MAS Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law 2019
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This programme was listed by Human Rights Careers as one of the top five high-quality, fully funded MA programmes in Human Rights. Read the article here >>>
Information
Period
September 2019 - August 2020Language
EnglishFormat
On-siteObjectives
- Provide high-level academic education and real-world practice in the field of transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law
- Primary focus is placed on strengthening interdisciplinary knowledge and preparing students for future professional activities
Audience
- Candidate must hold a degree in law or an equivalent degree in a field relevant to transitional justice
- Professional experience in a field related to the programme (professional experience, internship, summer school, participation in conferences, publications, etc.)
Programme
Full-time programme:
- Core courses throughout the year on human rights, rule of law, institutional reform, social transformation, and criminal justice
- A year-long focus on practical issues and cases
- A Spring School that addresses cutting-edge issues in transitional justice
- Tailored-made options during the second semester: academic research, clinical work or thematic focus
- The writing of a master’s paper
- A study trip to familiarize with the history of transitional justice
Director(s)
Prof. Frank HALDEMANN and Thomas UNGER, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, a joint Centre of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International Studies (IHEID), Geneva
Coordinator(s)
Diploma delivered jointly with

The Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ) is a one-year full-time postgraduate degree designed for highly qualified and open-minded candidates interested in acquiring high-level academic education and practice in the field of transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law. Combining theoretical knowledge with real-world perspectives and a cross-disciplinary approach, it focuses on developing practical skills to address current challenges in this field.
Besides core courses that provide a firm grounding in the central theoretical and practical transitional justice issues, the programme allows students to tailor their studies to their particular interests.
During the Spring Semester, MTJ students can choose between three different tracks. Those who want to deepen, broaden and diversify their knowledge in particular thematic areas can attend two thematic courses during the Spring Semester via the Thematic Focus track. Clinical Work, in the form of research internships or participation in a moot court, provides a solid exposure to practical work. Students interested in academic research can follow the Academic Research Track to get familiar with the the tools of academic research and participate in peer-discussions about complex theoretical issues within the field of transitional justice.
Throughout the year, MTJ students have access to a world-renowned faculty, benefit from direct connections with leading actors and share ideas with other talented participants from an array of different backgrounds and perspectives.
Pedagogical method
- Courses on theoretical and practical frameworks relevant to transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law
- Writing of a master’s paper
- Internships with leading organizations
- Clinical work
Admission criteria
- A degree in law or an equivalent degree in a field relevant to transitional justice, such as international relations, political science, philosophy, sociology, anthropology or history
- A solid academic record
- A demonstrable interest in transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law (professional experience, internships, summer schools, conferences attended, publications, etc.)
- A sound command of English. You must be able to show, via a recognized test, that your English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete your course at the Geneva Academy. This requirement does not apply if (1) your mother tongue is English; (2) you have taken an English-taught bachelor’s or master’s degree; (3) you have at least two years’ professional or academic experience in an English-speaking environment
I believe there is truly no other programme in the world like MTJ at the Geneva Academy. I chose this programme because it attracts highly-motivated students from all over the world, and I wanted to work within an international community and be exposed to different perspectives on transitional justice. Zoë Doss, student. Read her full testimonial here >>>