Final degree
Master of Arts (M.A.) Human Rights
Language of instruction
English
Program duration
From the winter semester of 2026/27 on, the M.A. Human Rights consists of 120 ECTS spread out over four semesters, i.e., two years, full-time. The part-time option doubles the study time to eight semesters, i.e., four years. The taught parts of the program usually take up the first three or six semesters, respectively. The last full-time semester or the last two part-time semesters are entirely devoted to the master’s thesis and, for some students, an internship.
Beginning of the program
Every October
Application deadline
The program only starts in the winter term. The final deadline for applications is 30 May. Please note that in some cases, processing visa applications may take several months. Therefore, we strongly advise applicants who require a student visa to apply as early as possible.
Important semester dates
Here you will find important semester dates (e.g., semester and lecture periods, holidays).
Fees
The program does not incur tuition fees. Students are required by law to pay a fee for general student services (the ‘Studierendenwerk’), entitling them to, for example, subsidized meals and other services. As of 2025, this fee is 72€ per semester. Further information on the services of the Studierendenwerk can be found on their website (only partly available in English).
Prerequisites
Admission to the Master’s program in Human Rights requires a university degree based on at least three years of full-time studies (equivalent to 180 ECTS credits) and successful completion of the assessment process as outlined in the program rules. Additionally, proof of C1-level English language skills is required.
Further information on the application and assessment process can be found here.
Structure of the program
In the first semester, all full-time students will enrol in compulsory modules covering political, philosophical and legal foundations of human rights. In the second semester, students will participate in a mandatory, interdisciplinary module on non-discrimination and elect four out of a variety of specialized modules that may cover topics such as Business and Human Rights, International Criminal Law, Transitional Justice, Migration and Human Rights, Human Rights Philosophy, and International Organizations. These courses will be complemented by a one-year-long seminar on Current Issues in Human Rights. The third semester focuses on modules covering methodological skills as well as soft skills for human rights work. The program is complemented by elective modules that will allow students to choose from a wide selection of complementary and language courses. In the fourth semester, students will be able to choose between two options to finish their degree: Either write one in-depth scientific thesis or combine a shorter thesis with a mandatory internship.
Students choosing to study the program part-time will take the same courses but spread them out over the course of eight semesters instead of four.
Skills
Graduates of the program will be equipped with theoretical and practical skills to pursue professional activities in different human rights contexts, such as in public administration, international and non-governmental organizations, academia and education, the media, interest groups and associations, as well as in specialized law firms and corporations.
Degree program and examination regulations (Studien- und Prüfungsordnung)
The program regulations are available on this web page. They are available in German and English, but only the German version is legally binding. Please note that the regulations are updated from time to time.
Location
Classes will be held in Nuremberg and in Erlangen. The majority of classes and the program offices are on the premises of the Center for Human Rights Erlangen-Nürnberg at Andreij-Sacharow-Platz 1, 90403 Nuremberg.