Admission requirements The Viadrina European University Admission to the program is based on: The Viadrina was founded in 1991, continuing the fine tradition of the first State University of Brandenburg Quelle: • a university law degree or equivalent qualification (Alma Mater Viadrina, 1506-1811). It is made up of 3 • adequate ability in the English language Faculties (Law, Economics and Cultural Studies). It also • a high level of motivation to participate in the co-conducts the Collegium Polonicum in Słubice, located program in Poland directly across the River Oder from the Viadrina. • previous practical experience (exemptions are The Viadrina especially endeavours to face the challenge possible) of a newly open and expanding Europe, building a bridge • the support of two independent referees between Eastern and Western Europe. As well the Univer- sity has numerous partner institutions around the world. Applications Frankfurt (Oder) and environs Written applications should be made on the official form (see our website) and be accompanied by all required Frankfurt (Oder) is a city with a history stretching over more documents. than 750 years. The beautiful and well preserved mediaeval town hall and the gothic church of St Mary, the largest Fee religious brick building in northern Germany, together with other historical buildings reveal the former power, The Master's Program is subject to a tuition fee. wealth and culture of this centre of Hanseatic trade. Protection of the individual The Viadrina assists applicants in financial need wherever possible, especially in efforts to obtain financial support from Located in a green setting on a picturesque river, Frankfurt under international law external sources. (Oder) is surrounded by the typical meadow, forest and lake countryside of Brandenburg on the eastern border of in times of peace and war Further information and contact Germany. Not far away lie the superb regions of the Spreewald with its beautiful forests and the Märkische For all enquiries please check our website: Schweiz dotted with charming lakes set in undulating www.rewi.europa-uni.de/master-ihl verdant country. or contact: The city is situated on the western bank of the River Oder which forms a major part of the German-Polish border. Prof Dr Carmen Thiele With its polish neighbour, Słubice, the city provides the rare Master of International Human Rights Law and immediate experience of a genuinely cross-border city. Europa-Universitaet Viadrina Berlin, the German capital and vibrant metropolis, lying Postfach 1786 virtually in the centre of Europe, is only an hour away. D - 15207 Frankfurt (Oder) Immediately to the east of Frankfurt (Oder) are the many Germany fine, historical towns and varied landscapes of Poland. Phone +49 335 5534-2363 or -2412 (secr) Fax +49 335 5534 2449 [email protected] . Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law This postgraduate program offers advanced study of the Studies commence in the winter semester and summer semester. also prepare and defend a Master's thesis on an approved international protection of fundamental human rights. Normal enrolment is for three semesters topic, supervised by one or more members of the Master's General human rights protection in times of both peace (variations are considered in special cases). Faculty or by another approved expert. and war is integrated with the special protection of rights Shorter periods of study can lead to the award of either a Certifi- provided in situations of armed conflict (under international cate or a Diploma of International Human Rights and Humanita- humanitarian law). This is important as the boundary rian Law. Students between peace and war becomes increasingly blurred (for example through guerrilla activity, terrorism, military Curriculum The Master's program is open to graduates with sufficient activity during civil unrest or natural disasters, activities background in law, especially public international law. of mercenary forces, or humanitarian intervention and The language of instruction is English. The program content It is designed to meet the needs of people establishing peace-keeping missions). Rigid and dogmatic attempts is organised into three categories: or developing careers in human rights whether inter- to identify situations where international humanitarian nationally, regionally or nationally. Students are selected law does or does not apply and how it interacts with the Category 1: Compulsory core modules on a competitive basis. generally applicable regime of human rights protection can therefore be problematic and may even be counter- • General foundations productive. As well, the place of human rights as a foun- • Civil and political rights Faculty dation of democracy and of stable and just governance is • Economic, social and cultural rights emphasised in the program. Threats such as terrorism or • Prohibition of discrimination The teaching faculty for the degree program consists climate change are therefore also considered. The program • Women's and children's rights of highly qualified human rights teachers and experts thus embraces the full range of international law responses • Rights of minorities and indigenous peoples from many different countries and varied academic to challenges to human rights and of the systems of • Refugees, internally displaced persons and migration traditions. individual protection in diverse political, social, economic, • Individual (criminal) responsibility and The teachers are members of the Viadrina geographical and military situations. Emphasis is placed state responsibility Faculty of Law and its partner universities as well on promoting and developing: as lawyers in professional practice, including: Category 2: Elective modules (theory and skills) • comprehensive knowledge of international systems Dr. Therese Comodini Cachia, University of Malta for the protection of the individual; • Justice and (criminal) penalties and enforcement Prof. Dr. Daniel García San José, Universidad de Sevilla • in-depth knowledge of legally binding international • Democracy, rule of law and administration Prof. Pablo Pareja Alcaraz, Universitat Pompeu Fabra guarantees of rights and their enforcement through • Global economic and employment conditions Dr. Jonas Grimheden, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights remedial regimes; • Media and science Prof. Dr. Hans-Joachim Heintze, Institute for International • practical skills in applying international standards of • Conflict prevention/management Law of Peace and Armed Conflict, Bochum protection (especially through international court pro- • Administration and enforcement Bernard Dougherty, German Red Cross ceedings, factual investigation and conflict resolution); • Interest representation and advocacy Dr. Ulrike Brandl, Institute for International Law and • skills and procedures in undertaking academic investi- • Research and training International Organisations, University of Salzburg gation and research, including report preparation; and Prof. Michael Geistlinger, Paris Lodron University Salzburg • intercultural communication and knowledge transfer. The compulsory and elective modules consist of both Prof. Christopher Harding University of Wales, Aberystwyth presence and distance-learning elements. The presence Prof. Ryszard Piotrowicz, University of Wales, Aberystwyth The LLM program prepares graduates for career opportunities elements are based on small-group teaching. Distance- Prof. Gerard C. Rowe, Viadrina European University, in policy making, international, public and governmental learning is conducted via an internet platform providing Frankfurt (Oder) service, public and private legal practice, work in NGOs, for interactive study. Prof. Dr. Carmen Thiele, Viadrina European University, academic teaching and research, and in the military, Frankfurt (Oder) defence and policing sectors. Category 3: Practical experience and thesis Prof. Dr. Kocher, Viadrina European University, Frankfurt (Oder) Degree awarded, commencement, duration Students are required to undertake a relevant internship. Prof. Dr. Wolff Heintschel von Heinegg, Viadrina European This practical component provides a bridge between University, Frankfurt (Oder) Program graduates are awarded the degree of Master of academic study of human rights and later professional Prof. Dr. Lars Kirchhoff, Viadrina European University, International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (LLM). activity, thus assisting flexible career choices. Students Frankfurt (Oder) .