Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) invites students of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) to participate in the Blended Intensive Course “Children’s Rights in Action”, focusing on the protection and promotion of children’s rights at international, European Union, and national levels.
The course will take place from 16 to 25 March 2026, combining an online learning phase with on-site activities at MRU in Vilnius. The course is taught in English and awards 3 ECTS credits upon successful completion.
A multidisciplinary and practice-oriented approach
The course is open to BA and MA students in law, social policy, sociology, social work, counselling, political science, and related disciplines. It offers a multidisciplinary and applied perspective on contemporary challenges affecting children’s rights.
During the online component, students will explore international and European children’s rights standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, through interactive lectures, country briefings, and guided discussions.
The on-site component at MRU focuses on applied learning, featuring expert-led lectures on children’s justice, migration, and digital rights, as well as visits to child protection authorities and NGOs. Students will work in international and interdisciplinary groups on legal case studies and policy analysis, concluding the course with final group presentations.
Topics and learning outcomes
Students will work in groups of 4–5 on topics such as:
- Children in criminal justice systems;
- Children as victims of crime;
- Migrant and refugee children;
- Child participation in policymaking;
- Protection from violence and neglect;
- Children’s rights in digital environments.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to analyse international and EU standards, assess national implementation gaps, collaborate across disciplines and cultures, and strengthen their legal research, teamwork, and public speaking skills.
Assessment and application
Assessment consists of:
- A final group presentation (50%);
- A short individual written reflection (50%).
Students interested in participating are invited to submit their application online HERE.
Detailed application instructions are available HERE.
Application deadline: 1 February 2026
Selection will be based on academic background, motivation, and interest in children’s rights. Selected participants will be informed by mid-February 2026.
Course coordinator – Prof. Dr. Violeta Vasiliauskienė
E-mail: v.vasiliauskiene@mruni.eu