School: School of Law

Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance – Joint Degree with the University of Padova, the University of Zagreb, the University of Western Sydney, and Panteion University, Athens

Academic year

2022-2023
Taught Language: English

Course Summary

The Joint Doctorate (PhD) in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance is an existing three-year, interdisciplinary, joint academic programme managed by the University of Padova in Italy, the University of Zagreb in Croatia, Western Sydney University in Australia and Panteion University, Athens in Greece. The joint degree in its current form results in a Dottorato di Ricerca in Italy, a Doktorat iz društvenih znanosti in Croatia, a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Australia, and a Didactoriko Diploma in Greece. All information pertaining to the degree can be found on its website: https://www.humanrights-jointphd.org/ and the website of the Human Rights Centre of the coordinating institution, the University of Padova: https://unipd-centrodirittiumani.it/en/attivita/Human-Rights-Society-and-Multi-level-Governance/981.

The main aspects of the scientific design of the joint doctoral programme, and its added value in relation to the existing European and national courses in the concerned countries are the following:

  • The doctorate will produce researchers with a multi/interdisciplinary profile. The doctorate programme is assumed to organize teaching, research and training in the area of human rights studies, covering the legal, political, social, philosophical and economic approaches and methodologies in different geographical areas. Law, politics, economics and sociology are the main disciplines involved. Both theoretical dimensions and practical analyses will be given relevance in the overall approach to be embraced.
  • The doctoral programme shall address the multi-level dimensions of human rights implementation policies. Focusing on the most innovative and critical developments, research will delve into the areas of human rights’ concern and critically assess the effectiveness, impact, and consistency of doctrines and practices.
  • The doctoral programme will be organized around the fundamental dimensions of contemporary multi-level governance in light of the subsidiarity principle. Accordingly, the focus will be on: the global dimension (the UN and UN-family legal frameworks, institutions, policies and practices); the European regional context and its global impact as well as other regional systems; the national-level dimension with the possibility of a comparative approach; and, the local-level community actors and dynamics (cities, regions, transboundary territories). Both institutions and private actors’ roles will be addressed, such as transnational civil society, social movements, religious and cultural groups, NGOs, corporate companies.
  • Study and research topics will reflect the subjects addressed in the international and regional human rights legal instruments as well as in the practice that accompanies their implementation (e.g. cultural/religious pluralism and universality of human rights; evolution of regional systems of protection of human rights; justiciability of social rights as human rights: models for the fulfillment of social rights; the impact of relocation of sovereignty on human rights affirmation and implementation, multi-level governance and human rights protection).
  • The doctoral programme will develop students’ in-depth understanding, critical analysis, and application of current theoretical literature and research methodology to enable them to carry out their doctoral research project.
  • The doctoral programme will enhance students’ research skills and facilitate the development of expertise relevant to their research specialization area.
  • The doctoral programme will educate students in how to disseminate research findings, conclusions and suggestions, for example through publishing in academic journals and/or presenting their work in academic conferences and seminars.

Career Prospects

Τhe programme aims to offer the highest level of scientific knowledge in the field and to prepare students for a career in tertiary education and scientific research. Students are expected to conduct state-of-the-art research that advances original and practically applicable solutions to scientific problems. Graduates of the program will be able to demonstrate aptitude in the preparation, execution and management of an independent research study, and to disseminate their findings to the wider academic community through publishing their work in academic journals and/or giving presentations in academic conferences and seminars.

There is no other program with a specific focus on human rights, society and multi-level governance in Cyprus, not only at the doctoral level but at any level of tertiary education. That will make the graduates of the programme uniquely qualified and possessing a competitive edge in an emerging academic discipline and environment. In addition, the interdisciplinary nature of the subject matter and the structure of the programme will develop skills and competencies that enhance graduates’ employability prospects; not only is this combination of disciplinary approaches not offered in a similar fashion at the national level but – in fact – such programs are relatively rare both at the regional and at the international level.

