The Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in a Nutshell

Group photos of students of the Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law Group photos of students of the Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law

What

The Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ) is:

  • An intensive one-year programme aimed at educating around 30 highly qualified and open-minded students in the field of transitional justice
  • An in-depth study of the following areas: transitional justice, human rights, rule of law, institutional reform, social transformation, and criminal justice
  • An interdisciplinary programme that combines legal, political, historical, anthropological, philosophical and field perspectives
  • A prestigious faculty composed of leading academics and renowned experts and practitioners working for international organizations and NGOs who are abreast of the latest developments and debates
  • An ongoing focus on practice via exchanges with practitioners, work on concrete case scenarios and the possibility for several students to carry out research internships and participate in a moot court
  • An international, multicultural and diverse student body with a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, experiences and motivations
  • Access to our events which provide a critical and scholarly forum for experts and practitioners to discuss and debate topical issues in transitional justice, human rights and international criminal law
  • A degree conferred by two prestigious academic institutions
  • The foundation for a successful career in national, international, governmental, inter- and non-governmental organizations, as well as academic institutions dealing with transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law

Why

10 reasons for choosing the MTJ at the Geneva Academy:

  • A leading institution in the field of transitional justice and human rights
  • Acquisition of solid and unique expertise in the different facets of transitional justice (legal, political, historical, philosophical) and recent developments in this field
  • Forms high-level professionals in the field of transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law qualified to work as academics, staff members or field workers for inter-governmental, governmental, and non-governmental organizations
  • Familiarity with a wide range of thematic, country/regional and comparative approaches
  • The combination of theory and practice
  • A personal teaching style that encourages interaction between students and lecturers
  • Specialized supervised research for the Master’s thesis
  • Career counselling and advice
  • Ties with leading actors in the field of transitional justice and human rights
  • A unique human experience during which all those involved (students, faculty and resident staff) develop long-term bonds

How

  • 60 ECTS Credits
  • Core courses throughout the year on human rights, rule of law, institutional reform, social transformation, criminal justice, and cutting-edge issues in transitional justice
  • Optional courses that allow students to deepen their expertise in a particular transitional justice issue
  • The possibility to carry out internships with leading transitional justice and human rights actors
  • Participation in a moot court
  • The writing of a master’s paper
  • A study trip to familiarize with transitional justice issues, challenges and actors
  • A year-long focus on practical issues and cases
  • A graduation ceremony
Photo of Alexander Bekmurzin in front of Geneva's palais de Justice News

MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law: What our Students Say

23 January 2023

Alexander Bekmurzin tells about his background, the programme and what it will bring to his career.

Tong Li on the Mont-Blanc Bridge with the Geneva Academy flags News

MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law: What our Students Say

16 January 2023

Tong Li is enrolled in our MAS in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law. In this interview, he tells about his background, the programme and what it will bring to his career.

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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More focused attention is needed today to meet the challenges of transitional justice. Critical normative and practical thinking is required to properly grasp and address what is at stake in societies emerging from conflict and authoritarian rule.

Pablo de Greiff

Former UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Guarantees of Non-Recurrence