Human rights

Human Rights in the Digital Society

Dive into the cutting-edge realm where human rights and the digital world collide with Tallinn University's MA program in Human Rights in the Digital Society! Created to tackle the latest challenges emerging in the era of rapid digitalization, this program is your ticket to understanding and shaping the future of law and society. Ready to decode the complexities of digital rights? Let's pioneer the path to a fair and just digital society!

Study level Master's Studies

Duration of study 2 years

Language English

Study form Cyclical studies

Cost per semester 2300

The programme provides a unique opportunity to engage with questions like what are the limits of the freedom of speech online or what is sovereignty over the digital environment? Or how to balance human rights in the online environment? This programme will provide students with the skill-set necessary to analyse the effects of digitalisation on human rights and law in general. The courses have a balance between theory and practical problems and assignments. The students will be encouraged to take a critical perspective, research topical issues that they feel passionate about and highlight flaws in the current system.

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Who are we looking for?

The MA programme in Human Rights in the Digital Society is ideal for students who have a passion for human rights and a desire to make an impact in either the public or private sphere. But it is also tailored for those who have a keen interest in how the internet has changed the way societies functions and in the problems that arise when you try to apply traditional legal rules to the online world. The programme has been developed to allow you to focus on one of these main issues (human rights and digitalisation), while also gaining an understanding of the other. You do not need any detailed knowledge of law or digitalisation to study on this programme, just enthusiasm and motivation to develop the necessary skills and knowledge during your studies.

Why study with us?
  • Good quality and varied studies that will provide a deep understanding of different aspects of human rights in the digital era.
  • The lecturers have international networks that make it possible to arrange exciting international events that students can participate in.
  • After graduating you will have a broad range of international and domestic career paths to choose from – e.g. international organisations, courts, NGOs, media companies.
  • The research focus of the programme guarantees that you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for doctoral studies.
  • Unique opportunity to explore the impact of digitalisation on society in general and human rights in particular.
  • Opportunity to spend a semester or a full academic year via exchange programmes like Erasmus+ in one of our partner universities in Italy, Cyprus, Portugal, Malta, Turkey, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, South Korea, etc.

Course Outline

The programme is in cycle study form, which means that lectures and seminars mostly take place during weekdays evenings (starting 16:15) and the nominal time to complete the programme is four semesters. The programme is composed of compulsory law courses (54 ECTS), elective law courses (24/36 ECTS), open elective courses (6 ECTS), the master’s thesis (24 ECTS) and a mandatory internship (6 ECTS). The aim of the internship is to give students an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom by working under the direction of a practicing legal professional. The students also participate in an interdisciplinary project (6 ECTS), which provides another opportunity to practice the skills they have developed. The courses include a mix of subjects that deal with human rights and digitalisation and also provide an opportunity to develop research skills throughout the four semesters.

Study programme

Academic Staff

Our faculty is international, with members from Estonia, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium and Australia. Further, among our faculty are past and current lawmakers (members of parliament), judges, lawyers, and well known legal scholars, which combines to make a well balanced legal education from the theoretical and practical viewpoints.


Massimo La Torre is the Professor of European Law at Tallinn University, and he is also a Professor at the Department of Law of the Università di Catanzaro (Italy) and at the Law School of the University of Hull (United Kingdom). He held numerous visiting professorial fellowships at European and American universities, and he was fellow of the Alliance Française, the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, the British Council and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Professor La Torrie is a prolific writer on legal philosophy, political philosophy and questions of subjective rights, sovereignty, freedom, the rule of law and democracy.


Mart Susi is the Professor of Human Rights at Tallinn University and the Head of the Law study area. Professor Susi is active in publishing articles and commentaries on human rights, with special focus on new human rights.


 

 

Lehte Roots, PhD, Visiting Professor of International Law. She obtained her PHD from from European University Institute, Florence, Italy. She also has a Master degree in Public Management from Potsdam University, Germany and Master in Research degree from European University Institute, Florence, Italy. Prof. Roots is Member of the Scientific Committee of two journals and Member of the editorial of one journal. She has widely published in international journals and edited volumes published for example by Springer Verlag. Prof. Roots has lectured in Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, Tartu University and Tallinn University of Technology and also outside of Estonia in University of Miami, USA, Vietnam, Moldova, Cambodia etc. She has very good competence in leading international projects and more than 11 years of experience of leading a non-governmental organization. She is involved as an expert for European Commission and European Parliament research and assessment activities.


