Global Campus
South East Europe
The European Regional Master's Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe (ERMA)
Date & place
14 October 2025, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Duration
1 year
Requirements
Degree in social sciences or humanities with 240 or 300 ECTS
Coordinators
University of Sarajevo and University of Bologna
An interdisciplinary programme in human rights and democracy, uniquely focused on South East Europe and coordinated by the Universities of Sarajevo and Bologna
Overview
The European Regional Master's Programme in Democracy and Human Rights in South East Europe (ERMA - GC South East Europe)
is a prestigious double-degree program coordinated by the University of Sarajevo and the University of Bologna. ERMA awards 60 ECTS credits through an interdisciplinary curriculum in a highly international setting. The programme integrates lectures with practical research experiences, quality academic tutoring, internships, field trips, and a one-month residential component in Italy where students write their MA theses.
According to an annual survey by the Global Campus, 97% of ERMA graduates secure employment within six months of graduation.
People
Asim Mujkic and Marco Borraccetti, Programme Co-Directors / Mariana Hadzijusufovic, Programme Manager / Alina Trkulja, Programme Coordinator / Marija Ivanovic, Education Officer / Nejira Pasic, Child Rights Coordinator / Mileva Piralic, Finance Officer
Regional Network
- University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – coordinator
- University of Bologna, Italy – coordinator
- University of Graz, Austria
- University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria
- University of Zagreb, Croatia
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
- University of the Peloponnese, Greece
- University of Prishtina, Kosovo
- University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, North Macedonia
- University of Belgrade, Serbia
Programme Details
- Lectures at the University of Sarajevo
- Internship at NGOs/INGOs in the South East Europe region
- Thesis writing at the University of Bologna
The programme lasts two semesters:
Courses:
- 1. Philosophy and Theory of Human Rights and Democracy
- 2. Nationalism, Identity and Conflict
- 3. Democratisation and EU Integration
- 4. UN and European Human Rights Systems
- 5. Research Methodologies
– II Semester: March – July | University of Sarajevo
Courses:
- 1. Peace and Human Rights
- 2. Elective courses: Children’s Rights; Migration and Human Rights; Environmental Rights and Global Challenges (students choose one)
– Internship
- In May, students complete a one-month internship at selected IGOs, NGOs, think tanks, and research institutes across the SEE region. This experience provides professional exposure to human rights and democracy work, enhancing students’ mobility and international experience, and enabling field research for their Master’s thesis. Learn more about ERMA curricular internships.
– Thesis Writing: June – July | Bertinoro Centre of the University of Bologna
- Throughout the year, students receive support from academic tutors. During this 1-month residential component in Bertinoro (Italy), students focus on writing their Master’s thesis, enjoy living together, and travel around Italy for short excursions and field visits. The University Residential Centre is located in the picturesque medieval town of Bertinoro.
– Thesis Defense: September – early October | University of Sarajevo
- University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- University of Bologna (Italy)
- Karl Franzens University of Graz (Austria)
- University of Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria)
- University of Zagreb (Croatia)
- Ruhr University Bochum (Germany)
- University of the Peloponnese (Greece)
- University of Pristina (Kosovo)
- University Ss. Cyril and Methodius (North Macedonia)
- University of Belgrade (Serbia)
- University degree in social sciences or humanities from an accredited university, earned over 4 (3+1) or 5 years (3+2) with at least 240 ECTS credits
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL: minimum 560 paper-based, 220 computer-based, 83 IBT
- IELTS: minimum band 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any subsection
- Cambridge C1 (former CAE) and C2 (former CPE) exams
- Duolingo test certificate: minimum 115
- Exemptions: native English speakers, holders of a diploma in English language and literature, or those with previous university education in English (transcripts or certificates should be submitted)
- Academic track record: including final GPA, relevance of the degree, and thesis subject
- Relevant practical experience
- Research interests: especially those related to South East Europe
Maximum number of accepted students: 28. (25 from SEE; 3 from EU and Azerbaijan, and 3 from other countries).
Learn more in the FAQs prepared by GC South East Europe.
- Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and citizens of Kosovo (who hold a passport of a country recognized by BiH): €200 fee
- Citizens of the European Union countries and Azerbaijan: €2000 fee
Students from the groups above are entitled to a study grant of €4800 gross for basic living costs in Sarajevo and up to €2000 for travel and other reimbursements. Lodging and meals during the residential term in Italy are fully covered.
- Citizens of other countries as fully self-funded students: €2000 (in two installments) + €2700 (costs of lodging in Italy during the residential term).
ERMA graduates become professionals, advocates, and researchers working in the human rights and democratisation field in Southeast Europe and beyond. Since the beginning of the programme in 2000, alumni have played a central role in developing human rights and democracy across the region. Many are employed in governmental and non-governmental organisations, both international and national, at their headquarters and in field missions; others pursue further academic studies. Many alumni contribute to the programme’s activities as tutors, internship supervisors, lecturers, course leaders, and researchers.
ERMA graduates are members of the EAN (ERMA Alumni Network), an official initiative of the Master’s programme that connects over 650 alumni to their alma mater. The network fosters a strong web of professional, academic, and public engagement among its graduates, and also links them to the Global Campus Alumni (GCA), a worldwide network of professionals working across the globe.
Passionate about human rights and democratisation in the Balkans? Ready to explore them through a global lens?
ERMA: A unique blend of academic rigour, practical experience, and international exposure
ERMA is an excellent choice for those passionate about human rights and democracy in South East Europe. With over 20 years of experience and more than 600 graduates, this program has made a crucial impact in the region.