Disclosure: Human Rights Careers may be compensated by course providers.
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 28, 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 (Clinical Legal Education Programme – Refugee StreamHuman Rights in Practice; and/or Seminar in Human Rights Research), and elective human rights courses (the list of course offerings is available at https://course.law.hku.hk/llmhr/) or courses from any of the specialist programmes.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Programme, applicants shall:

(a) comply with the General Regulations and the Regulations for the Taught Postgraduate Curricula;

(b)  (i)  hold the degree of Bachelor of Laws with at least a second-class honours of this University; or a qualification of equivalent standard from this University or another comparable institution accepted for this purpose; or

(ii) hold the degree in a discipline other than law with at least second class honours of this University, or a qualification of equivalent standard from this University or another comparable institution accepted for this purpose; and have at least two years of relevant experience and/or professional qualifications; or

(iii)  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 the candidate has also obtained a degree with at least second class honours of this University, or a qualification of equivalent standard from this University, or another comparable institution accepted for this purpose; and

(c) for a candidate seeking admission based on 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 University English language requirement applicable to higher degrees as prescribed under General Regulation G2(b).

The Faculty has its specific minimum requirements concerning TOEFL and IELTS:*

TOEFL (Paper-based Test): A score of 593 or above
TOEFL (Internet-based Test): A score of 97 or above
IELTS: Band 7 or above with no subtest below 6.5

*The Faculty accepts TOEFL/IELTS score report as valid where it is obtained within two years of the application deadline.

An application for exemption from the admission requirements with justifications and relevant supporting documents, if any, may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Apply here