Samuli Miettinen is associate professor of transnational law at Tallinn University and holds the title of docent (adjunct professor/hablitation) in European law at the universities of Helsinki and Lapland He has taught a wide range of international and EU law subjects at European universities and is currently working on issues in EU public and criminal law. Miettinen is the author of The Political Constitution of EU Criminal Law (Hart, forthcoming 2017), The Europeanization of Criminal Law (Helsinki, 2015), Criminal Law and Policy in the European Union (Routledge, 2012) and The Sporting Exception in European Union Law (Asser/Cambridge, 2008, with Richard Parrish), some 40 longer articles or book chapters, and is co-editor of Data Protection, Privacy and European Regulation in the Digital Age (Forum Iuris, 2016, with Tobias Bräutigam). Miettinen was FIDE national rapporteur for Finland in 2016 (Competence) and 2014 (Citizenship), and is also contact point for Finland in the European Criminal Law Academic Network.


Igor Gräzin is Lecturer of Law at Tallinn University and a member of the Estonian Parliament. He taught law in the United States at the University of Notre Dame and was a research fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington D.C. He has written academic papers on the philosophy of law, theory of legal interpretation, and macroeconomics.


Tiina Pajuste, PhD, is Professor of International Law and Security Studies at Tallinn University. Prof. Pajuste received her PhD from the University of Cambridge on “Accountability Mechanisms for International Organisations”. She has previously worked at the University of Helsinki and University of Cambridge. Her research interests focus mainly on the activity and impact of international organisations, examining both practical and theoretical issues. Additional research tracks include inclusion in peace processes and beyond and human rights issues in the digital context.


 

Admission Requirements

General requirements

Entrance exams

  • The entrance exam consists of a written assignment and an interview. The maximum number of points is 100 (50% written assignment, 50% interview).
  • Applicants receiving at least 35 points for the written assignment are allowed to the interview.
  • Minimum programme enrollment threshold: 70 points out of 100.

Written assignment

Motivation letter (850-1000 words) that gives insight into the reasons for applying and answers to the questions concerning the motivation and desire to study at the programme. The motivation letter must also include answers to the following questions:

  • The choice of the study programme: Why Tallinn University? Why this specific programme? What interests you about human rights? 
    What kinds of courses and fields are you most interested in and why?
  • Previous experience and studies: What have you done before applying here? Where and what have you studied? What kind of previous work or volunteer experience do you have?

  • Your plans after MA studies: What do you plan to do after completing your MA? How will this degree help with your career and future studies? Discuss your plans in as much detail as possible.

  • Knowledge of the field: What area of human rights interests you the most and why? What are the biggest global issues in the field of human rights today?

  • Describe yourself as a student and your fiscal resources: What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you plan to finance your studies?

NB! Plagiarised motivation letters, in any form, including the use of AI (ChatGPT or any other similar app), are not accepted and will receive 0 points.

Admission interview

The interview will be carried out via Zoom and for the purposes of identity verification, the admission committee has the right to record the interview. The applicant must show an identification document (passport or ID card) at the beginning of the interview.

The interview is conducted based on the candidate’s application and letter of motivation. There are no additional materials that need to be studied to prepare for the interview. The interview questions vary depending on the candidate and the interviewer. The purpose of the interview is to find out the candidate's motivation and willingness to study, knowledge of the chosen programme and the field of study.

Assessment of the candidates

In the motivation letter, the assessment entails:
  • the candidate`s capacity to explain the choice of the programme and university;
  • motivation and interest in human rights and respective courses;
  • previous work and study experience, as well as voluntary activities;
  • in addition, the assessment considers language proficiency and writing skills.
At the interview, the assessment entails:
  • the candidate`s interest in the programme and motivation to study in the field by applying common study methods in social sciences;
  • capacity to contextualise previous work, study and voluntary activity experience in the frames of the chosen programme;
  • in addition, the assessment also considers the general background and field-related knowledge, language proficiency and the ability to engage in analytical discussions.

 

Required Documents

The following documents MUST BE SUBMITTED with the APPLICATION via the online application system before the APPLICATION DEADLINE*:

  • Copy of earned Bachelor’s Diploma (an official translation is requested if the document is not in English);
  • Transcript of Records/Academic Transcript (an official translation is requested if the document is not in English);
  • Proof of English language Proficiency;
  • Copy of the identification page of the passport;
  • Specific documents required for the programme you are applying to;
  • A copy of a Sworn Affidavit to Confirmation of Name if the applicant's name stated in his/her passport differs from the name on any of the other required documents.

NB!  Applicants applying for adjustments to be made during the admission exams due to his/her physical or psycho-social special need must submit a copy of medical proof of this special need to the Counsellor for Students with special needs - Kai Rannastu (kai.rannastu@tlu.ee).

Application Procedure

EU/EEA applicants 

Application procedure for the citizens of the member countries of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) can be found here.

Non-EU/EEA applicants

Application procedure for the international applicants from Non-EU/EEA countries can be found here.

Estonian citizens and holders of a long-term residence permit

Application procedure for Estonian citizens or for holders of an Estonian long-term residence permit can be found in Estonian here and in English here.

Post-Graduate Destinations

The study programme develops knowledge and skills that open up different career paths in the modern legal world. Different opportunities will be available to you in both the public and private sectors.

