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. Proficiency in English to meet the general entry requirements for higher studies in Sweden.

Degree

After completing the program, 60 ECTS, students may, on application, obtain a Filosofie Magisterexamen in accordance with the Local Qalifications Ordinance approved by the Vice Chancellor, see
http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements/?languageId=1

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

Description of the education for current education cycle

Education on advanced level should build further upon knowledge retained during basic level studies or the equivalent.
Advanced level education shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities relative to first cycle education and, in addition to what applies to first cycle education
- further develop students' ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
- develop students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable independence or for research and development.
Higher Education Act 1 cpt 9 § (Högskolelagen 1 kap 9 §)

National goals for current degree

Knowledge and understanding
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the students should be able to
- show knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both an overview of the field and deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field and insight into current research and development, and
- demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and abilities
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the students should be able to
- demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even with limited information,
- demonstrate the ability to independently identify and formulate questions to address and to plan and use appropriate methods to carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits;
- demonstrate the ability to verbally and in writing  present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different types of  groups, and
- demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work in other advanced contexts.

Ability to evaluate and approach
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the student should be able to
- demonstrate the ability within the  main field of study to make judgments with regard to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development,
- show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the human responsibility for its use, and
- demonstrate the ability to identify the personal  need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for the personal competence development.

Higher Education Ordinance, Appendix 2 - System of Qualifications (Högskoleförordningen, Bilaga 2 – examensordningen)
 

Local goals for current degree

For the Degree of Master of Science 60 ECTS 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

The program applies a three-point grading scale with the grades, Pass with distinction, Pass and Fail, unless otherwise stated in the syllabus for a particular course. Those who pass an exam may not retake the exam for a higher grade.

Transfer of Credits

Students have the right to have a previous education or work experience assessed for transfer of credits. For more information see Higher Education Ordinance as well as: http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/transfer-of-credits/?languageId=1

It is possible to appeal to the Higher Education Appeals Board upon receiving a negative decision on transfer of credits. A negative decision should also be motivated in writing.

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

Deferment of study entry may be granted if special circumstances exist. Examples of specific reasons are social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military or civil service, student union assignments or postponed leave according to law (1974:981) on work labor rights to time off for education. Application for deferment is to be submitted to Student Centrum.

A negative decision on deferment of enrollment may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Approved leave from studies

The student admitted to the program can apply for a study break. The application is submitted to the program coordinator. Study break with a guaranteed seat may be granted for the following reasons: social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military or civil-service or student union assignments.

Negative decision to resume studies after study breaks can be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Discontinuation

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.