At the same time, the scientific design of the programme affords graduates with employability prospects beyond academia. Both in terms of the interdisciplinary nature of the program as well its multidimensional focus at different levels of analysis on different actors and institutions will render graduates more employable by the private sector, civil society organisations, regional and international organisations.

Modules

Section: A – Courses

Min. ECTS Credits: 180  Max. ECTS Credits: 180
Course ID Course Title ECTS Credits
MIREL-662 Research Methodology 10
MLAW-509E Legal Research and Methdodology 10
PHDF-100 Doctoral Course – Fall semester 30
PHDS-100 Doctoral Course – Spring semester 30

Assessment Method

Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include amongst others, mid-terms, projects.

Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.

How to apply

Students come to UNIC from around the world, blending a diverse range of academic backgrounds, experiences, interests, talents and cultural heritage.

Admission to our University is granted under different categories, depending on the student’s qualifications and educational objectives.

Once accepted on the program, students are assigned three supervisors, one main and two secondary, who guide them throughout their studies. There are frequent progress reports to ensure students receive the guidance they need and that they are on track. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their supervisors at regular intervals. After the course(s) is/are completed successfully, students prepare a final research proposal, which is a detailed document of length 7.500-10.000 words that outlines their research plan, clearly showing theoretical contribution, and methodological approach suggested. When this is approved by the relevant committee, they proceed with their research and register for their thesis.

Application deadline

Starting dates for enrolling on the programs are Fall (October) and Spring (February). The application deadlines are August 31st for Fall entry and January 5th for Spring entry. Specific positions available (by department and by faculty member) are announced on the website, and interested students are advised to check the website regularly for possible new announced positions. To be considered for entry on the doctoral programs the applicant should complete an online application form and submits an initial research proposal. The research proposal is a significant part of the application.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements
  • An accredited master’s degree
  • Proof of English proficiency. This is provided by EITHER a degree from an English speaking university OR TOEFL (paper based test 600, computer based test 250, internet based test 100) OR IELTS 6.5.
  • An initial 2000-word research proposal outlining the research theme, aim and objectives, possible gap/s and proposed research methodology
  • A Personal Statement of 500 – 1000 words outlining applicants’ individual competences and strengths and providing their reflections regarding the expectations and value of the programme as well as to their personal advancement and career development
  • Letters of Recommendation – Two recommendation letters from individuals who have known the applicant in their educational or professional capacity
  • Good academic record
Additional entry requirements

Admission Policy Statement

The University adheres to a policy of non-discrimination in admitting students without reference to race, colour, religion, gender, age, handicap or national origin. Admission to the University is granted under different categories depending on student qualifications and educational objectives. The University admissions policy relies on the student’s past records, including high school grades.

 

Once we review your application you will be contacted by an Admissions Counsellor guiding you through the rest of the application process and, if necessary, the procedure for issuing your student visa.

English language requirements

  • Proof of English proficiency. This is provided by EITHER a degree from an English speaking university OR TOEFL (paper based test 600, computer based test 250, internet based test 100) OR IELTS 6.5.

Fees and funding

Application Fees

Full program tuition fees:

15.000 Euro 

The tuition of €15,000 shown above represents total tuition for 3 years. For each additional academic year
(maximum 3 years), the tuition is €2,000 per year.

Additional Fee information

OTHER FEES

ON-CAMPUS PROGRAMMES

ONLINE/DL PROGRAMMES

Application fee (one-off/nonrefundable payment)

55

55

Visa application (one-off/nonrefundable payment)

86

0

Registration fee (per semester)

26

0

Health & accident insurance (per year)

175

0

Student activities fee (per semester)

20

0

Technology fee – Internet use etc. (per semester)

15

0

International student guarantee (one-off / refundable payment)

400

0

Transcript fee (per copy)

5

5

Evaluation fee (transfer credits / ECTS)

52

52

Second exam fee (per course)

65

65

Graduation application fee

60

60

Total 

959

273

Provider information

Main Contact

46 Makedonitissas Avenue, CY-2417

Contact Person: UNIC

Phone: +35722778744