International Humanitarian Action: Ruhr University Bochum

About the programme

The Joint European Master's in International Humanitarian Action is an inter-university, multidisciplinary postgraduate programme that provides high quality academic education and professional competencies for personnel working or intending to work in the area of humanitarian action.

First component: Intensive Programme (IP) 5 ECTS

• The first component starts with a 10-day Intensive Programme (IP) (Module 101) that takes place in September. The overall aim of the IP is to provide students with updated insight into the NOHA network, its Master's programme content and structure, its teaching methods, its joint teaching-learning and research activities, one of which is the IP itself, and into the close collaboration among the seven NOHA Universities on the one hand; and between NOHA and a range of university and non-university partners around the world on the other.

Second Component: The Building Blocks (25 ECTS)

• The core course (second component - first semester) takes place during the October-January period at the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at the Ruhr-University Bochum. It counts for 25 ECTS credits and consists of the following parts: building blocks, horizontal issues and optional components.

Third Component: Orientation Period (30 ECTS)

• Once students have successfully completed the core course at their home universities, participants choose optional courses at one of the NOHA universities for the second semester. The selection and allocation of destinations is done in accordance with the mobility policy scheme that is at the centre of the NOHA programme.

Fourth Component: Research and Internship (30 ECTS)

• The research and internship component takes place during the June-December (fourth component - third semester) period and counts for 30 ECTS credits towards the fulfilment of the requirements for obtaining the NOHA Master's degree. Taking into consideration prior experience and their future career prospects, the students agree with their supervisors on the weight given to the following elements:

Master's thesis

• NOHA-students are requested to submit a written proposal of their Master's thesis to a given supervisor by the end of May of each academic year. The supervision will take place in Bochum. The completion of a Master's thesis gives the students the opportunity to acquire deeper knowledge and a wider competence in their specific field of interest. It helps to improve the students' research and analysis skills. The topic of the Master's thesis is linked to a topic of Humanitarian Assistance.

Internship

• NOHA students carry out stages or internships in local, regional, and international organisations, associations, and foundations working in the area of humanitarian action all around the world. The IFHV gives support in finding internship places.

Optional Programme for the Third Component: Orientation Period

• NOHA students may spend the third component (summer term) at another network university. This requires an additional application. The selection and allocation of destinations is done in accordance with the mobility policy scheme that is at the centre of the NOHA programme.

As for the optional programme for the second semester, a formal application is required and there is no guarantee for acceptance.

For more information about the optional programme students should refer to their home universities.