Tallinn, Estonia
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest start date
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,300 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* non-EU/EEA citizens residing in estonia, have a valid estonian TRP I EU/EEA citizens residing in estonia, have a valid estonian id-card
Key Summary
Introduction
The MA program in Human Rights in the Digital Society was created to address new developments and challenges in law and society that have arisen in connection with the ever-increasing digitalization.
The program provides a unique opportunity to engage with questions like what are the limits of the freedom of speech online or what is sovereignty over the digital environment? Or how to balance human rights in the online environment? This program will provide students with the skill set necessary to analyze the effects of digitalization on human rights and law in general. The courses have a balance between theory and practice problems and assignments. The students will be encouraged to take a critical perspective, research topical issues that they feel passionate about, and highlight flaws in the current system.
Why study with us?
- Good quality and varied studies will provide a deep understanding of different aspects of human rights in the digital era.
- The lecturers have international networks that make it possible to arrange exciting international events in that students can participate.
- After graduating you will have a broad range of international and domestic career paths to choose from – e.g. international organizations, courts, NGOs, and media companies.
- The research focus of the program guarantees that you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for doctoral studies.
- Unique opportunity to explore the impact of digitalization on society in general and human rights in particular.
Why School of Governance, Law, and Society?
- The lecturers have international networks that make it possible to arrange exciting international events in that students can participate.
- Our alumni have been very successful in finding jobs. Our alumni include members of parliament, judges, prosecutors, notaries, attorneys, and public officials.
- SOGOLAS and the law study area are at the forefront of implementing a broad range of innovative study methods, which make your studies varied and exciting. You will develop different transferrable skills like conducting research, critical analysis, synthesis of complex ideas, and presentation skills.
- Modern study environment – SOGOLAS is located in the new science building of Tallinn University – Astra – that has great conditions for study and leisure. There is a library with a study room that is open 24h, a student cafe, and a cozy atrium. E-study opportunities are widely used as courses incorporate online materials, video lectures, tests.
- International opportunities – SOGOLAS has dozens of ERASMUS partnership contracts that make it possible for you to go abroad to enjoy European student life.
Gallery
Ideal Students
Who are we looking for?
The MA program in Human Rights in the Digital Society is ideal for students who have a passion for human rights and a desire to make an impact in either the public or private sphere. But it is also tailored for those who have a keen interest in how the internet has changed the way societies function and in the problems that arise when you try to apply traditional legal rules to the online world. The program has been developed to allow you to focus on one of these main issues (human rights and digitalization), while also gaining an understanding of the other. You do not need any detailed knowledge of law or digitalization to study in this program, just enthusiasm and motivation to develop the necessary skills and knowledge during your studies.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course outline
The program is in cycle study form. Lectures and seminars take place during weekdays and the nominal time to complete the program is four semesters. The program is composed of compulsory law courses (54 ECTS), elective law courses (24/36 ECTS), open elective courses (6 ECTS), a master’s thesis (24 ECTS), and a mandatory internship (6 ECTS). The aim of the internship is to give students an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom by working under the direction of a practicing legal professional. The students also participate in an interdisciplinary project (6 ECTS), which provides another opportunity to practice the skills they have developed. The courses include a mix of subjects that deal with human rights and digitalization and also provide an opportunity to develop research skills throughout the four semesters.
Career Opportunities
Post-graduate destinations
The study program develops knowledge and skills that open up different career paths in the modern legal world. Different opportunities will be available to you in both the public and private sectors.
Public sector:
- Jobs in international organizations like the UN, European Council, and the EU – all these institutions have an increasing need for specialists in human rights and digitalization.
- Jobs in international courts – both the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice need more experts that can advise judges on topical human rights issues.
- Domestic public sector – public management institutions of the EU and other states have to modernize their understanding of international law and human rights, in light of new developments, so there is a demand for experts with the necessary knowledge who can engage with these new challenges.
- Academia – since the study program has a research focus, it will prepare you for advanced studies in doctoral programs around the world.
Private sector:
- Media companies – both global and regional media companies face obligations of ensuring human rights in their daily activities. Teams are being formed, which are tasked to develop and implement internal rules in this area.
- Legal consultancy companies – more and more disputes arise regarding relationships and violations in the digital space.
- NGOs – both large International NGOs like Human Rights Watch and NGOs with local importance have to take into account the global developments in International law and human rights.