The European’s Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA) is delighted to accept applications for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year. Since its establishment in 1997, the EMA programme has been a leader in the field of human rights and democratisation postgraduate education. One of eight master’s programmes organised by the Global Campus of Human Rights, enrolment in the programme is a unique opportunity to benefit from our network of 43 universities across Europe that co-design, co-implement and co-teach on the programme.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
EMA is a one-year advanced master’s course aimed at educating professionals in the field of human rights and democratisation. The Master’s degree offers an action- and policy-oriented approach to learning that combines legal, political, historical, anthropological, and philosophical perspectives with skill-building activities. In the first semester in Venice students pursue in-depth study of the following areas: Human Rights Institutions, Mechanisms and Standards; Human Rights in Context: Historical, Philosophical, Religious and Anthropological Perspectives; Globalisation, Development and Human Rights; Building and Protecting Democracy; Human Rights, Peace and Security. In the second semester, students are hosted by one of our participating universities and prepare a research thesis and follow courses offered by the host university. This approach provides both a broad education on human rights and democratisation issues, as well as ample opportunity to specialise in areas of specific interest to the student.
EMA provides the foundation for a career in national, international, governmental, inter-governmental and nongovernmental organisations, as well as academic institutions dealing with human rights and democratisation.
COURSE PROGRAMME
EMA is divided into two parts. The first semester, from September to January, is organised at Global Campus Headquarters in Venice and faculty from our 43 participating universities travel to Venice to teach our students. In the second semester, from February to July, students travel to one of our participating universities to follow courses provided by their host university and to prepare a research thesis. EMA is an interdisciplinary programme that includes lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, skill-building sessions, experiential learning and individual research.
HOW TO APPLY
EMA is open to EU and non-EU citizens. Selection is based on the following crtieria; academic ability and background, relevant additional academic work, courses or publications, relevant practical experience, motivation, and language competence. Applicants are required to hold a university degree of a high standard in a field relevant to human rights, including disciplines in Law, Social Sciences and Humanities, and must have a minimum of 180 ECTS (Bachelor/General Degree). Certified fluency in English is an admission requirement to the programme.
COURSE FEE AND EXPENSES
The tuition fee for the academic year 2026/2027 is €6450.00, payable in instalments.
Tuition fees cover all EMA courses, both in the first and second semester; reading materials for the first semester; tutoring; access to Global Campus’ specialised library; lunch on class and exam days; individual access to our e-learning platform; use of available IT facilities, and an annual field trip to Kosovo (subject to final budgetary approval).
Students are responsible for all accommodation and subsistence costs, visa expenses and travel costs to and from partner universities.
ENROLMENT DOCUMENTS
The following documents are required as part of the application process:
– Transcript of records and degree diploma
– Curriculum vitae
– Two reference letters (preferably one academic and one professional)
– Copy of passport picture page
– Proof of English language proficiency
– Receipt of payment of the application fee of 50 Euro
More information about EMA, the faculty and the programme can be found at https://emahumanrights.org.
EMA Online Open Day
Join us for a Q&A session on Zoom and learn more about the overall
EMA experience, from application to career pathways
Wednesday 17 December 2025 at 1.30 PM CET
REGISTER HERE