MA International Law and Human Rights

The Master’s programme in International Law and Human Rights at the University of Tartu is a two-year, full-time postgraduate programme offering comprehensive knowledge of the principles, regulations, subjects, and practical application of international law and human rights. The programme is worth 120 ECTS and is taught entirely in English.

Studies take place in Tallinn, Estonia, where students learn from University of Tartu law professors specialising in international law and human rights, as well as representatives from different branches of the Estonian government. The programme brings together students and alumni from a diverse range of countries and provides an international learning environment.

Programme Overview

The programme focuses on the key concepts, legal frameworks, institutions, and practices related to international law and human rights. It is designed to provide students with specialised academic knowledge while also developing their ability to apply legal knowledge in professional settings.

A compulsory internship forms part of the programme. The internship takes place in the field of international law or human rights and is tailored to the student’s interests and the availability of suitable opportunities. It allows students to deepen their understanding of the field, apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, and gain professional experience before graduation.

Why Study International Law and Human Rights at the University of Tartu?

The University of Tartu has a long tradition of teaching international law, with international law having been taught at the university since the 17th century. Graduates of the School of Law have gone on to become international law scholars and practitioners.

The programme also provides students with exposure to professionals working in different areas of the Estonian government. The international composition of the student and alumni community contributes to a diverse academic environment.

The University of Tartu is also ranked among the top 350 universities globally, according to the programme information.

Programme Duration and Degree

The programme is a full-time postgraduate Master’s programme with a nominal duration of 2 years.

Students complete 120 ECTS and graduate with the degree:

MA — Master of Arts in Law (International Law and Human Rights)

Teaching Language

The programme is taught in:

English

Applicants must comply with the University of Tartu’s English language requirements. The source specifies that only the English tests and exemption categories listed by the university are accepted.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. The qualification must be obtained by the end of July and must include at least 60 ECTS of law courses.

Country-specific document requirements may also apply. Entry qualification documents are accepted in:

• English
• Estonian

Applicants are also required to submit a motivation letter as part of the application.

Motivation Letter

The motivation letter must be written in English and should contain 5,000–7,000 characters including spaces.

The letter should address the following areas:

• How the applicant’s previous education and/or work experience is connected to the subjects covered by the International Law and Human Rights master’s programme.
• Why the applicant is interested in this particular programme.
• How the applicant intends to use the knowledge and skills gained during the programme in their future career.
• Which areas of international law and human rights the applicant finds particularly interesting and thought-provoking.
• Which areas the applicant would like to study more closely at the University of Tartu and a potential topic for their master’s thesis.

The proposed thesis topic is not binding and can be changed during the studies.

Applicants who receive a minimum score of 51 points for their motivation letter are invited to participate in an admission interview.

Admission Interview

The admission interview is designed to assess the applicant’s readiness for continuous learning and professional development, as well as their aptitude for working in the field of International Law and Human Rights.

The interview:

• Is conducted in English
• Takes place online via the internet
• Has a duration of 20 minutes

For the 2026 admission cycle, interviews were scheduled for 6–10 April, with exact times arranged with qualifying candidates after evaluation of their motivation letters.

Internship

An internship is a compulsory part of the programme.

Each student completes an internship in the field of international law or human rights. The internship is tailored according to the student’s interests and the availability of opportunities.

It is intended to help students:

• Develop a deeper understanding of international law and human rights.
• Apply theoretical knowledge in practical professional environments.
• Develop professional skills.
• Gain relevant work experience before graduation.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the International Law and Human Rights master’s programme can pursue professional opportunities in international organisations, state institutions, and the private sector.

The programme’s focus on international law and human rights prepares graduates for work in an increasingly globalised environment where international legal frameworks and international organisations play an important role.

Graduates may also pursue a further academic career at doctoral level.

The international nature of the field means that graduates can seek career opportunities in different parts of the world.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the programme is:

€4,800 per year

In addition, applicants are required to pay a €100 non-refundable application fee.

Applicants who are not citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pre-pay half of the first semester’s tuition fee after receiving an admission offer.

Study Location

The programme is offered in:

Tallinn, Estonia

The programme information identifies the University of Tartu’s Faculty of Social Sciences and School of Law as part of the academic environment for the programme.

Programme Start Date

The stated study commencement date is:

31 August

The source also indicates that the application period for this intake has ended.

Summary

The International Law and Human Rights MA at the University of Tartu is a two-year, 120-ECTS postgraduate programme taught in English in Tallinn, Estonia. It combines academic study of international law and human rights with a compulsory professional internship. Admission requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with at least 60 ECTS of law courses, compliance with the university’s English language requirements, a detailed motivation letter, and, for qualifying applicants, an online admission interview. The programme prepares graduates for professional opportunities in international organisations, government institutions, and the private sector, as well as further doctoral-level academic study.