Professional Master in Governance and Human Rights

Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
Credit Points: 90
Length of Study: 4 terms extra-occupational
Language: English
Study Places: 25
Start Date: in September, flexible entry options
Application Deadline: 31 May (late applications may be considered upon personal request to gahr@leuphana.de, subject to availability)
Costs: 9.900 Euro (total tuition cost), plus the current term contribution of 240 Euro per term, installment payments possible

Over the course of your studies, you will examine how governance systems can be shaped to safeguard human rights in practice. The program brings together governance theory, human rights law, and hands-on project work. You will explore issues such as:

• Governance principles: accountability, transparency, participation
• Human rights in the digital sphere (social media, AI)
• Human rights norms, standards, and legal frameworks
• Translating theory into practical rights-based strategies
• The role of new governance actors — international organizations, civil society, and multinational companies
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and business & human rights
• Sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Project design, management, and evaluation in the human rights field
• Advocacy, campaigning, and human rights communication
• Negotiations in the context of governance / human rights

Unique Combination of Two Dimensions: Governance and Human Rights

Governance and human rights reinforce each other — but the link between them is often missing in practice. This program closes to that gap.

• Good governance principles must be linked to human rights norms and standards
• Human rights implementation depends on strong governance
• New governance actors; multinational companies, civil society, international organizations, play a growing role in the realization of human rights  

Check the curriculum for further information

Project-based Learning at the Heart of the Program

You will:

• Design and implement your own governance and human rights project
• Develop the design and communication skills to drive social change
• Apply theory in real professional contexts (e.g. CSR, sustainable development)
• Learn from renowned international academics, practitioners, and project coaches 

Interview: Our Lecturer Heike Alefsen talks about her job at the UN and her work in the Governance and Human Rights Master's program. To the article

read more

The program prepares you for professional roles at the intersection of governance, policy, and human rights — across international organizations, public administration, civil society, and the private sector.

As a graduate of the M.A. Governance and Human Rights, you will:

• Apply governance principles such as accountability, transparency, and participation to advance human rights
• Understand international human rights norms, standards, and institutional frameworks
• Analyze and address complex governance and policy challenges
• Design, fund, and manage projects in public, private, and nonprofit contexts
• Work effectively in international and interdisciplinary environments

From Learning to Practice

A defining feature of the program is its strong practical orientation. Throughout your studies, you will apply your knowledge directly to real world contexts and develop solutions to concrete challenges. This practice-oriented approach is also reflected in the involvement of practitioners in the teaching staff, regular work with case studies, project-based modules, and portfolio exams, in which students complete applied tasks over the course of the semester and demonstrate how they connect theoretical knowledge with practical questions.

Examples of student projects include:

• Workshops and trainings on human rights and governance
• Revision of government and embassy websites in line with good governance principles
• Projects addressing discrimination and racism in administration, police, and education
• Fundraising initiatives for development and aid projects
• Initiatives to improve educational access for children with a migration background

In addition, you will independently organize and lead your own program conference at the end of your studies.

Career Fields and Roles

Graduates pursue careers across international organizations, public administration, civil society, and the private sector — working at the intersection of governance, policy, and human rights.

They take on roles in areas such as policy advice, project and program management, advocacy, and human rights compliance, in institutions including international organizations (e.g. UN, EU), ministries, NGOs, foundations, and companies engaged in sustainability and ESG.

Further details on career opportunities and profiles can be found on the dedicated career page. 

The master's program Governance and Human Rights is aimed at applicants with a background or professional interest in fields such as development, politics, business, the non-profit sector, or international organizations.

It is particularly suited for individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of governance and human rights and apply this knowledge in practice-oriented and international contexts.

Applicants are required to hold a first university degree (e.g. a bachelor's degree).

How does the application process work?

Applications for the master's program in Governance and Human Rights can be submitted online until 31 May each year.

Our online application system allows you to:

• complete your application step by step
• upload all required documents
• save your application and continue at a later stage  

After the application deadline, all submissions are reviewed, and the admission process begins.

Late applications may be considered upon individual request and subject to availability. In such cases, please contact the program coordinator at gahr@leuphana.de.

For detailed information on admission requirements, required documents, and the application process, please visit the Application page. 

Alternative Entry Options

You can also begin with the Human Rights certificate course or individual module studies and later continue toward the master's program. This flexible entry option allows you to build your expertise step by step and gain initial insights before committing to the full degree.

Further details can be found on the Flexible Entry page.

The distance-learning master's program Governance and Human Rights (M.A.) is designed to combine academic study with professional commitments.

The program includes two block seminars in Lüneburg, each lasting one week (so-called Campus Weeks), and otherwise takes place online.

These Campus Weeks are typically held in September. Exact dates are announced in advance for each intake. Participation is possible either in person on campus or online via video conferencing.

Throughout the program, you will work through online course materials (videos, eBooks, podcasts). You will demonstrate your ability to reflect through a variety of engaging asynchronous online learning activities and participate in live online sessions. These sessions are scheduled with consideration for different time zones to enable participation from an international student cohort.

This structure allows you to combine your studies effectively with your professional life, regardless of your location.

The program coordinator and the GaHR team are available to support you throughout your studies. 

Learn more about the distance-learning format

Unlike standard full-time or part-time degree programs, tuition fees apply to continuing education programs such as the Governance and Human Rights Master’s. This is because the program is financed primarily through tuition fees, as it does not receive public funding.

What are the fees for the Governance and Human Rights Master’s program?

The total tuition fee for the program is €9,900. In addition, a semester contribution (currently approximately €240 per semester) is charged.

Installment payments are possible.

A range of funding options are available for professional programs. Which ones are open to you will depend on your individual circumstances. We have put together a list of funding options for you on our website. You can also use our financial advisory service.

• Earn a master's degree while continuing to work, within a flexible four-semester structure
• A unique program combining the two specializations of governance and human rights
• International learning environment with participants from around the world
• Opportunities to build a global professional network
• Small groups enabling close interaction and exchange
• Teaching by international lecturers with both academic expertise and practical experience
• flexible entry options, including certificate courses and module-based study

This program received external accreditation by the FIBAA.