Global Campus
Asia-Pacific
The Master of Arts in Human Rights and Democratization in Asia Pacific (APMA)
Date & Place
August 2024, Bangkok
Duration
12 months
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.50
Coordinator
Institute of Human Rights and Peace Studies, Mahidol University
A 12-month interdisciplinary programme specifically designed for practitioners in Asia Pacific, awarded by Mahidol University in Bangkok.
Overview
The Master of Arts in Human Rights and Democratisation in Asia Pacific (APMA - GC Asia-Pacific)
is an intensive, interdisciplinary programme especially suitable for human rights practitioners and activists. APMA students are exposed to the ways in which other communities live, how people learn in different settings, and even what is considered ‘knowledge’ in different societies.
This results in a learning experience and knowledge environment that is more adaptable and sustainable, one that does not limit students’ horizons by anchoring learning to a single viewpoint or place.
People
Mike Hayes, Academic Director / Suphatmet Yunyasit, Programme Director / Fahmina Karim, Lecturer and Child Right’s expert / Arinkorn Kittisirachadb, Academic Officer / Thepsuda Boonjue, Student Liaison Officer
Regional Network
- Mahidol University, Thailand — coordinator
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
- Kathmandu School of Law, Nepal
- Ateneo de Manila University, the Philippines
- University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
With the participation of academics from:
- Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e, Timor Leste
Programme Details
Students take up eight courses over two semesters. These courses include:
- Human Rights and Democratisation Research
- Human Rights and Democratisation Intensive
- Human Rights and Democratisation Practicum
- Practical Skills in Human Rights Protection and Promotion
- Concepts of Human Rights and Democratisation
- Human Rights Norms and Mechanisms
In addition, students are required to enrol in an Applied Research course where they get to choose whether to conduct an internship with a human rights organisation or write an applied research paper in cooperation with a human rights organisation.
– 1st Semester: August to December | Mahidol University
During this foundational semester, students take four courses taught by faculty and experts affiliated with Mahidol University. They are also required to participate in a number of extracurricular activities run by civil society groups and university networks.
– 2nd Semester (Term 1): January | In the field
Students take part in the Intensive Course, a series of lectures and field work on a particular human rights issue that changes yearly. Examples of issues include Borders, Migration, Development and Critical and Emerging Human Rights Issues. In the past, field work was organised in Mae Sot, Tak (on the border with Myanmar), Chiang Mai (northern Thailand) and the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand).
– 2nd Semester (Term 2): February to July | Member universities across Asia-Pacific
Students proceed to their chosen partner university in the Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka or Indonesia where they take the remaining courses and an internship with a human rights or democracy organisation and/or a research project. Students also undertake a major thesis research project.
- Mahidol University (Thailand)
- Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia)
- Kathmandu School of Law (Nepal)
- Ateneo de Manila University (the Philippines)
- University of Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Associate member:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field, with a minimum GPA of 2.50 (or the equivalent).
- Demonstrated proficiency in English
- IELTS Academic Module Overall score of 5.0
- TOEFL Internet-based Test score of 64
- MU ELT score of 84
- Two letters of reference
- Experience in human rights or related work is an advantage but not required
Maximum number of accepted students: 30
- Approximately THB 200,000 (EUR 5000, USD 5500)
Up to 20 full and partial scholarships are offered to applicants who are both nationals and residents of any of the countries in the Asia Pacific region. Scholarships are competitive and are granted on the basis of regional representation, academic background and/or research ability and/or relevant professional experience, diversity of student body, and future contribution to the field of human rights and democratisation in Asia Pacific.
APMA graduates, currently numbering about 400, go on to work in international and national organisations, continue on to further study; work for bodies like the United Nations, ASEAN, or other regional entities; or return to their communities to work on the promotion and protection of human rights. Graduates also join the Asia-Pacific Masters Alumni Association (APMAA), a payback initiative by the beneficiaries of the programme to further its objectives.
Are you keen to become part of the GC Asia Pacific community of human rights defenders and researchers?
APMA: Training practioners and activists in human rights in Asia-Pacific
APMA offers a unique higher education experience, combining human rights education, research, capacity-building, and advocacy. Become part of a strategic hub for advancing, interconnecting, and coordinating key resources and expertise in human rights across the Asia-Pacific region.