Master of arts 2 Human rights

Programme Overview

This second year of the Master of Arts in Human Rights brings the programme to its most demanding point: the protection of persons when the ordinary legal order is defeated by war. Students study international humanitarian law — the classification of conflicts, the distinction between civilians and combatants, the conduct of hostilities and the lawfulness of attacks —, international criminal law and the courts responsible for trying international crimes, as well as the protection of the natural environment in armed conflict. They then address what the law does not entirely settle: the philosophical justifications of war and the limits of force, the principles and the dilemmas of humanitarian action, the conditions of mediation between parties in conflict, and the place of women in peace negotiations and in post-war reconstruction.

The final semester is devoted to specialisation and to research. Students complete their programme and specialise by choosing one of the three optional tracks — 1. Sustainable development, migration and governance; 2. Global governance, democracy and decolonisation; 3. Ethics, technology and the transformation of the human. They then produce the single deliverable of the semester: their research dissertation, which they carry out from beginning to end under the direction of the mentor before defending it before a panel.

This year thus completes the pathway by bringing together the rigorous analysis of crisis situations, the deepening of a contemporary field and the production of a piece of scholarly, methodical and personal work.

Year Outcomes

The 2nd year of the Master of Arts in Human Rights enables the student to:

• Specialise further in specific fields of human rights, while strengthening an overall understanding of the complex issues of the sector.
• Analyse a situation of armed conflict in the light of humanitarian law and international criminal law.
• Evaluate the ethical and practical conditions of a humanitarian intervention or of a post-conflict transition.
• Design and carry out an independent piece of research using advanced research methodologies, through the writing of a dissertation or the production of an internship report based on practical experience.
• Combine a rigorous theoretical approach with field experience, working with professionals involved in conflict settings or on urgent human rights issues.

Targeted Competencies

Armed Conflict, International Justice and Humanitarian Action

• Analyse a situation of armed conflict in the light of humanitarian law and international criminal law
• Evaluate the ethical and practical conditions of a humanitarian intervention or of a post-conflict transition

Research and Specialisation in Contemporary Issues

• Design and carry out an independent piece of research and write a scholarly dissertation
• Analyse the interplay between sustainable development, migration and the responsibility of economic actors — track A
• Analyse the power relations that structure global governance and democratic trajectories — track B
• Evaluate the ethical issues raised by technology and by the transformations of the human condition — track C

Second-Year Master of Arts in Human Rights Program

Semester 3

• [2603] General Methodology
• Methodology workshop: Producing a research project
• [2620] International Humanitarian Law
• [2621] International Criminal Law
• [2622] Environmental Protection in Armed Conflicts
• [2623] Philosophy of War
• [2624] Women in Post-Conflict Settings: An Analysis of Key Issues

Semester 4

• Methodology workshop: Producing a research dissertation
• [2625] Mediation in Conflicts
• [2626] Humanitarian Action: Philosophy, Ethics and International Protection

Semester 4 Optional track A: Sustainable Development, Migration and Governance

• [2629] Migration and Sustainable Development Goals
• [2627] An Introduction to Human Rights, Business and Development
• [2628] Political Economy of Development

Semester 4 Optional track B: Global Governance, Democracy and Decolonisation

• [2630] Decolonisation of International Development
• [2631] Democracy and its Discontents in the 21st Century
• [2627] An Introduction to Human Rights, Business and Development

Semester 4 Optional track C: Ethics, Technology and the Transformation of the Human

• [2632] Ethics and Technology: AI, Surveillance, and Digital Responsibility
• [2633] Bioethics and Human Enhancement: Where Should We Draw the Line?
• [2631] Democracy and its Discontents in the 21st Century 

Learning Format

The program is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and videos, depending on the course;
• interactive activities (quizzes, exercises);
• discussion forums with instructors and fellow students.

Personalized support is provided throughout the program through a dedicated academic advisor. An expert in their field, the advisor supports the student at every stage of the program, particularly in completing semester assignments, offering tailored methodological and academic guidance.
This support is based on regular interaction, organized through various formats, to ensure individualized, needs-based follow-up for each student.

Assessment Methods 

Successful completion of the second year of Master of Arts in Human Rights depends on meeting the various assessment requirements. It is based on:

• passing the assessment quizzes for each course, which verify the acquisition of fundamental knowledge;
• passing the semester assessments, including written assignments (deliverables) and oral presentations.
• completion of the year requires an overall minimum average of 10/20.

Who This Program Is For

This program is designed for:

• Students who have completed a first year of Master of Arts in Human Rights or an equivalent program, wishing to deepen their studies from an analytical and structured perspective.
• Professionals working in ecclesial, educational, cultural, or social settings, wishing to strengthen their skills in analysis, teaching, and mediation.
• Candidates considering continuing their studies in human rights or becoming involved in teaching, mentoring, or dialogue-related activities. 

PREREQUISITES

Admission to the program is open to candidates with a Master of Arts 1 in Human Rights or an equivalent program. It also requires a good command of written English, necessary for understanding the coursework and completing the required assignments.

Compliance with these prerequisites is verified by the admissions office when reviewing the application.

ECTS Accreditation

The program is structured using ECTS credits.
In accordance with European standards arising from the Bologna Process, one ECTS credit corresponds to an estimated total workload of 25 to 30 hours, including all required learning activities (instruction, independent work, and assessments).
The total workload for the program is determined on this basis. 

Accessibility

The program is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device. For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to all resources.

Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle – cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Admission Procedure

1. Complete the admission form.
2. Our admissions office will review your application.
3. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with the information needed to complete your enrollment.