University of Malta

What you'll study

The programme offers a combination of core and elective modules covering the theory and practice of human rights, peacebuilding and transitional justice. Core topics typically include the history and theory of human rights; international human-rights law and institutions; concepts and practice of transitional justice (truth commissions, reparation, trials, institutional reform); conflict analysis and peace processes; and research design and methods for qualitative and mixed-methods research.

• Foundations of Human Rights: normative frameworks, philosophical underpinnings and key institutions.
• International Human Rights Law: treaty regimes, monitoring mechanisms and enforcement challenges.
• Transitional Justice Mechanisms: comparative study of prosecutions, truth-seeking, reparations and institutional reform.
• Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation: local, national and international approaches to mediation, reconciliation and DDR (disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration).
• Research Methods and Dissertation: applied research methods, ethics, fieldwork preparation and a substantive dissertation or major project.
• Electives and Practicals: options often include refugee and migration law, gender and human rights, minority rights, socio-economic rights, and an internship or practicum placement with a relevant organisation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in law, social sciences, political science, international relations, development studies or a closely related discipline, awarded with good honours (or an equivalent qualification). Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience in human-rights work, peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance or related fields may be considered.

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved test or equivalent evidence of previous study or professional experience in English. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement outlining their interests and relevant experience, and academic or professional references.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme typically move into a range of public- and private-sector roles focused on human rights, conflict resolution and transitional processes. Typical career paths include:

• Human-rights officer, researcher or advocate with international NGOs and civil-society organisations.
• Policy adviser or analyst in national government departments, international organisations and regional bodies.
• Programme officer or consultant in peacebuilding, post-conflict reconstruction and development agencies.
• Legal or paralegal roles in public-interest law, strategic litigation and international criminal justice contexts.
• Further academic research at doctoral level or teaching in higher education institutions.

Why study at University of Malta

The University of Malta offers multidisciplinary expertise across law, social sciences and international affairs, providing a strong academic foundation combined with practical engagement. Its location in the central Mediterranean gives students direct exposure to contemporary migration, human-rights and post-conflict issues, and facilitates links with NGOs, government bodies and regional organisations.

Students benefit from supervision by academics and practitioners active in international law, peace studies and transitional justice, opportunities for internship placements with local and international partners, and a research environment that supports applied projects and comparative study. The programme is structured to accommodate both full-time students and professionals studying part-time.