Country: Switzerland
Registration deadline: 28 Feb 2020
Starting date: 18 Mar 2019
Ending date: 01 Aug 2021
From Northern Ireland to Burundi, Timor-Leste, Sri Lanka, Tunisia or Guatemala, countries throughout the world struggle to deal with the aftermath of violent conflict or oppressive rule. What does it mean for a society to come to terms with mass atrocities, such as genocide and ethnic cleansing? How can the rule of law be re-established in a country shattered by wide-scale violence? What are the legal obligations and standards relevant to societies trying to turn the page on a history of political violence? How can the competing demands of peace and justice be balanced in the aftermath of such traumatic events? What can realistically be expected from measures such as trials, truth commissions, reparation programmes and institutional reform?
The Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ) is a one-year full-time postgraduate degree designed for highly qualified and open-minded candidates interested in acquiring high-level academic education and practice in the field of transitional justice, human rights and the rule of law. Combining theoretical knowledge with real-world perspectives and a cross-disciplinary approach, it focuses on developing practical skills to address current challenges in this field.
Besides core courses that provide a firm grounding in the central theoretical and practical transitional justice issues, the programme allows students to tailor their studies to their particular interests.
During the Spring Semester, MTJ students can choose between three different tracks. Those who want to deepen, broaden and diversify their knowledge in particular thematic areas can attend two thematic courses during the Spring Semester via the Thematic Focus track. Clinical Work, in the form of research internships or participation in a moot court, provides a solid exposure to practical work. Students interested in academic research can follow the Academic Research Track to get familiar with the the tools of academic research and participate in peer-discussions about complex theoretical issues within the field of transitional justice.
Throughout the year, MTJ students have access to a world-renowned faculty, benefit from direct connections with leading actors and share ideas with other talented participants from an array of different backgrounds and perspectives.
How to register:
You can apply for the Master of Advanced Studies in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law (MTJ) via a straightforward, online form. If you encounter problems with your application, do not hesitate to contact us.
Please read the information in this section carefully before starting an application, as it will help ensure a quick and smooth application process.
Two Application Tracks
There are two tracks through which you can apply:
- Without scholarship
- With scholarship (partial or full: see further information on scholarships)
Please note that you must choose one track or the other. If you apply through both, your application will be considered under the non-scholarship track. Successful applicants who applied without requesting a scholarship cannot subsequently be considered for a scholarship.
Required Documents
All the documents required are specified in the online application form and have to be attached to your online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Please do not send original documents, as all submitted materials become the property of the Geneva Academy upon receipt. Documents cannot be returned to the applicant nor forwarded to other schools or agencies.
You will need to bring your original diplomas and transcripts to Geneva if you submit non-certified copies with your application.
The documents you have to provide with your application are:
- Your curriculum vitae
- A personal statement explaining your interest in and potential contribution to the programme (1–3 pages)
- Two letters of recommendation– no specific format is required
- Certified copiesof relevant degrees and diplomas (with an officially certified translation when not in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish) – if copies are not certified, you will need to present the original documents upon your arrival in Geneva
- Certified copies of official records of university examinations taken and grades obtained (with an officially certified translation when not in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish) – if copies are not certified, you will need to present the original documents upon your arrival in Geneva
- If you are currently enrolled in a university programme, an attestation by the relevant university of your current enrollment with an official record of the latest university examinations taken and grades obtained
- Language tests– TOEF IELTS, DALF – or verification of language skills (the Geneva Academy does not have an attributed code; please do not use the University of Geneva code, nor the Graduate Institute code)
- A copy of your passport
If you apply for a scholarship (partial or full), you will also have to provide the following documents:
- Proof of your current income (e.g. salary statement, bank statement, tax declaration, employer’s letter) – if such proof is not available, please explain why
- Proof of your family’s financial situation (e.g. salary statement, bank statement) – if such proof is not available, please explain why
- Proof, if applicable, of any financial support you currently receive (e.g. letter from parents, sponsors, scholarship donor)