Global Campus
South East Europe
The European Regional Master's Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe (ERMA)
Date & place
November 2024, Sarajevo
Duration
12 months
Requirements
Degree in social sciences or humanities with 240 CTS
Coordinators
University of Sarajevo and University of Bologna
An interdisciplinary programme with a unique regional focus on the Balkans, joinlty awarded by the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna.
Overview
The European Regional Master's Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe (ERMA - GC South East Europe)
is a prestigious double-degree program awarded by both the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna. ERMA offers 60 ECTS credits through an interdisciplinary curriculum in a highly international setting. The programme integrates lectures with practical research experiences, quality academic tutoring, internships, field trips, and a one-month residential component in Italy where students complete their theses.
According to an annual survey by the Global Campus, 97% of ERMA graduates secure employment within six months of graduation.
People
Asim Mujkic and Marco Borraccetti, Programme Co-Directors / Mariana Hadzijusufovic, Programme Manager / Alina Trkulja, Programme Coordinator / Aida Salihovic-Gušic, Education Officer / Marija Ivanovic, Education Officer / Mileva Piralic, Finance Officer / Nejira Pasic, Child Rights Coordinator
Regional Network
- University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – coordinator
- University of Bologna, Italy – coordinator
- University of Graz, Austria
- University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria
- University of Zagreb, Croatia
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
- University of Peloponnese, Greece
- University of Prishtina, Kosovo
- University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, North Macedonia
- University of Belgrade, Serbia
Programme Details
– Term I: November to mid-June | University of Sarajevo
Students are taught by lecturers affiliated with the 11 member universities, as well as experts from IGOs and NGOs. The term is structured into six clusters:
- Foundations of Human Rights and Democracy
- Nationalism, Identity and Conflict
- Democratisation and EU Integration
- International Human Rights Norms and Standards
- Mechanisms of Human Rights Protection and Implementation
- Research Methodologies.
Courses cover a range of contemporary issues including gender equality, de-democratisation, climate change, environmental rights, migration, and children’s rights. Alongside lectures, students visit state institutions, intergovernmental organisations, and NGOs in South East Europe, and participate in field trips to Mostar and Srebrenica.
– Term II: mid-June to the end of July | Internship hosting organisation
Students complete a six-week internship at selected IGOs, NGOs, think tanks, and research institutes across the region. This experience provides professional exposure to human rights and democracy work, enhancing students’ mobility and international experience, as well as enabling field research for their Master’s thesis.
Learn more about ERMA curricular internships.
– Term III: September | Bertinoro Centre of the University of Bologna
Throughout the year, students receive support from academic tutors. During this 1-month residential component in Bertinoro (Italy), students focus on finalising their Master’s thesis, attend short seminars and lectures, enjoy living together, and travel around Italy for short excursions and field visits. The University Residential Centre is located in the picturesque mediaeval town of Bertinoro, known for its annual September Hospitality Festival.
- University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- University of Bologna (Italy)
- Karl Franzens University of Graz (Austria)
- University of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria)
- University of Zagreb (Croatia)
- Ruhr University Bochum (Germany)
- University of the Peloponnese (Greece)
- University of Pristina (Kosovo)
- University Ss. Cyril and Methodius (North Macedonia)
- University of Belgrade (Serbia)
- University degree in social sciences or humanities from an accredited university, earned over 4 or 5 years (3+2) with at least 240 ECTS credits
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL: minimum 560 paper-based, 220 computer-based, 83 IBT
- IELTS: minimum band 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any subsection
- Cambridge C1 (former CAE) and C2 (former CPE) exams
- Duolingo test certificate: minimum 115
- Exemptions: native English speakers, holders of a diploma in English language and literature, or those with previous university education in English (transcripts or certificates should be submitted)
- Academic track record: including final GPA, relevance of the degree, and thesis subject
- Relevant practical experience
- Research interests: especially those related to South East Europe
Maximum number of accepted students: 28. Priority is given to applicants from the Western Balkans.
Learn more in the FAQs prepared by GC South East Europe.
- Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and citizens of Kosovo (who hold a passport of a country recognized by BiH): €200
- Citizens of the European Union countries and Azerbaijan: €2000
Students from the groups above are entitled to a study grant of €5400 gross for basic living costs in Sarajevo. They also receive up to €1500 for travel and other reimbursements. Lodging and meals during the residential term in Italy are fully covered.
- Citizens of other countries as fully self-funded students: €2000 (two instalments) + €2700 (costs of Term III lodging in Italy).
ERMA graduates become experts, researchers working in human rights in Southeast Europe and beyond. Since the start of the programme in 2000, alumni have played a central role in developing human rights and democracy across the region. Many are employed in governmental and non-governmental organisations, both international and national, at their headquarters and in field missions; others pursue further academic studies. Many alumni contribute to the programme’s activities as tutors, internship supervisors, lecturers, course leaders, researchers.
ERMA graduates are members of EAN (ERMA Alumni Network), an official action of the Master’s programme which links over 650 graduates to its alma mater and fosters a web of professional, academic and public relations with its graduates, in a systematic and organised manner.
Are you passionate about human rights and democratisation in the Balkans, with an international perspective? Want to learn more?
ERMA: A unique blend of academic rigour, practical experience, and international exposure
info@erma-programme.eu
ERMA Website