Master's Programme in Constitutional Law and Human Rights, 60 Credits

Entry Requirements

Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor´s Degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) whereof at least 120 ECTS in Law including an independent written thesis equivalent of at least 15 ECTS. Proficiency in English to meet the general entry requirements for higher studies in Sweden.

Degree

After completing the program, 60 credits, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Magisterexamen in accordance with the Local Qalifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see Umeå Universitys webbsite.

Filosofie Magisterexamen translates in English to Degree of Master of Science 60 credits. The degree is awarded in Law. Specialisation: Constitutional Law and Human Rights.

Description of the education for current education cycle

This education is offered on second cycle level. The targets for second-cycle courses and study
programmes can be found in Chapter 1, Section 9 of the Higher Education Act.

National goals for current degree

The national targets for the degree can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance, Appendix 2.

Local goals for current degree

For the Degree of Master of Science 60 credits the student should after the completion of the program be able to;
-   Demonstrate an ability to independently identify, analyse and solve complex problems connected to constitutional law and human rights.

Examination format

The examination on the course aims to evaluate if the expected goals in the syllabus for the respective courses have been fulfilled. Examination on the courses is usually done through written individual exams and other individual written assignments, but other forms of examination may be used. For more information see the syllabi for the respective course.

Grades

Each course syllabus states what grades are to be used in each course.

Transfer of Credits

Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course in the study programme, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the education that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.

General

The master's programme is an educational programme on an advanced level and corresponds to one year of full time study (60 ECTS credits) divided into four separate courses of 15 ECTS credits each. The programme addresses how international and regional legal rules, values and principles affect the form and practice of constitutional regimes. Within the programme comparative studies of national laws are also included. Parts of the teaching may be given through information and communication technology. This may imply specific requirements in terms of technological equipment and competences. The programme is in English and all teaching as well as the readings are in English.
Student following the programme is guaranteed admittance to the mandatory courses within the programme. A precondition for admittance to a course is however that the course entry requirements for the respective course are met. Elective courses are not a part of the programme.

Mandatory courses and programme overview
The following courses are a part of the programme (all courses are on advanced level).

Semester 1
1.     Rule of law, constitutionalism and fundamental principles, 15 credits
2.     Human rights law, 15 credits
Semester 2
3.     Balance of power and constitutional enforcement, 15 credits
4.     Independent written essay within the field of constitutional law and human rights, 15 credits.

Deferment of studies

Information about deferment of studies can be found on Umeå University's web site.

Approved leave from studies

Information about leave from studies can be found on Umeå University's web site.

Discontinuation

Information about non-completion can be found on Umeå University's web site. Students who interrupt their education shall notify their dropout to the Program Coordinator.

Other

Access to courses in the program is governed by the course syllabus.

Outline

Semester 1

Rule of law, constitutionalism and fundamental principles, 15 credits
Mandatory

Human rights law, 15 credits
Mandatory

Semester 2

Balance of power and constitutional enforcement, 15 credits
Mandatory

Independent written essay within the field of constitutional law and human rights, 15 credits.
Mandatory