European Regional Master’s Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe
An interdisciplinary MA programme in human rights and democracy with a unique regional focus on Southeast Europe, coordinated by the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna.
The Global Campus South East Europe opens the Call for Applications for the 25th edition on the 9th of June 2025.
First round deadline: July 7 2025
Second round: August 25 – September 22 2025
Starting date & Place: 14 October 2025, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Duration: One year
Requirements: Degree in social sciences or humanities with 240 or 300 ECTS
Coordinators: University of Sarajevo and 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 coordinated by the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna. ERMA awards 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 write their MA theses.
Structure
The programme has three major components:
I Lectures at the University of Sarajevo
II Internship at NGOs/INGOs in the SEE region
III Thesis writing at the University of Bologna
It lasts two semesters:
SEMESTER I: October – February
COURSES:
- Philosophy and Theory of Human Rights and Democracy
- Nationalism, Identity, and Conflict
- Democratisation and EU Integration
- UN and European Human Rights Systems
- Research Methodologies
SEMESTER II: March – July
COURSES:
- Peace and Human Rights
- Elective courses (students choose one):
1. Children’s Rights
2. Migration and Human Rights
3. Environmental Rights and Global Challenges
INTERNSHIP
In May, students complete a one-month internship at selected IGOs, NGOs, think tanks, and research institutes across the SEE region. This experience provides professional exposure to human rights and democracy work, enhancing students’ mobility and international experience, and enabling field research for their Master’s thesis.
THESIS WRITING
June-July | Bertinoro Centre of the University of Bologna (CEUB)
During this 1-month residential component in Bertinoro (Italy), students focus on writing their Master’s thesis, enjoy living together, and travel around Italy for short excursions and field visits. The University Residential Centre is located in the picturesque medieval town of Bertinoro.
THESIS DEFENCES
Defences are held at the University of Sarajevo in September/early October.
Member universities
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 the Peloponnese, Greece
University of Prishtina, Kosovo
University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, North Macedonia
University of Belgrade, Serbia
Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria
University degree in social sciences or humanities from an accredited university, earned over 4 (3+1) 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 (25 from SEE; 3 from EU and Azerbaijan, and 3 from other countries)
Learn more in the FAQs!
Fees and scholarships
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 fee
Citizens of the European Union countries and Azerbaijan: €2000 fee (two installments)
Students from the groups above are entitled to a study grant of €4800 gross for basic living costs in Sarajevo and up to €2000 for travel and other reimbursements in several installments. Lodging and meals during the residential term in Italy are fully covered.
Citizens of other countries as fully self-funded students: €2000 fee (in two installments) + €2700 (costs of Term III lodging in Italy).
Careers
ERMA graduates become professionals, advocates and researchers working in human rights and democratisation field in Southeast Europe and beyond. Since the beggining 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, and researchers. According to an annual survey by the Global Campus, 97% of ERMA graduates secure employment within six months of graduation.
ERMA graduates are members of EAN (ERMA Alumni Network), an official action of the Master’s programme that links over 650 graduates to its alma mater and fosters a web of professional, academic, and public relations with its graduates and also GCA, a wide network of the Global Campus Alumni working all over the world.
Are you passionate about human rights and democratisation in the Balkans, with an international perspective? Want to learn more? Browse through our website, read the CFA section or contact us!