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Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights

Key information
University University of Hong Kong
Country Hong Kong
Learning mode Blended
Pace Full-time, Part-time
Duration 12 – 24 months
Tuition fee 42,100 and 171,000 HK$ per year
Application deadline(s) February 29, 2024
Official Website Click here

Description

The Master of Laws (LL.M) in Human Rights Programme (‘Programme’) was established in 1999 in response to the growing demand for knowledge about human rights in the Asia-Pacific region.  The Programme focuses on human rights issues of global concern, including in the Asia-Pacific region, and aims to foster an active learning environment.

The diverse range of courses enables students to 1) understand the international human rights legal framework, 2) reflect on key human rights challenges from global, regional, and domestic perspectives, and 3) apply their knowledge to advocate for real change.  The curriculum covers human rights law but draws on other disciplines such as history, politics, philosophy, and sociology to ensure the law is understood in context.  It also has a clinical option so students can apply what they learn in practice.

Teachers include renowned experts in the field from around the world including eminent scholars, judges, United Nations (UN) human rights mandate holders, and heads of non-governmental organisations.

We attract students from a broad range of backgrounds including lawyers, judges, the staff of national human rights institutions and NGOs, journalists, doctors, scholars, government officials, and many others.  This diversity has enriched the learning experience and contributed to a vibrant international alumni network.

Scholarships

Pam Baker Scholarships in Human Rights (for local applicants); and
Wong Family Scholarships (for applicants from jurisdictions outside of Hong Kong, especially within the Asian region).

Please click on the live links above to access the latest version of the online application forms.

Course Syllabus

To complete the curriculum for the degree of Master of Laws in Human Rights, a candidate shall satisfactorily complete 72 credits in the case of a full-time study in one academic year, including a capstone experience, or 36 credits in the case of a part-time study in each of the two years of study, including a capstone experience.

Candidates are required to complete two 9-credit compulsory courses, at least one capstone experience, and elective human rights courses (the list of course offerings is available at https://course.law.hku.hk/llmhr/) or no more than two courses from other LLM specialist programmes.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must comply with the General Regulations and fulfil at least one of requirements (1) to (3) below AND (if applicable) requirement (4):

(1) hold a degree of Bachelor of Laws with at least second class honours or an equivalent qualification accepted by the University for this purpose; or

(2) hold a degree in a discipline other than law with at least second class honours accepted by the University for this purpose and have at least two years of relevant experience and professional qualifications; or

(3) have obtained either the Common Professional Examination of England and Wales or the Common Professional Examination Certificate of this University, provided that in either case a second class honours degree or a qualification of equivalent standard of this University or another comparable institution accepted for this purpose has also been obtained; and if applicable:

(4) for a candidate who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the Faculty English language requirement with one of the following recognized English tests:

i. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – an overall band score of 7 or above with no subtest below 6.5; or

ii. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – 97 or above (internet-based test)

In each case, for admissions purposes, the test score report is regarded as valid for two years of the application deadline.

Subject to satisfying these entrance requirements, applications are considered for admission based on factors including the applicant’s academic record, their relevant experience, academic and other references, the quality of their personal statement, and other information as validly provided in a submission; and in view of submissions received from other applicants and taking into account any admissions quota. 

Apply here