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Regular Masters Programmes
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Master’s Degree Programme in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes
The programme is founded on a balance between three core dimensions. The first dimension is doctrine and practice. This element focuses on the foundations of international law and the vocabulary of norms and concepts (such as sources, sovereignty, and jurisdiction) employed by international lawyers and activists in the pursuit of their agendas, and of international organizations and tribunals in the performance of their functions. The second is theory and philosophy. International law and dispute settlement are areas that enjoy worldwide intellectual attention and are the focus of ideological and scholarly debates and controversies. Authors and theorists from diverse fields will be studied as a means to connect the participants to ongoing debates in the discipline. Finally, a focus on “skills” is meant to prepare the student for the practical application of international legal concepts and norms in concrete situations. This includes the ability to draft reports and legal briefs, participate in negotiations, and critically analyze legal documents including treaties, resolutions, and judgments. The programme is designed for participants from all professional or academic backgrounds, not only those possessing a legal education. Normally, successful applicants have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement in the field of law or the social sciences (preferably political science, international relations, or similar degrees) and possess 2-5 years or more of relevant working experience. Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in the peaceful settlement of international disputes and should offer a clear picture of how the programme matches their career goals. The 40 credits programme is divided into two semesters, between August of one year and May of the following year, followed by a 2-3 months independent study project, for a total duration of 11 months. In the first semester, all International Law participants are instructed together from both the International Law and the Settlement of Disputes and the International Law and Human Rights programmes. They are exposed to foundation courses in public international law, human rights, international organizations, legal research methods, and peace and conflict studies. In the second semester, participants will have the opportunity to focus on their specialized area, delving deeper into an exploration of dispute resolution (see specialized courses list below). In tandem with the final classes of the first semester, and throughout the second semester, participants will be also working on an Independent Study Project. The University for Peace has access to the main focal points for the protection of human rights in the Americas. Both the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights are located in San José, Costa Rica, and leading personalities in these institutions are involved in the work of the programme. Courses are taught by leading scholars in the field from all over the world. Such scholars include prominent professionals from international organizations and specialized agencies. The International Law and Human Rights Department has agreements with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in San Jose and the International Committee of the Red Cross to cooperate with the teaching of refugee law and humanitarian law within the context of the Master's degree programme. The required Courses are Common Courses First Term (15 credits) Common Courses Second Term: (1 credit) Total Credits: 40 For complete course descriptions, course calendar and information about the prefessors, please follow this link: http://www.upeace.org/academic/calendar/ participants enrolled in this programme can expect to gain the skills and tools that will enable them to serve as officers in international organizations, non-governmental organizations, governments, and policymaking institutions, as well as a platform for further graduate study, research, and scholarship. participants will also acquire advanced skills in critical analysis and research. Here are some examples of the professional involvement of our ILHR graduates:
For a course calendar and description and for the professors' bios, please follow the link |
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The Master of Arts Degree programme in International Law and the Settlement of Disputes is a multidisciplinary programme that seeks to provide a thorough knowledge and understanding of these two fields. The programme offers a solid foundation in international legal scholarship and practice before focusing on the specialized area of the settlement of disputes. 
