights in modern democracies we need to develop a broader perspective so that we can use them in favour of the contemporary social transformations.

This Master programme includes a well-rounded approach to Human Rights, examining it not only from the legal perspective but from other disciplines and on both a regional and an international level. Also, this program allows exchange with professionals from all over the world, being able to have a multicultural study experience.

Human rights challenges and human rights issues can be found in whatever direction we look in the entire world. The existence of an interdisciplinary master, where not only professors but also classmates come from different backgrounds and countries nourishes the seminars and leads to discussions full of learnings and knowledge.

This Master programme was the perfect choice for me thanks to its diversity: combining three key disciplines, Law, Philosophy and Political Science, the lectures and seminars offered have helped me gain a holistic understanding of international human rights, whilst allowing me to choose specializations of interest to me: Human Rights of Refugees, Gender and Human Rights, Business and Human Rights and International Criminal Law.