The Master in Applied Human Rights in Vienna was created in 2020 in reaction to the current challenges generated by digitalization, globalization and neoliberalism. Global crises such as the migration crisis, socioeconomic inequalities, climate change or threats to data protection can only be exposed and faced through an interdisciplinary discourse and an approach applied to human rights. Along with the historical, political, philosophical and legal dimensions, the perspectives of arts and culture in understanding and working in human rights will enrich this program.
Master in Applied Human Rights
Key information
University: University of Applied Arts
Country: Austria
Learning modality: On campus
Pace: Full-time
Duration: 24 months
Tuition fee: €24,500 covers 2 years (4 semesters)
Application deadline(s): January 7, 2024
Description
«The great crises of our time can only be resolved on the basis of human rights and by joining forces across borders, generations, genders, professions, cultures, political opinions, socioeconomic environments and scientific disciplines. In this endeavor, arts and culture play a fundamental role in the dissemination and understanding of the principles of human rights. Manfred Nowak, Program Director
The complexity and intricate problems of human rights require an interdisciplinary approach. In addition to offering innovative ways to discover, experience and communicate human rights issues, this unique university program is enriched with approaches from film, music, architecture and the visual and performing arts. The curriculum includes practical knowledge for working in the field of human rights, such as project management and communication techniques.
This pedagogical program, directed by human rights expert Manfred Nowak, provides us with extensive skills in the practical application of human rights. Students will receive classes from experts in human rights, arts and culture, allowing them to investigate relevant issues, recognize violations and apply modern strategies to create a lasting impact. Vienna, home to international organizations and cultural events, provides the ideal setting for this two-year program.
The University of Applied Arts takes on the challenge of positively influencing our societies and, therefore, presents the perfect terrain for the Master in Applied Human Rights in Vienna to grow and take advantage of its full potential. The University of Applied Arts Vienna continually shapes and directs the present into the future. Professors and researchers, students, alumni, employees and partners come together as a collective that takes a stand for an open society, applying artistic and scientific skills to broaden horizons and promote that goal.
We are not looking for simple answers, but rather new questions and creative strategies to transform challenges into opportunities. If you are an agent of change, enroll in the Master in Applied Human Rights in Vienna.
Course program
The Master’s program in Human Rights consists of eight mandatory modules, one of which includes the preparation and defense of the Master’s thesis:
I. Interdisciplinary understanding of human rights
II. Introduction to arts and culture
III. International Protection of Human Rights
IV. Scientific competence and artistic research
V. Competencies of human rights professionals
VI. Intersection of human rights and the arts
VII. Current challenges and opportunities in the field of human rights
VIII. Thesis / Final Project and Defense
Admission requirements
The number of places in the Master’s in Human Rights program is limited to 30 students.
Admission is based on availability, timeliness of application (meeting the deadline), motivation and qualifications of the applicant, and is also subject to the general admission requirements of the University of Applied Arts.
The application procedure consists of two phases and will only lead to admission by the selection committee, composed of the Program Director, the Program Manager and the Academic Manager, if the applicant has successfully passed both phases:
PHASE 1: WRITTEN REQUEST
- Signed application form
- Motivation letter describing your individual motivation and ideas for professional development, as well as your expectations in relation to the Vienna Master of Applied Human Rights (maximum 1 page)
- Curriculum vitae with a written description of your previous qualifications, competencies and main areas of activity (including your contact information: postal address, telephone number and email address)
- Administrative documents:
- Copy of valid passport
- Copy of university diploma OR proof of relevant work experience (5 years)
- Academic record including final grades
- Proof of knowledge of English, in case the applicant has not graduated from an academic program taught solely in the English language: 6.5 points on the IELTS scale or 100 points on the TOEFL scale.
- Optional: Letter(s) of recommendation
- Optional: Document reflecting the reasons why a scholarship from the Vienna Master’s Program in Applied Human Rights would be essential.
(see the “Tuition fee” section if you can apply for a scholarship from the program).
All administrative documents must be in German or English and, where appropriate, fully legalized or apostilled. The type of legalization will depend on the country in which the documents were issued. The application must be sent in a pdf document including all documents in the order indicated above to: [email protected]
PHASE 2: PERSONAL INTERVIEW
The candidate will only be invited to the interview (possibly also via Skype) when the application contains all the necessary documents and the selection committee has shortlisted the candidate.
Candidates will then be interviewed about:
- Your motivation for taking the Vienna Master
- How do you want to take advantage of this opportunity for your personal growth?
- How do they see themselves once they have completed the Master’s Degree in Human Rights?
