Master in Governance and Human Rights (MA)

Overview

This programme links social science theory with hands-on practice to train students in analysing governance systems and international and regional human rights regimes, and in understanding how these areas intersect. Teaching is project-focused: you will design, plan and carry out your own applied project addressing a real-world governance or human-rights challenge, and you will work with classmates to organise a conference. The aim is to equip you with analytical, design and communication skills that help translate theoretical insights into solutions for professional settings — for example in corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Teaching is delivered in English through a distance-learning/online format with two mandatory on-campus blocks (each one week) in Lüneburg. Instruction and supervision come from an international mix of prominent human-rights scholars, practitioners and experienced project coaches. The programme is officially recommended and listed as a human rights training programme by the Human Rights Education Network of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Key facts and requirements

• Degree: Master of Arts (MA) in the field of Political Science
• Teaching language: English; programme delivered primarily online with two one-week classroom sessions in Lüneburg
• Curriculum: 14 modules in total — 10 subject-specific modules, three complementary modules, plus a project module; students complete a Master’s thesis at the end
• Credits: the three complementary modules are 5 ECTS each; modules (except theoretical introductions) are application-oriented and integrate theory with practice
• Core elements: student-led applied projects are central; students also organise a conference as part of the coursework
• Taught and supervised by international academics, practitioners and project coaches; combines academic study with practical skill development
• Official recognition: recommended/listed by the Human Rights Education Network of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Module overview (selected)

• Subject-specific modules include: Introduction to Human Rights; Basic Principles of Good Governance; Human Rights Reporting and Monitoring Mechanisms; Governance in Comparative Perspective; Business and Human Rights; Corporate/Organisational Governance; Human Rights Norms and Principles; Governance in the Digital Age; Contemporary Issues in Human Rights; Social Change: Campaigning and Awareness Raising
• Complementary modules: Introduction to the Programme and Scientific Work; Communication and Negotiation; Society and Responsibility
• Project module: practical, individual projects that bridge academic learning and real-world impact, supervised throughout the programme

This Master’s programme is delivered primarily as a distance-learning course that mixes online lectures, seminars and small-group discussions with periodic intensive classroom sessions. The classroom components occur three times during the programme, each lasting about one to one-and-a-half weeks, and combine lectures, hands-on workshops and extended discussions to deepen understanding and foster peer exchange.

Throughout the degree, students put theory into practice by designing and carrying forward an individual project. The programme culminates with students taking responsibility for organising a conference, giving them a practical platform to present findings, engage with peers and practice professional event management. This structure emphasizes sustained independent research alongside collaborative and applied learning.

Key learning outcomes include the ability to translate academic knowledge into a sustained research or practice project, enhanced skills in academic and professional presentation, experience in coordinating an academic event, and strengthened capacities for critical analysis and collaborative work in governance and human rights contexts. The blended format also develops self-directed study skills and the ability to engage in intensive, in-person exchanges during the classroom sessions.

Program requirements (components)

• Regular participation in online lectures, seminars and small-group discussions
• Attendance at three classroom sessions (each approx. 1–1.5 weeks) featuring lectures, workshops and discussions
• Development and completion of an individual project carried out over the duration of the programme
• Active role in organising and delivering the final conference

Graduates acquire practical project design, communication and policy skills applicable to roles in NGOs, international and regional organisations, public administration, human rights monitoring, corporate social responsibility/ compliance, and consultancy. The programme’s emphasis on applied modules, an individual project and conference organisation equips students for operational, advocacy and management positions where translating theory into practice is required.

As a part-time, English-taught programme oriented toward professionals, alumni can progress within their current organisations or transition into specialised human rights and governance roles in civil society, intergovernmental bodies, corporate governance units, research institutes, and policy analysis or advisory positions.