Public sector:

  • Jobs in international organisations like the UN, European Council and the EU – all these institutions have an increasing need for specialists in human rights and digitalisation.
  • Jobs in international courts – both the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice need more experts that can advise judges on topical human rights issues.
  • Domestic public sector – public management institutions of EU and ohter states have to modernise their understanding of international law and human rights, in light of new developments, so there is a demand for experts with the necessary knowledge who can engage with these new challenges.
  • Academia – since the study programme has a research focus, it will prepare you for advanced studies in doctoral programmes around the world.

Private sector:

  • Media companies – both globaal and regionaal media companies face obligations of ensuring human rights in their daily activities. Teams are being formed, which are tasked to develop and implement internal rules in this area.
  • Legal consultancy companies – more and more disputes arise regarding relationships and violations in the digital space.
  • NGOs – both large International NGOs like Human Rights Watch and NGOs with local importance have to take into account of the globaal developments in International law and human rights.

Why School of Governance, Law and Society?

  • The lecturers have international networks that make it possible to arrange exciting international events that students can participate in.
  • Our alumni have been very successful in finding jobs. Our alumni include members of parliament, judges, prosecutors, notaries, attorneys, public officials etc.
  • SOGOLAS and the law study area are at the forefront of implementing a broad range of innovative study methods, which make your studies varied and exciting. You will develop different transferrable skills like conducting research, critical analysis, synthesis of complex ideas and presentation skills.
  • Modern study environment – SOGOLAS is located in the new science building of Tallinn University – Astra – that has great conditions for study and leisure. There is a library with a study room that is open 24h, a student cafe and a cosy atrium. E-study opportunities are widely used as courses incorporate online materials, video lectures, tests, etc.
  • Students have an excellent opportunity to use the Erasmus programme possibilities and receive the Erasmus scholarship. The Erasmus programme includes different mobility options in Europe as well as outside of Europe such as long-term and short-term exchange studies and traineeship. For exchange studies, we have a large selection of partner universities and the credits can be easily transferred. 
Extracurricular Activities

Tallinn University has many opportunities for students to have an active social life, such as choir singing, gym practice, and the chance to become involved in numerous student organizations and social clubs. SOGOLAS’s students have a student representation organisation, Civitas that takes care of students’ educational and social needs. And further, Law students have two organizations that support the academic and professional side of law studies and balance that out with recreational and social activities; the International Law Guild for students in Tallinn, and Primus Collegium for students in Helsinki. Both organizations arrange visits to law firms and legal institutions, host social gatherings and speaker events, and trips abroad. Furthermore, SOGOLAS organizes conferences and special events every year, open to students and researchers, as well as many public lecturers. 

Environment

Tallinn University has a modern urban campus located in the center of the city. The airport, train and bus stations are just a few minutes away by public transport. The beautiful view of the harbour is a constant reminder that students studying at Tallinn University are in the center of a major European hub. Our students have access to physical and online libraries, computer labs, cafeterias and cafes. Further, the university has all the facilities necessary for a productive learning environment and ample opportunities for leisure, sports, and social activities, all leading to an exciting and well-balanced student life. Take a walk around our campus via the virtual tour!

Our law programme is taught entirely in the English language by competent legal professionals and legal scholars. Our student body is international, with students from many countries in Europe, as well as students from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Day-to-day student life is always international at Tallinn University, as our program is closely connected with other English language programmes and among your classmates, you will frequently find Erasmus students who have come to visit.

Resources

There is major human rights project that the law study area is coordinating and that organises exciting events that our students can participate in:

The project “HURMUR: Human rights – mutually raising excellence” is a European Commission Project funded under the first TWINNING call of Horizon 2020 (Project No. 692143). The project will decisively expand the world-class research area of human rights in Europe. Tallinn University Law School will develop research excellence of human rights and become involved in global research and regional dissemination networks through specific activities of an outstanding consortium, where two other partners are premier global academic institutions in the field of human rights – the Danish Institute for Human Rights and Walther Schücking Institute of International Law (Kiel University, Germany).
www.hur-mur.eu 

Tallinn University has many opportunities for students to have an active social life, such as choir singing, gym practice, and the chance to become involved in numerous student organizations and social clubs. SOGOLAS’s students have a student representation organisation, Civitas that takes care of students’ educational and social needs. And further, Law students have two organizations that support the academic and professional side of law studies and balance that out with recreational and social activities; the International Law Guild for students in Tallinn, and Primus Collegium for students in Helsinki. Both organizations arrange visits to law firms and legal institutions, host social gatherings and speaker events, and trips abroad. Furthermore, SOGOLAS organizes conferences and special events every year, open to students and researchers, as well as many public lecturers. 

Contact Us

  • Specific questions regarding the programme should be directed to the School of Governance, Law and Society: 

E-mailyti@tlu.ee

 

  • For additional guidelines regarding the application procedure please contact the International Admission Office:

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