MA Programme in Human Rights and Democratization

The Regional Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratization is a two-year interdisciplinary programme established with the financial support of the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) in 2010.  The programme is one of 6 Regional Master’s Programmes in Human Rights and Democratization worldwide, established with the financial support of the European Commission.

This unique programme is offered by four leading universities in Eastern Partnership Region: Yerevan State University (coordinator), Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Belarusian State University, University of European Political and Economic Studies (USPEE) in Moldova and in cooperation with the European Interuniversity Center (Venice).

MA in Human Rights and Democratization Eastern Partnership Regional Programme has the pleasure to announce that since the academic year of 2013-2015 the Programme will run in three semesters. According to the changes the first semester will be held at Yerevan State University. The Second Semester will run in one of the partner countries ( Belarusian State University; Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; University of European Political and Economic Studies) and the third semester will cover the completion of thesis and internship. The 3 semester MA will provide flexibility and possibility for the students to study and gain first hand knowledge by studying in the Eastern Partnership region. The Master's Programme provides the students with the knowledge of human rights, issues and problems existing in the region, at the same time it provides the international experience of human rights protection. 

Eligibility

Candidates holding Bachelors’ degree in any undergraduate programme (or an equivalent qualification from a recognized higher education institution) and are interested in majoring in human rights, democracy building and democratization may apply for the Human Rights and Democratization Master Program. In case of ongoing studies applicants should provide documentation indicating that they will receive their first degree from such an institution by the time of enrolling in the programme. Candidates should be also equally fluent in English and Russian. The program has no age limitations. International students are most welcome to study at the Center for European Studies.

Please also note that applicants with academic and/or professional experience in above mentioned fields will have advantage.

Scholarships 

The Programme foresees certain amount of scholarships, which will cover travel expenses (up to Euro 600) and monthly stipend equal to Euro 250  for living expenses and accommodation. Scholarships will be provided only to non- resident students, studying in countries other than their country of residency. There is no tuition fee as such.

APPLICATION PACKAGE:

• Completed Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae in European Format
• Motivation Letters (1500-2000 characters) both in English and Russian  
• Essay (1500-2000 words) on Human Rights and Democratization related topics (more detailed information concerning the essay topics and requirements can be found in the section “Essay”) 
• Contact details for two nominees to provide Reference Letters (one from academia, and one from a current or former employer, if the applicant has work experience) 
• Scanned University Diploma or Diplomas 
• Academic Transcripts

Additionally, those who have taken English language proficiency tests may indicate their score and include Certificate(s) 

• English Proficiency Test Score- TOEFL (PBT 513-547; IBT 65-80) or IELTS (5.5-6)*

*The consortium reserves the right to request evidence of English language proficiency

HOW TO APPLY

The applicant needs to:

• Fill in the online application form: Parts A and B;
• Fill in Part C uploading CV, Motivation Letters, Essay, 2 reference letters, scanned university diploma/diplomas, university transcripts and English Language Proficiency Test Score (Optional)

Upon successful submission of the application, a confirmation letter will be sent to an e-mail address indicated in the application.

ADMISSION TIMETABLE

The Enrollment shall be undertaken in 3 stages:

• Stage 1- Submission of Application and Required Documents -May 15, 2013 - June 30, 2013
• Stage 2- Evaluation of applications and interviews with shortlisted candidates - July 1-20, 2013*
• Stage 3- Official Invitation - end of July - August 10, 2013

We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.

* Please note that inteviews with applicants from partner counties (Armenia, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine) will take place in their countries. In case if applicant is unable to participate in an interview, a phone call can be arranged.  If a shortlisted applicant is outside of the partner countries, they will also be interviewed via phone call.

SELECTION CRITERIA

A selection panel will review all applications and evaluate them against the following selection criteria:

• Academic merit (Educational background, CV)
• Motivation: Interest in human rights and democratization issues
• Provided written paper
• Commitment to idea of voluntarism and social involvement
• Experience in relevant fields.

All successful candidates will be shortlisted and invited for interviews.

More information HERE.