The Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law: An Overview

This one-year full-time postgraduate degree course (60 ECTS) combines high-level academic education and real-world practice in the field of transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law. One of the very few programmes on this subject worldwide, it combines theoretical and practice-oriented perspectives and equips students with the knowledge, tools and critical mindset to assist countries, societies and victims emerging from periods of conflict and repression to address complex transitional justice issues.

Guatemala, photos of disappeared on a wall Guatemala, photos of disappeared on a wall

From Northern Ireland to Burundi, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Tunisia or Guatemala, countries throughout the world struggle to deal with the aftermath of violent conflict or oppressive rule.

What does it mean for a society to come to terms with mass atrocities, such as genocide and ethnic cleansing? How can the rule of law be re-established in a country shattered by wide-scale violence? What are the legal obligations and standards relevant to societies trying to turn the page on a history of political violence? How can the competing demands of peace and justice be balanced in the aftermath of such traumatic events? What can realistically be expected from measures such as trials, truth commissions, reparation programmes and institutional reform?

The Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) 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.

One of the very few programmes on this subject worldwide, its cross-disciplinary approach combines legal, political, historical, anthropological, philosophical and field perspectives and promotes both academic excellence and independent critical thinking.

Throughout the year, students have access to a prestigious faculty composed of leading academics and renowned experts and practitioners working for international organizations and NGOs who are in touch with the latest developments and debates.

Core courses provide a firm grounding in the central theoretical and practical transitional justice issues.

Our MTJ is also profoundly committed to developing the transferable skills necessary to succeed in the professional world and take up responsibilities in the humanitarian and human rights fields. To this end, internships with leading actors and participation in moot courts provide a solid exposure to practical work and allow students to expand their network.

The programme allows students to tailor their studies according to their particular interests with optional courses.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships to outstanding students who are unable to secure the funding required to cover tuition fees and/or the cost of living in Geneva.

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Internships

Internships allow our students to acquire first-hand professional experience via internships with leading actors and agencies in the field of transitional justice.

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Student Life

Our Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law is organized around intimate learning communities enabling close interaction between students and professors.

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Career Opportunities

Our objective is to produce graduates who will be leaders in the humanitarian, human rights and transitional justice fields.

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I enjoy the fact that I am surrounded by extremely talented people who come from different countries, and who have become very special friends. The diversity of the MTJ and the multiplicity of professional backgrounds are what makes the classes more enriching.

Ely Cossio

2020–2021 MTJ Student