Regional master's programmes in Africa : case studies and analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the feasibility, role and practical implications of presenting regional residential masters programmes in Africa. The paper does so by focusing on three Master’s programmes based in Africa, which attract students from across the African continent – one in human rights law, one in the law of trade and investment and one in the economics of trade and investment. All three programmes are presented by networks of excellence linking African universities, in some cases also involving outside partners. The essential features of these programmes are described, as well as some of the lessons learned from the introduction of these programmes. It is concluded that such programmes have a significant role to play in Africa, also beyond the fields of human rights and trade.