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Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Master English Social Sciences

European Master's Programme in Human Rights and DemocratisationEuropean Human Rights and Democratisation

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Ruhr-Universität Bochum Bochum · North Rhine-Westphalia

About the Program

The European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (E.MA) is a one-year, full-time course that provides a practice and policy-oriented approach to learning that combines legal, political, historical, anthropological, and philosophical perspectives of human rights and democratisation with skill-building activities and a field trip exercise. The program consists of three components: First semester (September-January) coursework at the Global Campus of Human Rights headquarters in Venice, accounting for 50% of the total mark (30 ECTS credits); Second semester (February-July) at one of 43 partner universities across Europe, representing 15% of the total mark (9 ECTS credits); and a Research thesis under the supervision of a faculty member from the second-semester university (submission in August and graduation in September), accounting for 35% of the total mark (21 ECTS credits). The first semester curriculum includes Thematic Sections covering Human Rights Institutions, Globalisation, Democracy, and Security, along with specialized units, cluster classes, rolling seminars, and skills building workshops. A field trip to Kosovo in mid-January provides insights into practical challenges in a post-conflict country. The program employs interactive teaching methods including role-play exercises, moot court cases, and simulation exercises to foster active, practice-oriented learning.
▶ Show the original English text
The European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (E.MA) is a one-year, full-time course that provides a practice and policy-oriented approach to learning that combines legal, political, historical, anthropological, and philosophical perspectives of human rights and democratisation with skill-building activities and a field trip exercise. The program consists of three components: First semester (September-January) coursework at the Global Campus of Human Rights headquarters in Venice, accounting for 50% of the total mark (30 ECTS credits); Second semester (February-July) at one of 43 partner universities across Europe, representing 15% of the total mark (9 ECTS credits); and a Research thesis under the supervision of a faculty member from the second-semester university (submission in August and graduation in September), accounting for 35% of the total mark (21 ECTS credits). The first semester curriculum includes Thematic Sections covering Human Rights Institutions, Globalisation, Democracy, and Security, along with specialized units, cluster classes, rolling seminars, and skills building workshops. A field trip to Kosovo in mid-January provides insights into practical challenges in a post-conflict country. The program employs interactive teaching methods including role-play exercises, moot court cases, and simulation exercises to foster active, practice-oriented learning.

General Requirements

Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.

Academic qualification

A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.

Language

English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.

Typical documents

  • Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
  • Language certificate
  • Passport and passport photo
  • Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
  • Letter of motivation (for many programs)
  • Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:

See Social Sciences professions "Human Rights and Democratisation"
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Subjects / Topic Areas

Human Rights and Democratisation

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How do I apply to European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation at Ruhr-Universität Bochum?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation at Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Is European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation at Ruhr-Universität Bochum taught in German or English? ▼

This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation programme cost? ▼

6.450 EUR / semester. International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation at Ruhr-Universität Bochum? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying European Master's Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Ruhr-Universität Bochum — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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