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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes International Human Rights Law
Header image International Human Rights Law
Master - full-time

International Human Rights Law

Are you interested in how human rights are protected and applied across different legal systems? Do you want to understand how international law addresses human rights violations and provides access to justice? Then the International Human Rights Law master's programme is the right choice.

Human rights are universal, yet they are not recognized everywhere and are not interpreted in the same way across all countries. In some cases, this means that victims and their lawyers must decide which forum to use or which human rights legal system to navigate in order to seek justice.

In this one-year LLM programme, you will be trained in international human rights law, as well as international humanitarian law and other related fields.

✓ Develop in-depth knowledge of international human rights law
✓ Gain insight into international humanitarian law and related legal fields
✓ Understand how different legal systems protect and interpret human rights
✓ Learn how legal frameworks are used to seek justice in cross-border contexts

Please visit Faculty of Law webpages for full information on the programme here.

This is a selective LLM. Please see Faculty of Law webpages for admission and selection requirements and application instructions.

Facts & Figures
Degree
LLM in Public International Law
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 EC)
Croho code
60856
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Law
Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

✓ Broad human rights perspective: explore human rights law in an international context, covering its development, interpretation and application across legal systems.

✓ Interdisciplinary approach: study human rights alongside international humanitarian law and related legal fields.

✓ Global legal focus: understand how different jurisdictions and legal forums interact in the protection of human rights.

✓ Strong academic foundation: benefit from research-led teaching in international law and human rights.

✓ Career-oriented training: prepare for roles in international organizations, NGOs, government and legal practice.
Please visit the webpages of our LLM programmes for full information on the programme .

Programme

The programme does a deep-dive into different areas of human rights: from health law to international crimes and gross human rights violations, international human rights law, institutional law and the option to choose between other areas of human rights law.

You can find the entire schedule of courses and the build-up of the programme on this page , including the description of all courses taught in the LLM International Human Rights Law.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
International Human Rights Law (6 EC)
International Institutional Law (6 EC)
Seminar Human Rights (6 EC)
International Crimes and Gross Human Rights Violations (6 EC)
International Health Law (6 EC)
International Humanitarian Law (6 EC, optional)
Refugee and Asylum Law (6 EC, optional)
Law in Practice (6 EC)
Master's thesis (12 EC)
European Human Rights Law (6 EC, optional)
International Criminal Tribunals and Courts (6 EC, optional)

Study load

40 hours of class and self-study per week on average

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

All master students can go for a semester abroad, albeit extracurricularly.

You can extend your programme by one semester and join one of our partners abroad . For more information, please check this page .

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/

knowledge minimum

Basic knowledge of public international law and elementary knowledge of human rights law
language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/admission-requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Lawall

Via a pre-master

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

If you have completed a Law degree at a University of Applied Science, this LLM is available to you after having completed a pre-LLM. You can find more information on this page: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

Rechtsgeleerdheidall

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

You will have to go through the admission and selection procedure and meet the requirements. You can find more information on these criteria and how to apply on this page: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • additional subject
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

You might be allowed direct admission into this LLM if you have taken a special track within the UCG. For more information, please check https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

International and European LawUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

Make sure to apply in Studielink in time and then contact LLM rug.nl to confirm your application. You can find more information on https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants.
International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

Registration procedure

In addition to meeting the admission and selection requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents to complete their application.

Selection procedure

This is a selective LLM. Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Please check the admission and selection requirements for this LLM before applying. This will allow you to have all necessary documentation available when applying and uploading your documents.


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/

knowledge minimum

Basic knowledge of public international law and elementary knowledge of human rights law
language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/admission-requirements

Registration procedure

In addition to meeting the admission and selection requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents to complete their application.

Selection procedure

This is a selective LLM. Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Please check the admission and selection requirements for this LLM before applying. This will allow you to have all necessary documentation available when applying and uploading your documents.


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2694full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 22200full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Job prospects

Graduates of the LLM in International Human Rights Law are well prepared for careers in international law, policy and advocacy. The programme equips you with specialised knowledge of human rights protection mechanisms at international level.

You will be able to work on legal and policy issues involving human rights protection, international humanitarian law and access to justice in cross-border contexts.

