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UPEACE Africa · MA-ILHR

MA International Law and Human Rights

January 2027 intake · Applications close 25 December 2026

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Programme overview

Gain a rigorous and critical understanding of public international law and the role of legal institutions in global society. Study the principles of the international legal system alongside the institutions involved in developing, implementing and enforcing international law and human rights protection.

Academic information is drawn from the UPEACE Master’s brochure. Duration, delivery format, entry requirements and curriculum for the January 2027 intake are subject to confirmation by admissions.

Who this programme is for

Applicants interested in international legal frameworks, human rights protection and the work of international institutions.

Areas of study

  • Public international law and the United Nations system
  • International and regional human rights protection
  • Armed conflict, refugees and counterterrorism
  • Human rights reporting, monitoring and evaluation

Knowledge and skills

Develop skills to critically interpret international legal frameworks and examine human rights implementation across a range of contemporary contexts.

Programme modules

Modules listed in the supplied UPEACE brochure. The admissions team confirms the final curriculum and credit requirements for your intake.

Semester 1

  • UPEACE Foundation Course

    UPM-6001 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Public International Law

    DIL-6100 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • The United Nations System and UPEACE Model United Nations Conference (UPMUNC)

    UPM-6003 · 2 credits · 4 weeks

  • International Human Rights Law

    DIL-6101 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Universal System for Protection of Human Rights

    DIL-6105 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • International Law Related to Armed Conflicts

    DIL-6085 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Globalization and Human Rights

    DIL-6043 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

Semester 2

  • Regional Mechanisms for Human Rights Protection

    DIL-6102 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Counterterrorism and Human Rights

    DIL-6121 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Human Rights Reporting, Monitoring, and Evaluation

    DIL-6080 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Protection of Refugees

    DIL-6103 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • International Labour Law

    DIL-6106 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • The Right to Peace

    DIL-6122 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Indigenous Peoples' Rights

    DIL-6086 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Working in Conflict & Post-Conflict Areas

    DIL-6064 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Technology and Human Rights

    DIL-6112 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Final Research Project (Thesis)

    DIL-7000 · 8 credits · 24 weeks

Teaching and assessment

Live online teaching combines discussion, participatory activities, critical reflection and applied tasks. Faculty and tutors provide course materials and feedback. Assessment includes course papers and examinations, followed by a final research project or dissertation. Field practice is included where specified in the programme curriculum.

Entry requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree; the brochure lists social or behavioural sciences, business, economics and humanities. Admissions reviews programme-specific suitability.
  • Evidence of English-language competence, including previous study in English or an appropriate language assessment.
  • Reliable internet access and familiarity with e-learning tools, word processing and presentations.

Application documents

Prepare a completed application form, certified Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts, a 300-word statement of purpose and evidence of English competence. The Africa admissions process also requests an ID or passport copy and passport photograph.

Fees and scholarships

While the standard international tuition for postgraduate programmes at the University for Peace Main Campus in Costa Rica is USD 10,000, the UPEACE Africa Regional Programme provides an automatic 50% regional scholarship to qualifying African professionals admitted to our executive online and hybrid programmes. The total tuition payable is adjusted to USD 5,000 for the complete 18-month programme. The fees are payable in instalment.

Milestone payment schedule for the January 2027 intake
Milestone stageAcademic checkpoint & timingAmount (USD)
Admission & RegistrationUpon offer acceptance (secures seat)$500
Semester 1 – Installment 1Prior to commencement of Semester 1$750
Semester 1 – Installment 2Before the end of Semester 1 (Prior to exams)$750
Semester 2 – Installment 1Prior to commencement of Semester 2$750
Semester 2 – Installment 2Before the end of Semester 2 (Coursework clearance)$750
Dissertation – Installment 1Beginning of dissertation (Supervisor allocation)$750
Dissertation – Installment 2Before final thesis defense & graduation clearance$750
Total programme fee$5,000 USD

Fees are payable in the seven instalments shown above. Payment instructions are issued by the UPEACE Africa finance office once an offer of admission is confirmed.

Contact admissions about fees and scholarships

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MA International Law and Human Rights

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