The University of Bergen, in partnership with Rafto and IHRB, is offering a new masters course in Business and Human Rights this autumn in Norway. The course has been developed with the Department of Comparative Politics at the University, and is suitable for anyone working or interested in the business and human rights field.

The course explores the links between human rights violations and corporate activity, and the importance of international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in strengthening state and business performance regarding these issues. The course will focus on what corporate human rights due diligence means in practice, including how companies can address key dilemmas faced when seeking to ensure respect for human rights in business operations globally.

Participants will explore emerging sector-specific and thematic issues on the human rights and business agenda, and assess the effectiveness of existing efforts of relevance in Norway and globally. The course will provide students not only with a deeper understanding of how human rights concerns relate to a range of industry sectors but also with practical guidance in developing strategies consistent with international human rights standards.

Course information

• The course counts 15 credit points and will be offered in English as part-time study
• Classes held over three weekends (8-10 Sept, 6-8 Oct, 1-3 Dec 2017).
• The fee will be NOK 16.000.
• A bachelors degree or the equivalent and a minimum of two years’ work experience is required.
• Application deadline: 20 Aug 2017.
• Course code SAMPOL610.

Course topics

• Foundational Principles
• The UN Guiding Principles
• Sectoral Approaches
• Companies and the Law
• Critical Issues

More information on the course can be found on the Rafto website.