Why MA Human Rights - And Why FAU?

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If you’re reading this, maybe you’re thinking about applying to the MA Human Rights program at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU). Maybe you’ve already begun filling out forms, or maybe you're just quietly wondering, “Is this the right place for me?” I’ve been there too.

Now that I’ve completed my first semester and am midway through my second, I want to offer a little window into what this journey has felt like, not from a brochure, but from experience. From someone who’s sat in the classrooms, stayed up late writing reflection papers, walked through Erlangen with questions and inspiration in her heart.

For me, MA Human Rights and FAU are inseparable. I’ve come to know one through the other. Both have become a part of my identity, a deeply cherished one, I must say.

If you asked me for one strong reason to choose this program, I’d say: the professors. The people who will guide you through the next three semesters (two technically), are the very heart of the experience.

So, what about the professors? Let me explain.

The program is beautifully designed. In your first semester, you’ll take:

  • Human Rights Law

  • Human Rights Philosophy

  • Human Rights Politics

  • Leading Cases in Human Rights

  • Actors in Human Rights Politics

  • Research Methods


At first glance, it might seem like a mix of very different worlds - law, politics, philosophy; and you might wonder how they all connect. 

But that’s the magic. You won’t even notice when it happens, but somehow, by the end of your semester, these professors will have gently woven these threads into a strong, shared foundation. The kind that stays with you.

In Human Rights Law, with Dr. Markus Krajewski, you’ll explore foundational instruments like the UDHR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Alongside him, Prof. Eva Pils will open up concepts like sovereignty, self-determination, positivism, and utilitarianism - ideas that you’ve likely heard before, but not like this. With her, you’ll revisit the meaning of categories like civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights in ways that really challenge how you see the world.

By the time you step into Prof. Katrin Kinzelbach’s Human Rights Politics class, you’ll be ready to explore how the UDHR came into being, why it’s called “universal” and not “international,” and how global political forces shaped the very idea of rights. 

Meanwhile, in HR Law class Prof. Grażyna Baranowska, (who is also a member of the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances) will walk you through global institutions and instruments of protection. And Prof. Katrin in HR Politics class will complement that by uncovering the politics behind those institutions the roles of civil society, the influence of NGOs, and the dynamics of power.

Then comes Human Rights Philosophy, taught by Prof. Heiner Bielefeldt and Prof. Eva Pils. We unpacked the moral foundations of human rights, and were asked hard questions,“Human Rights for All” or “Human Rights of All”, and explored the thinking behind dignity, justice, and universalism. 

     Note: Prof. Heiner’s class will be more discussive, he along with Prof. Eva, would love to listen from you as well. This class was a turning point for me, a bit challenging at the beginning. I would have ideas, but barely could talk. Well, no more! That changed in this very class. 


If you’re a law graduate, you might fall in love with Human Rights Cases, taught by Dr. Hyun Jung Lee (Grace), along with Prof. Laura Clérico and Natalia Bórquez, M.A. These classes walk you through some of the most critical human rights cases, from enforced disappearances to the rights of Indigenous peoples. Many of them align with what you study in the Law course, so the theory and practice come together beautifully. You’ll also get to learn about institutions like the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court, and how regional bodies operate in reality. 

There’s more. You’ll also study:

  • Human Rights Research Methods: This course is where with Dr. Janina Heaphy, Dr. Tainá Garcia Maia you learn how to do human rights research, not just in theory but in practice. You’ll explore different methodologies. It gives you the tools and confidence to carry out your own academic research. If you're someone like me who needed a bit of structure to get started, this course really helps make research feel less intimidating and more exciting. 

  • Actors in Human Rights Politics: In this course, you’ll explore the real-world players who shape human rights on the ground, from states and international organizations to NGOs, activists, and grassroots movements. 

Honestly, I’ve only shared a small piece of what this program offers. But i hope through this you can see the connection i was talking about. 

This MA is different. It’s thoughtful. Structured. Deeply intentional. 

And the professors, you'll be amazed how beautifully, they don’t pull you in different directions. Rather they walk with you to the heart of what human rights are all about.  

If there’s one thing I’d want you to take away from this, it’s that this program is more than a degree. It’s a conversation, with your professors, your peers, and the world.  

And it’s one I’m grateful to be part of. 


Until next time .... ✨



















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