Graduate Level Certificate Program
From Warfare to Lawfare:
Legal Responses to Atrocity Crimes and Other Violations of International Law
✔ ONLINE ✔ ENGLISH-TAUGHT
- ✔ Invest in your career by learning from top Ukrainian experts with first-hand insight into
how international law is being shaped by war - ✔ Take any course that interests you, or choose three of the six courses to earn a certificate
and pave the way toward your own specialization in the field - ✔ Earn ECTS credits or audit a course of your choice without formal assessment
Can war ever be legal? How can civilians be protected during hostilities, and how can peace
be achieved afterwards? What are the core international crimes, and who can prosecute them?
How do international actors use and misuse accusations of violations of international law to
advance political aims? What does that mean for our approaches to a state and an individual
in an international system?
Despite the horrors of the Second World War, atrocities continue to occur – from Rwanda to
Syria and beyond. This certificate program places the war against Ukraine in the broader
context of other armed conflicts worldwide. It encourages participants to think globally and
systematically – approaching each case with sensitivity while reflecting on the
international order and the role of international law within it.
International law is evolving and operating in real time during the war against Ukraine. Our
lecturers bring unique expertise shaped by this experience and are ready to share it with
students.
Degree-level qualifications At a minimum, applicants should hold or expect to receive an
undergraduate degree in Law, International Relations, Political Studies or another social
science or humanities subject relevant to Public International Law. Advanced undergraduate
students can be considered for admission as an exception.
English language proficiency The Program is taught entirely in English. At a minimum,
applicants’ English language proficiency should correspond to a B2 level under the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Participants may choose to attend the courses either as auditors (without
completing assessments and without receiving a transcript of records) or to
participate fully with assessment.
Students who complete at least three courses with assessment will be
awarded a certificate in the program
“From Warfare to Lawfare: Legal Responses to Atrocity Crimes and Other Violations of
International Law.”
The certificate lists the completed courses, their ECTS credits, and final marks. ECTS
credits may be recognized by your home institution, subject to its policies.
Participants who complete fewer than three courses with assessment will receive confirmation
of participation for each individual course.
Duration: students are expected to complete the Program in the course of one academic year.
Modes of study: online.
Start date: September 2026.
The Ukrainian educational system uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System
(ECTS).
One ECTS credit equals 30 academic hours. Fees for the 2026-27 academic year:
1 ECTS credit — 85 US$ or 80 €.
We accept payments in both currencies.
The Program fees will be counted as a sum of ECTS credits.
Course fees:
Advanced International Criminal Law (4 ECTS credits) — 340 US$ or 320 €
Current Issues of International Humanitarian Law (3 ECTS credits) — 255 US$ or 240 €
Lawfare and Misuse of International Law (3 ECTS credits) — 255 US$ or 240 €
Genocide Studies (3 ECTS credits) — 255 US$ or 240 €
Transitional Justice (3 ECTS credits) — 255 US$ or 240 €
The Life and the Death of States (3 ECTS credits) — 255 US$ or 240 €
Students from Kyiv-Mohyla Academy partner institutions may enjoy tuition waiwers. Please
contact int_students@ukma.edu.ua for more
information.
Please fill out the application form by 23:59 Kyiv time on 31 May 2026. We will contact
you upon processing your application.
📧 You may send application-process and course-related enquiries to
int_students@ukma.edu.ua
— Juan, Colombia
— Cindy, Germany
— Cindy, Germany
— Tobias, Germany
Do I need a law degree to apply?
Not necessarily. While many participants have a background in law, we also welcome
applicants from international relations, political science, and other related fields with
an interest in international law.
Can I take just one course?
Yes. You may take any individual course without enrolling in the full certificate program.
What is the difference between auditing and full participation?
As an auditor, you attend classes without completing assessments and do
not receive a transcript of records.
With full participation, you
complete assessments and receive ECTS credits and grades.
How do I obtain the certificate?
To receive the certificate, you need to complete
at least three courses with assessment.
The certificate will
include ECTS credits and final marks.
Are the courses fully online?
Yes, all courses are delivered online, allowing you to participate from
anywhere in the world.
What level of English is required?
The program is taught in English. A B2 level (CEFR) or higher is
recommended.
How much time should I expect to dedicate?
One ECTS credit equals 30 academic hours, including lectures, seminars,
and self-study.
Can I combine this program with my studies or work?
Yes. The courses are designed to be compatible with
ongoing studies or professional work, though they do require regular
engagement.
Will the ECTS credits be recognized by my university?
ECTS credits may be recognized by your home institution, depending on its policies.
Are there fee waivers available?
Students from
partner universities may be eligible for tuition waivers. Please contact
us to check your eligibility.
What are the partner universities?
NaUKMA cooperates with a range of international partner universities. Students from
partner institutions may be eligible for tuition waivers or other benefits. As
partnerships may vary, please contact us at int_students@ukma.edu.ua to
check whether your university is a partner institution.
What career paths does this program support?
The program is relevant for careers in
international organizations, NGOs, legal practice, academia, journalism, and policy
analysis,
particularly in fields related to human rights and international justice.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 (Kyiv time) on 31 May 2026.
How do I apply?
You can apply via the online application form
