Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance (PhD)

Program Overview

The Joint PhD in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance is an interdisciplinary program that combines legal, political, economic, and sociological perspectives on human rights. It emphasizes contemporary issues, global and regional perspectives, and the roles of various actors in human rights implementation. Graduates will possess a multidisciplinary profile and competitive edge in academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Joint Doctorate (PhD) in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the legal, political, social, philosophical, and economic dimensions of human rights in various geographical contexts. This three-year program is jointly offered by the University of Padova (Italy), the University of Zagreb (Croatia), Western Sydney University (Australia), and Panteion University (Greece).

Objectives:

• Produce researchers with a multi/interdisciplinary profile.
• Train students in research methodologies and equip them with the skills to conduct original research.
• Provide in-depth understanding of human rights theory and practice.
• Equip students with the ability to critically analyze and assess the effectiveness of human rights policies.
• Foster understanding of the multi-level dimensions of human rights implementation.
• Develop research and communication skills to disseminate research findings through publications and presentations.

Program Description:

The PhD program emphasizes the following key aspects:

• Multi/interdisciplinary approach: Combines legal, political, economic, and sociological perspectives on human rights.
• Focus on contemporary issues: Addresses the most innovative and critical developments in the field.
• Global and regional perspectives: Examines human rights issues in a global, European, regional, national, and local context.
• Consideration of actors and institutions: Analyzes the roles of states, international organizations, civil society, and private actors in human rights implementation.

Other:

• This program is unique in Cyprus, offering a specialized focus on human rights and multi-level governance.
• Graduates will possess competitive edge in an emerging academic discipline.
• The program's interdisciplinary nature and multi-level focus enhance employability prospects in academia, private sector, and civil society organizations.

Outline:

Content:

• Legal, political, social, philosophical, and economic dimensions of human rights.
• Multi-level governance and human rights implementation.
• Contemporary issues and challenges in human rights.
• Research methodologies and data analysis.

Structure:

• Coursework: Includes core courses, electives, and research seminars.
• Individual research project: Culminates in a doctoral dissertation.
• Duration: Three years (six semesters).

Course Schedule:

• Fall semester: Research Methodology, Legal Research and Methodology, Doctoral Course.
• Spring semester: Doctoral Course, additional electives based on student's research interests.

Individual Modules:

• Research Methodology: Introduces research design, data collection, and analysis techniques.
• Legal Research and Methodology: Focuses on legal research methods and analysis of legal materials.
• Doctoral Courses: Cover advanced topics in human rights, governance, and research methods.
• Electives: Students can choose from a range of courses offered by the participating universities.

Assessment:

• Comprehensive final exam for each course.
• Continuous assessment through assignments, presentations, and mid-term exams.
• Evaluation of research proposal and dissertation.
• Minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required for graduation.

Teaching:

• Instruction by internationally recognized faculty with expertise in human rights and related fields.
• Emphasis on interactive learning, discussion, and research-based projects.
• Individual supervision and guidance for research projects.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and exchange programs.

Careers:

• Academic careers in research and teaching.
• Positions in government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs working on human rights issues.
• Research and policy analysis roles in private sector organizations.
• Opportunities in legal practice and advocacy related to human rights.

Other:

• The program is offered in English.
• English language proficiency is required for admission.
• Students are expected to actively participate in research seminars and conferences.
• Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to the advancement of human rights knowledge and practice.