PhD in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance at University of Nicosia

University of Nicosia offers the PhD of Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Nicosia, Cyprus. Taught in English and completed over 3 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for human rights, society, and multi-level governance and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on October 1, 2026.

About PhD in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance

Overview The main aspects of the scientific design of the joint doctoral programme, and its added value in relation to the existing European and national courses in the concerned countries are the following:The Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance programme from University of Nicosia will produce researchers with a multi/interdisciplinary profile. The doctorate programme is assumed to organize teaching, research and training in the area of human rights studies, covering the legal, political, social, philosophical and economic approaches and methodologies in different geographical areas. Law, politics, economics and sociology are the main disciplines involved. Both theoretical dimensions and practical analyses will be given relevance in the overall approach to be embraced.The doctoral programme shall address the multi-level dimensions of human rights implementation policies. Focusing on the most innovative and critical developments, research will delve into the areas of human rights’ concern and critically assess the effectiveness, impact, and consistency of doctrines and practices.The doctoral programme will be organized around the fundamental dimensions of contemporary multi-level governance in light of the subsidiarity principle. Accordingly, the focus will be on: the global dimension (the UN and UN-family legal frameworks, institutions, policies and practices); the European regional context and its global impact as well as other regional systems; the national-level dimension with the possibility of a comparative approach; and, the local-level community actors and dynamics (cities, regions, transboundary territories). Both institutions and private actors’ roles will be addressed, such as transnational civil society, social movements, religious and cultural groups, NGOs, corporate companies.Career ProspectsΤhe programme aims to offer the highest level of scientific knowledge in the field and to prepare students for a career in tertiary education and scientific research. Students are expected to conduct state-of-the-art research that advances original and practically applicable solutions to scientific problems. Graduates of the program will be able to demonstrate aptitude in the preparation, execution and management of an independent research study, and to disseminate their findings to the wider academic community through publishing their work in academic journals and/or giving presentations in academic conferences and seminars.There is no other program with a specific focus on human rights, society and multi-level governance in Cyprus, not only at the doctoral level but at any level of tertiary education. That will make the graduates of the programme uniquely qualified and possessing a competitive edge in an emerging academic discipline and environment. In addition, the interdisciplinary nature of the subject matter and the structure of the programme will develop skills and competencies that enhance graduates’ employability prospects; not only is this combination of disciplinary approaches not offered in a similar fashion at the national level but – in fact – such programs are relatively rare both at the regional and at the international level.

The Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance programme from University of Nicosia is an existing three-year, interdisciplinary, joint academic programme managed by the University of Padova in Italy, the University of Zagreb in Croatia, Western Sydney University in Australia and Panteion University, Athens in Greece.

Disciplines

Social WorkArea & Cultural StudiesEthnic Studies

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance at University of Nicosia

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 100

Other Requirements

1Academic Qualifications: An accredited Bachelor’s degree in Law, Politics, International Relations, European Studies, Public Administration or a related field (LLB, BA, BSc or equivalent) in addition to an accredited Master’s degree in Law, Politics, International Relations, European Studies, Public Administration or a related field (LLM, MA, MSc or equivalent). Copies of degrees awarded must be submitted as part of a complete application package.Application form: Applicants must submit an application form for admission and enrolment to the programme. The application form requests general information about the applicant, their qualifications, and relevant experience.Curriculum vitae: a complete CV specifying all academic and professional background and activities.Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain two recommendation letters from individuals who have known the applicant in an educational and/or professional environment.

Fee Information

PhD in Human Rights, Society, and Multi-Level Governance at University of Nicosia

University of Nicosia

Cyprus, Nicosia