Program Overview

Master of Advanced Studies in Children's Rights

Overview

The Master of Advanced Studies in Children's Rights (MCR) is a two-year program that offers specialized theoretical and practical knowledge of children's rights, with a particular emphasis on its international and interdisciplinary dimensions. The program aims to deepen understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and related implementation practices.

Objectives

• Acquire extended and specialized knowledge in children's rights in their theoretical and practical dimensions
• Deepen understanding of the role of international instruments on children's rights in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes
• Develop critical thinking on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

Audience

The program is designed for professionals who work with children's rights, including lawyers, psychologists, sociologists, judges, social workers, government officials, staff from non-governmental organizations, academics, and journalists.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire detailed knowledge of children's rights in the fields of law, sociology, psychology, culture, and economics, including differences in gender and culture
• Adopt a critical approach to understanding the origins, nature, limits, and implementation of children's rights from an international and interdisciplinary perspective
• Increase skills in collaborative and independent learning via the resolution of intellectually challenging tasks to improve problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Learn relevant theoretical, methodological, and analytical techniques and develop skills to identify and contribute to resolving issues and problems relating to the realization of children's rights
• Improve presentation and advocacy skills via the production of seminar presentations, discussion papers, essays, and project work dealing with particular issues in children's rights
• Develop the necessary tools to use human rights standards and mechanisms at a national and international level

Programme

The program consists of 7 week-long modules:

• Module 1: Children's Rights and Childhood Studies (Online learning)
• Module 2: International Childrens Rights Law (University of Geneva)
• Module 3: Child Protection Strategies and Policies (Online learning)
• Module 4: Childrens Rights and Migration (Online learning or University of Geneva)
• Module 5: Child Labour and Education (Online learning)
• Module 6: Childrens Rights and Criminal Justice (Online learning)
• Module 7: Childrens Rights Policy Implementation and Monitoring (Valais Campus - Sion)

Registration

Registration Deadline

31 January 2025

Fees

CHF 15'150.-

Admission Criteria

• University degree (or judged equivalent)
• At least two years of professional experience relevant to the program
• Level of proficiency in English

Application File

• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of your identity document
• Copies of your qualifications
• Letter of motivation
• Passport photo
• Knowledge of English
• Two letters of reference from people in a position to judge your professional and/or academic abilities

Curriculum

Period

February 2025 - December 2026

Credits

60 ECTS credits

Teaching Hours

224 teaching hours

Pedagogical Method

The program takes place over a two-year period and requires participants to attend seven week-long modules (three modules will be delivered online and four will be residential) combined with completion of exercises and examinations based on the required readings. Students are also expected to write a paper, complete a group project, participate in an external seminar or conference, and write a master thesis dissertation.

Partnerships / Collaboration

The program is sponsored by various organizations and offers opportunities for networking with international experts in the field of children's rights.

Testimonials

The program has received positive testimonials from past participants, who have found it to be a valuable and enriching experience that has enhanced their knowledge and skills in the field of children's rights.

Director(s)

Prof. Karl HANSON, Centre for Children's Rights Studies (CIDE), University of Geneva

Coordinator(s)

Dr Roberta RUGGIERO, University of Geneva

Steering Committee

• Prof. Karl HANSON, Centre for Childrens Rights Studies, University of Geneva
• Prof. Daniel STOECKLIN, Centre for Childrens Rights Studies, University of Geneva
• Dr Roberta RUGGIERO, Centre for Childrens Rights Studies, University of Geneva
• Elena PATRIZI, Centre for Childrens Rights Studies, University of Geneva

Scientific Committee

• Prof. Abdeljalil AKKARI, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva
• Alan KIKUCHI-WHITE, SOS Children's Villages International
• Elena PATRIZI, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Genevas Centre for Childrens Rights Studies
• Prof. Maya HERTIG RANDALL, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva
• Paola Riva GAPANY, International institute for the Rights of the Child (IDE)
• Dr. Yvan DROZ, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies IHEID

Related Programs

• CAS - Children's Rights (2025)

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

The program contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting the realization of children's rights and well-being.