International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law European University Viadrina

English (100%)

• Civil and political rights
• Economic, social and cultural rights
• Prohibition of discrimination
• Women's and children's rights
• Rights of minorities and peoples
• Refugees, internally displaced persons  
• Migration law
• Individual (criminal) responsibility
• State responsibility
• Justice and (criminal) penalties and enforcement
• Democracy, rule of law and administration
• Conflict prevention/management
• Current issues of armed conflict
• Research and training
• Public international law
• Academic English writing
• Legal analysis and legal writing
• Human rights work in conflict and crisis settings

The courses consist of both periods of on-site and distance learning elements. Lectures and seminars during the on-site periods take place in Frankfurt (Oder). Teaching takes place in a small-group setting. The distance learning elements are presented via an Internet platform that enables students to study interactively.

Application for winter semester 2025/2026

The winter semester 2025/26 starts on 1 October 2025.

• Regular admissions deadline for winter semester 2025-26 is 1 September 2025, 11:59 pm (CET). Apply here!

Application for summer semester 2026

The summer semester 2026 starts on 1 April 2026.

• Early admissions deadline for summer semester 2026 is 1 January 2025 at 11:59 pm (CET). Apply here!
• Regular admissions deadline for summer semester 2026 is 15 February 2026 at 11:59 pm (CET). Apply here!

LLM (90 ECTS points): 7,900 EUR

Diploma (60 ECTS points): 7,320 EUR

Certificate (30 ECTS points): 3,820 EUR

Winter semester

• Introduction to international human rights and humanitarian law
• Civil and political rights
• Economic, social and cultural rights and prohibition of discrimination
• Conflict management and current issues in international humanitarian law

Summer semester

• Rights of disadvantaged groups
• Law of refugees and migration
• Individual (criminal) responsibility and state responsibility
• Constitutional principles

Third semester: practical module (internship) and Master's thesis

Additional seminars/workshops are offered to improve the practical skills of the participating students.

In their last semester, students can complete an internship and their Master's thesis from anywhere.

The internship is intended to provide the opportunity for the practical application of things learnt in the coursework programme. Therefore, it is essential it should be spent with an organisation which has some connection with the focus of the IHL programme. This can cover a wide variety of organisations, both international and national, public or private, including the following types:

• international or national human rights bodies (for example, within the UN, the Council of Europe, or other regional human rights systems)
• NGOs (for example, Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch), whether international or national
• organisations concerned with humanitarian issues and aid (for example, UNHCR or the Red Cross)
• bodies dealing with conflict management and international negotiation
• police forces or military/defence institutions (depending on some extent on the particular focus of the activities carried out)
• academic bodies and research institutes focused on human rights (so long as this involves not simply attending further courses on the subject but rather involves a practical focus on more specific issues or problems)
• a public prosecutor's office or a law firm (with a focus on human rights or related matters)
• certain branches of public administration (for example, child welfare or anti-discrimination).

This list is not exhaustive, but it gives an idea of the types of areas and activities that should be considered. When an IHL student has already been (or is still) working in a position that would be suitable for an internship, the Academic board chair may be able to give credit for this.

2,633 EUR

LLM (90 ECTS points): 7,900 EUR

Diploma (60 ECTS points): 7,320 EUR

Certificate (30 ECTS points): 3,820 EUR

Approx. 200 EUR

• A university degree in law or equivalent qualification
  • A certified copy of the degree(s) in German, English or French must be submitted with the application form.
• Adequate aptitude in both spoken and written English is required. See language requirements below.
• A high level of motivation to participate in the programme
  • A statement of motivation must be provided in the application form.
• At least one year of practical professional experience:
  • A appropriate certificate or confirmation by a relevant employer or organisation must be submitted.
  • Exemptions from this requirement may be granted by the admission board.
• The support of two independent references from two different institutions or organisations

The ability to write academic papers and to engage in academic discourse competently in English is required.

You need to prove:

• 93 in TOEFL IBT, 180 Cambridge Advanced Certificate (C1) or IELTS grade of at least average 7, but no less then 6.5 for each component grade; or
• school education in English of at least four years duration; or
• equivalent proof, e.g. residence in an English-speaking foreign country for a sufficient period; or clear evidence of being a native speaker of English

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Application for winter semester 2025/2026

The winter semester 2025/26 starts on 1 October 2025.

• Regular admissions deadline for winter semester 2025-26 is 1 September 2025, 11:59 pm (CET). Apply here!

Application for summer semester 2026

The summer semester 2026 starts on 1 April 2026.

• Early admissions deadline for summer semester 2026 is 1 January 2025 at 11:59 pm (CET). Apply here!
• Regular admissions deadline for summer semester 2026 is 15 February 2026 at 11:59 pm (CET). Apply here!

No

Both Frankfurt (Oder) and its neighbouring town Slubice on the Polish side of the river have plenty of flats for rent via the "Studentenwerk". For further information and applications, please contact live@studentenwerk-frankfurt.de.

The Career Centre at the European University Viadrina helps students to get acquainted with all the requirements for their future professional life. Mentoring is also offered in-house, covering various issues including study and work balance, dealing with hardships to PhD and career advice specific to the field of study.

The Viadrina European University, refounded in 1991, began its first academic year in 1992, continuing the fine tradition of the first State University of Brandenburg (Alma Mater Viadrina, 1506 to 1811). It especially endeavours to face the challenge of a newly opened and expanded Europe today. In co-operation with Polish and other affiliated European universities, the Viadrina European University plays a special role as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe due to its unique geography and history. The university's faculties go beyond the confines of their own disciplines, providing excellent study conditions.

Frankfurt (Oder) is located directly on the border with Poland, 90 kilometres east of Berlin (45 minutes away by public transport). With a population of 70,000, the city has become a place of study.

Please visit the city's official website at https://www.frankfurt-oder.de.