Frequently asked questions

Browse through the questions and answers below to find the information you need. If you have any questions left, please feel free to reach out to our programme coordinator Ms Ines Kalam.

The Master's programme

What kinds of courses are included in the programme?

The course programme covers fundamental challenges of human rights as well as a selection of current issues. It pursues an interdisciplinary approach by taking the political, philosophical and legal dimensions of human rights into account.

In the first semester, all students will enrol in three compulsory modules covering political, philosophical and legal foundations of human rights respectively. In the second semester, students will participate in a compulsory, interdisciplinary module on non-discrimination, a module focusing on practical key skills for human rights graduates and elect four out of a variety of specialised modules. In the final semester, students will be able to choose between two different thesis options. They can either write one long in-depth research thesis or they can combine a shorter thesis with an internship. Students will be counselled on their choice at the end of the second semester.

The module descriptions are available here.

What is the language of the programme? Are German skills required?

The programme is taught entirely in English. We do not require any German skills. If you plan to stay and work in Germany, however, we strongly recommend learning German during your studies to increase your chances of finding employment.

Where is the programme located?

The programme’s offices and the majority of classes are located at Wetterkreuz 15, 91058 Erlangen. The M.A. Human Rights is on the ground floor of the building. Bus connections can be researched on the website of the regional transportation service.

How long does it take to complete the degree requirements? Are all three semesters full-time?

The M.A. Human Rights programme consists of three six-month semesters, i.e. 18 months altogether. The first two semesters (October to mid-July) are dedicated to the coursework and require residence in the Erlangen area. The last semester is devoted entirely to the thesis and can be completed from abroad. The programme is only offered as a full-time programme.

Applications

What academic and professional experience is required of applicants?

Admission to the Master’s programme in Human Rights requires a university degree based on at least 3.5 years of full-time studies (equivalent to 210 ECTS credits) and at least one year of professional experience in the area of human rights, or one year of professional experience in another field in combination with practical experience in human rights work on a volunteer basis.

If your university degree is based on less than 3.5 years of studies, you may be accepted based on a special procedure determining additional qualifications. This assessment serves to show that you have acquired additional specialised knowledge and qualifications in the field of human rights as well as general academic skills equivalent to another 30 ECTS or half a year of full-time studies. You will have to answer a set of questions as part of the online application form that covers human rights, research methods, and personal and social skills.

The requirement of working or volunteer experience in the field of human rights is not always perfectly straightforward as there is no one standard definition of human rights work. A final decision is only possible within our assessment procedure. We generally consider working towards protecting and/or promoting human rights from a specific human rights point of view as relevant. We would, therefore, for example, distinguish human rights work from broader charity work. This can then of course encompass a wide range of professions and causes that could include protecting and safeguarding the rights of specific groups of people such as homeless people, victims of sexual violence or immigrants. What we would then specifically look for is a conscious and strong human rights-based approach towards assisting these groups.

To give you two examples from the broader field of supporting refugees: Helping out a charity organisation once a week teaching English to refugees, for example, would not fall under this. On the other hand, investing a considerable amount of your free time volunteering for a rights-based organisation promoting the rights of refugees through petitions, advocacy, education etc. would be considered.

What language tests are accepted?

We require proof of English language skills in line with level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required for admission. An overview of generally accepted tests and the required scores is available on the website of our language centre.

My examination appointment for my language test is after the application deadline. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply. If your application is successful, you have to send the required test results to us before beginning your studies or you will lose your spot for the respective year.

What is the admissions timeline?

The programme only starts in the winter term. Applications are accepted between 15 February and 31 May each year. Decisions will be taken in March and June. To have your application reviewed in March, it has to reach us by the last working day of February.

Please note that processing visa applications may sometimes take several months. We therefore strongly advise applicants who require a student visa to apply early. The same applies to scholarship applications.

Visas and entering Germany

What are the requirements for a German student visa?

An overview of relevant steps and requirements for obtaining a visa can, for example, be found on the website of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). Visa proceedings can take several months, so we strongly advise you to apply to the degree programme in February and apply for your visa immediately after getting admitted.

As of 2023, the proceedings at the embassies in Dhaka, Bangladesh, seem to take up to two years. Applicants from Bangladesh, in particular, are advised to inquire at the embassy about current time frames in advance and, if necessary, consider applying already one or even two years before planning to commence the programme.

Does the programme help with visa proceedings?

Please note that it is your responsibility as a student to obtain the required visa. If you are admitted, we will send you an admission letter with which you can apply at the nearest German embassy/consulate. If necessary, we can also write letters of support and be available for questions directly by the embassy but we cannot influence visa proceedings.

Finances and living in Germany

What is the cost of living of a student in Erlangen?

As a student in Erlangen or Nuremberg, your average cost of living will be around 870 EUR per month. For more information, visit the webpages of the Studierendenwerke (student services organisations) or Study in Germany.

Does the programme offer scholarships?

The programme is unfortunately not able to offer scholarships or fee waivers at this point. There are, however, many options offered by other organisations, such as the German Academic Exchange Service and several foundations. Some options are listed on our scholarship page.

Is there housing available to students?

University staff at the international office will try to assist you in your search if you apply for their support after being admitted to the programme. However, they are not responsible for finding accommodation and can only make recommendations. Students are themselves responsible for securing suitable accommodation in the Erlangen-Nuremberg area.