Disclosure: Human Rights Careers may be compensated by course providers.
Key information
University University of Vienna
Country Austria
Learning mode Blended
Pace Extra-occupational*
Duration 12 months
Tuition fee EUR 13,000
Application deadline(s) 31 August 2023
Official Website Click here

*Courses are generally held Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as Saturday all-day.

The one-year (60 ECTS Credits) postgraduate program ‘Human Rights’ of the University of Vienna has a clear jurisprudential profile. The master’s program will provide theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills required for a career in the field of human rights. Based on the academic excellence of the University of Vienna and the high reputation of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights for doing applied research, the program can best be described as: ‘Where Science meets Practice!’

The master program addresses the multi-layered field of human rights and reflects the different relevant legal frameworks as well as the corresponding protection mechanisms. Topics covered by the program will be, i.a., legal human rights know-how including theoretical foundations of international human rights law including its protection mechanisms and methodology, as well as necessary competencies for people striving to work in a human rights-related environment. For non-lawyers, an introduction to legal studies will be provided. Besides including practical courses, such as strategic litigation, human rights education, campaigning, and advocacy, as well as project acquisition and management in the syllabus, another chance to combine theoretical knowledge with practical abilities is offered by the opportunity to participate in a court trial simulation (‘moot court’).

Qualification Profile

The program provides students with thorough theoretical knowledge combined with a toolbox of practical skills in the field of fundamental and human rights, including strategic litigation, human rights campaigning, and education. Although with a jurisprudential focus, the program’s interdisciplinary approach grants a detailed examination of the multi-layered and highly topical field of human rights. Graduates will be able to use their skills and knowledge in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from private business to public service and academia. By participating in a ‘human rights moot court,’ participants will gain practical experience enabling them to solve human rights problems with legal knowledge as well as strengthen their skills in a court-like, competitive simulation.

Admission Requirements

  • University degree, particularly in Legal Studies, as well as in Social, Natural, or Economic Sciences or Humanities
  • Sufficient English skills to follow and participate in lectures (B2)
  • Complete the application via the online application platform

Apply now