ERMA, The European Regional Master's Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe

ERMA is open to a maximum of 28 candidates from the Western Balkans, the EU, and other countries.

Candidates must meet the following entry requirements:

• Hold a university degree in social sciences or humanities from an accredited university, earned over 4 or 5 years (3+2) with at least 240 ECTS.
• Have a certified knowledge of English language proficiency. Accepted certificates are: TOEFL – minimum 560 paper-based, 220 computer-based, 83 IBT; IELTS – minimum band 6.5, no less than 6.0 in any of its subsections; Cambridge C1 (former CAE) and C2 (former CPE) exams, and Duolingo test certificate – minimum 115.

Applicants are exempt from providing a separate English proficiency certificate if they are native English speakers, have a university diploma in English language and literature, or have previous university education in English. These candidates should submit transcripts or certificates from their universities.

Applications will be assessed based on the following selection criteria:

• Academic track record and background (i.e.final GPA, relevance of the degree, and thesis subject);
• Relevant practical experience
• Research interests
• Motivation

The academic year at ERMA is divided into three terms: lectures and field trips; internships; and a residential component focussed on thesis writing.
The TERM I takes place at the University of Sarajevo from November to mid-June. Students are taught by lecturers from the 11 partner universities, as well as experts from IGOs and NGOs. The term is structured in 6 educational core courses awarding a total of 30 ECTS.

Employing an interdisciplinary approach, the curriculum features the following courses: Foundations of Human Rights; Nationalism, Identity and Conflict; Democratisation and EU Integration; International Human Rights Norms and Standards; Mechanisms of Human Rights Protection and Implementation as well as Research Methodologies. Courses explore a range of contemporary issues, from gender equality, de-democratisation, climate change, and environmental rights to migration and children's rights in SEE.

Alongside lectures, students visit state institutions, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs, and have field trips to Mostar and Srebrenica.

During TERM II, from mid-June to the end of July, students take up six-week internships at selected IGOs, NGOs, think tanks, and research institutes across the region. During this term students acquire professional experience in human rights and democracy throughout the SEE, thus increasing their mobility and international experience, as well as enabling field research for their MA thesis.

The TERM III takes place in one of the campuses of the University of Bologna (UNIBO), ranked among the 200 top universities in the world. During this 1-month residential component in Italy (Bertinoro), students focus on finalizing their Master's Thesis. They are provided with study rooms, computer labs, library facilities and access to the University of Bologna student services.

Throughout the year, students are assisted in their development by the academic tutors of the programme.

ERMA graduates are experts, researchers, and professionals working in the human rights and democratisation fields in Southeast Europe and the rest of the world. Many are employed in human rights organisations (governmental and non-governmental, international and national) at their headquarters and in field missions; others pursue further academic studies.

ERMA offers practical experience and skill building through its 6 weeks of internships in inter-governmental, governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as alumni-led workshops. The top graduates are awarded a 6-months paid GC internship.

Many alumni contribute to the programme’s activities as tutors, internship supervisors, lecturers, course leaders, researchers, and members of our Alumni network - LINK HERE.

All ERMA alumni automatically become part of the Global Campus Alumni (GCA) network. GCA is an umbrella association that brings together graduates of the Global Campus of Human Rights 8 regional programmes - over 4,200 experts, activists and professionals from around the world who stand “Together for Human Rights”, GCA’s motto. GCA provides avenues for engagement, skills building, and networking.

The tuition fee and scholarship depend on the target group to which prospective candidates belong.

Target group I: Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and citizens of Kosovo* (*who hold a passport of a country recognized by BiH).
Fee: 200€ (euros)

Target group II: Citizens of the European Union countries and Azerbaijan
Fee: 2.000€ (euros)

Target group III: Citizens of other countries as self-funded students.
Fee: 2.000€ (two installments) + 2700 € (costs of Term III lodging in Italy)

TGI and TGII students are entitled to a study grant of 5.400€ gross for basic living costs in Sarajevo, paid in installments. They also receive up to 1.500€ travel and other reimbursements. Lodging and meals during the residential term in Italy are fully covered.

TGIII students, citizens of countries other than SEE, EU and Azerbaijan, are self-funded. Depending on the number and the quality of applications, the Programme reserves the right to offer several self-funded places to TG II candidates.