Uniqueness of the Program

Combination of international experience along with the potential of nine Russian universities, and an interdisciplinary approach to teaching form the uniqueness of the Master’s Program.

As the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights N. Pillay noted in her 2012 report, “Human rights departments exist in many Russian higher education institutions, including the Moscow State Pedagogical University and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs. The Perm State Pedagogical University and the Academy for Advanced Studies and Reskilling of Educators offer courses and seminars on the theory and methodology of teaching human rights in schools, and, moreover, similar courses are held in other regions of the country. OHCHR supported the establishment of an international master's degree in human rights by a group of Russian universities in 2009 with the support of the Inter-Institutional Research Centre at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia”.

Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a master's degree, verified by the state diploma of the respective partner university, as well as the Consortium Certificate, implementing the Joint Program of human rights protection, signed by the Director of the Department of Work with Field Offices of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the rectors of the Consortium partner universities.

The basis of the Master’s Program is formed by unique disciplines developed specifically and/or adapted for this Program with the support of the Venice Consortium. Mastering of these disciplines is necessary to work in the field of human rights protection in various areas. Courses, taught within the framework of the Master’s Program are accompanied with appropriate teaching and learning aids (textbooks, workbooks, programs, workshops, distance courses, video lectures).