The following article outlines 6 Master’s programmes in International Human Rights Law offered throughout continental Europe. Also consider our page on masters in human rights.
LLM in International Human Rights Law, University of Law, UK
This LLM in International Human Rights Law focuses on building a student’s in-depth knowledge of the subject and how international law protects human rights. It covers topics like the general principles of international human rights law, the connection between humanitarian and human rights law, and the challenges and future of international and domestic human rights. Full-time, the program takes 12 months. Part-time takes 21 months. Modules are assessed by a 3-hour written exam (which must be taken at one of the UK campuses or approved overseas center) or a written coursework assignment. A 15,000-word thesis is also required. To apply, students need a UK undergraduate degree (any subject) at 2:2 or above, or an equivalent qualification. Proven English proficiency is needed, as well.
L.L.M. in International Human Rights Law, University of Groningen, Netherlands
The L.L.M in International Human Rights Law at the University of Groningen seeks to equip students with a thorough understanding of the different systems overseeing the protection of human rights and how human rights are interpreted within these systems in different countries and contexts. The programme challenges students to be alert to and identify the ways in which human rights law is played out in everyday situations. It therefore takes a broad approach to specialisation, covering various aspects surrounding the topic of human rights and the legal implications of such rights. The Master’s programme is a one-year, full-time degree and students are expected to complete four compulsory courses, two additional elective courses, as well as a Master’s thesis.
Master’s in International Human Rights Law, Lund University, Sweden
In cooperation with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, the Faculty of Law at Lund University offers a Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law. This collaboration provides a unique approach to the study of this field and aims to combine a contextual awareness with a thorough training in the analytical and practical aspects of human rights law. The programme prides itself on exposing students to distinguished guest lecturers and speakers who practice in and study the field of human rights law. The programme lasts two-years and there are no tuition fees for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens. A number of scholarship opportunities are available for international students which provide funding for fees and for covering the costs of living in Sweden.
Master of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Europa University Viadrina Frankfurt, Germany
This L.L.M. programme is a 1½ year degree which provides an integrated coverage of international human rights and humanitarian law. The programme aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the protection of individuals’ human rights in the context of peacetime and during armed conflict. Concepts such as security, terrorism, armed conflict and peace-keeping are dealt with in the context of the contemporary developments of international politics. Students should expect training in both the theoretical and practical aspects of human rights law and humanitarianism and are challenged to develop the relevant research skills that critique and analyse the debates around these issues. The programme is structured around a series of core and elective courses and students are expected to undertake an internship at an organisation relevant to the course of study. There is also a final thesis which should be written on a pre-approved topic that is informed by both the practical experience gained from the internship and the theoretical knowledge obtained during the course modules.
Master’s Degree Programme in International Human Rights Law, Abo Akademi University, Finland
This two-year full-time programme prepares students for careers in international organisations, non-governmental organisations, public administration and advanced research focused on issues around international human rights law. Offered by the Institute for Human Rights at the university, the programme is designed to cover all aspects of the field through a series of specialised courses. Additionally, students are expected to submit a Master’s thesis upon completion of the degree programme. Students graduate with a Master’s degree in Social Science.
International Law and Human Rights, University of Tartu, Estonia
This two-year Master’s programme provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, regulations, subjects and practices in the field of international law and human rights. Students are thus prepared with a broad coverage of topics related to international human rights law and are encouraged to focus their interest towards a specialised subject within the field. Estonia’s unique geographical position at the point where ‘West’ meets ‘East’ provides an interesting context in which to engage with a comparative perspective on the issues of international human rights law. Students are expected to undertake a practical module during which they will gain the relevant knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the field. The other components of the course consist of a series of compulsory and elective courses as well as a Master’s thesis.
