Crimes Against Humanity and Human Rights – Master’s with Thesis
The Crimes Against Humanity and Human Rights (English-taught) Master’s with Thesis program at Istanbul University offers advanced graduate-level education focused on international human rights, humanitarian law, crimes against humanity, transitional justice, human rights policy, and related legal/social issues. The program is designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of human rights frameworks, international legislation, historical and contemporary cases, and societal implications of rights violations. Through theoretical courses, seminars, and a thesis research project, students develop critical analytical skills, legal and ethical understanding, and research competence to address human rights challenges and contribute to justice and advocacy work globally.
Situated in Istanbul — a city historically bridging continents, cultures and civilizations — the program provides a rich and diverse academic environment to study human rights, social justice, international law and humanitarian issues. With instruction in English, it supports an international perspective and prepares graduates for legal, academic, advocacy, policy-making, or NGO-oriented careers focused on human rights protection, justice, and social change.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Master of Arts / Master of Social Sciences (M.A. / M.Sc.) in Crimes Against Humanity & Human Rights
- Standard period of study: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Graduate (full-time, English-taught)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: Human Rights, International Law, Crimes Against Humanity, Transitional Justice, Human Rights Policy, Social & Legal Studies
- Admission modus: Graduate admission process
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Human Rights & International Law
- Introduction to Human Rights Theory & Philosophy
- International Human Rights Law & Conventions
- Crimes Against Humanity & Genocide Studies – Historical and Legal Perspectives
- Research Methods & Social Sciences / Legal Research Fundamentals
- Elective or Supporting Course
Semester 2 – Advanced Studies in Crimes, Justice & Human Rights Mechanisms
- Transitional Justice & Post-Conflict Societies
- International Criminal Law & War Crimes
- Human Rights Protection Mechanisms & Institutions
- Ethics, Society, and Human Rights / Social Justice & Policy Analysis
- Elective or Specialization Course
Semester 3 – Specialization & Thesis Proposal Preparation
- Seminar on Contemporary Issues: Human Rights, Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity
- Research Proposal Development / Literature Review / Methodology Design
- Electives (e.g. migration and human rights, minority rights, refugee studies, international humanitarian aid law)
- Thesis Project Planning
Semester 4 – Thesis Research & Graduation
- Thesis Research: empirical, theoretical or legal-policy oriented work
- Data Collection or Case Studies / Archival or Legal Analysis
- Thesis Writing, Defense / Presentation
- Optional Elective or Supplementary Course
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in international or national human rights organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental and intergovernmental agencies, justice and legal institutions, humanitarian aid organizations, advocacy and policy-making bodies, academia, research institutes, or international institutions dealing with human rights and international law.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Crimes Against Humanity and Human Rights Master’s program at Istanbul University provides a specialized, research-oriented education addressing some of the most critical global issues of justice, rights, and humanitarian protection. The program’s integration of law, social sciences, history and ethics enables graduates to understand, analyze and respond to human rights violations, systemic injustices, and global humanitarian challenges.
With English instruction and Istanbul’s unique cultural, historical and geographical context, students gain a global and contextual understanding of human rights issues — preparing them for international or domestic careers in advocacy, justice, policy-making, research, or humanitarian work. This program is ideal for those committed to human rights, social change, and contributing to justice and global humanitarian efforts.
Contact Information
Istanbul University – Department / Graduate Program Office for Crimes Against Humanity & Human Rights
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: humanrights@istanbul.edu.tr
Graduate Student Affairs Office – Social Sciences / Law Faculty
Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: graduateoffice@socialsciences.istanbul.edu.tr
International Office – Istanbul University
Beyazıt Campus, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: international@istanbul.edu.tr
