EMA is a unique learning and human experience shaped by:

• 41 participating universities from all member states of the European Union
• A prestigious faculty composed of leading academics, officials of international organisations (including the European Union, the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe-OSCE) and renowned experts and practitioners of national and international NGOs
• An international, multicultural and diverse student body with a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds, experiences and motivations
• An Advisory Board composed of representatives of prominent organisations such as the EU, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNESCO, Council of Europe, OSCE, European Union Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), Human Rights Watch, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Committee of Jurists, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, No Peace without Justice, Terre des Hommes

Below are 10 reasons why people choose EMA:

• Multidisciplinarity as opposed to single focus in traditional university departments
• Range of high level academics, experts, officials from a variety of institutions and organisations, most of whom engage on a daily basis in human rights practice and thus are always abreast of the latest developments and debates
• Combination of theory and practice to be operational as soon as the course is completed
• Opportunity to see how the theory studied in the classroom ‘comes alive’ during a field trip to a post-conflict country
• European mobility: first Venice, historically at the centre of a multicultural approach to international relations, and then one of the many prestigious universities and human rights centres participating in the programme
• Possibility to undertake internships and fellowships in leading human rights organisations
• Ties with EU institutions and links with governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations for a regional and at the same time global experience
• Extensive worldwide EMAlumni Association for contacts, job opportunities, career development, projects, research
• Excellent value for money
• A unique social and professional experience during which all those involved (students, faculty and resident staff) develop long-term bonds and networks with each other.

The EMA academic year is divided into two semesters:

• First Semester: September to January
• Second Semester: February to July

The thesis defence and awarding of diplomas take place in Venice in October.

EMA is both a residential and an exchange programme:

• First Semester in Venice, Italy
• Second semester in one of the 41 participating universities within the members states of the European Union

After graduation EMAlumni can be found worldwide in key international human rights organisations and academic institutions, but also in field missions or back home working for their own Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Development Aid agencies or national NGOs.