The Faculty conducts an alumni survey regularly in which we check where the alumni of our programmes are currently working. If you are interested in the results, please check this page . It also gives you some information about the general job prospects of this LLM programme.

Job examples

  • Human rights lawyer
  • Legal advisor at international organizations
  • NGO legal officer
  • Policy advisor on human rights
  • International litigation support lawyer
  • Researcher or lecturer
  • Government legal advisor
  • Humanitarian law specialist
  • Compliance or monitoring officer (human rights)
  • PhD candidate

Research

Research

The Faculty of Law conducts research in very many fields of law.

Almost all teaching staff have an appointment to both teach and do research. The Faculty's research is organised into several research programmes. In addition to this, the Faculty houses several Centres of Expertise.

All Faculty researchers are linked to or more of these programmes and/or centres and as a result, students will always hear the latest information with regard to academic research done in the area of their LLM.


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Testimonial of Cristina Bucur
Looking back, I realise that my journey towards studying in the LLM International Human Rights Law at the University of Groningen began in a rather common way: I was at an education fair and attended a presentation about the university.
– Cristina Bucur

Since I did not have any prior international experience, I became curious about how it would be to study in the Netherlands. Little did I know that I was at the beginning of a life changing experience.


Keeping in mind the legal tradition of the Netherlands, it came natural to consider a Dutch university as being the perfect place to deepen my knowledge in international law. Furthermore, having a background in policing in Romania, my country of origin, made me pursue a human rights oriented programme. But probably the most attractive aspect about studying in Groningen was the opportunity to benefit from the University of Groningen Talent Grant that allowed me to exclusively focus on my education and further professional development.

One of the best aspects about studying International Human Rights Law in Groningen was the quality of the people I met there. Starting from the extremely well prepared and open minded lecturers and ending with sympathetic and friendly administrative staff, they all contributed in a dynamic and innovative manner to the development of all of us students. Even more, having peer colleagues from literally all over the world provided endless and fruitful discussions about different law systems, policies, and cultures; this proved to be of a priceless importance in understanding the global dimension and interdisciplinarity of the human rights phenomenon.

In addition to this, the programme itself was really demanding and offered a multifaceted perspective upon human rights. I have developed my research skills and managed to realise that in order to become a professional in this area, not only do I need to widen my legal knowledge but also to further study in other domains such as sociology, history, and politics.

At the end of my “Groningen experience” I realised I wouldn't have enjoyed to study in a bigger city. Groningen is indeed a small town, but a huge campus; you can never feel lonely or different, as there are so many other students having the same interests and the same social needs. Vibrant but picturesque, modern yet charmingly old fashioned, Groningen represents the perfect setting for a complete student life.

Looking back, I honestly believe that studying in Groningen meant the world to me from both personal and professional perspectives. Firstly, I became a better person because I came to know so many different people and cultures that helped me truly take to heart all human rights law related principles. Secondly, having a taste of what doing high level legal research means made me decide to further develop my academic career, by pursuing a PhD programme in the near future. Finally, attending this LLM programme motivated me to improve my international human rights law knowledge. As I work for the Romanian government in a human rights oriented position, this improvement is of paramount importance; I aim to become better and better in my field of expertise and to perpetuate the knowledge and positive energy I have received from the University of Groningen.

Interested in reading more testimonials? Please check this page .

Study associations

Nexus

Nexus Student Association Groningen is the student association (studievereniging) for the LLB programme in International and European Law and related master programmes.
These programmes mainly consist of international students and, therefore, Nexus is very internationally orientated. Besides organizing activities to integrate internationals into Dutch culture, such as a political debate with local parties in English, Nexus also aims to provide members with the chance to obtain a social network, participate in the organization of guest lectures or informal activities, attend debating trainings, trips and workshops, all in a multicultural environment.
https://www.nexusstudentassociation.com/

European Law Student's Association Groningen

ELSA Groningen is a Netherlands-based local group of the world's largest law student association. Serving more than 300 Dutch and international members, we help law students better integrate into our faculty and professionally develop into future lawyers or integrate into different legal pathways.
https://www.elsagroningen.org

DSLA

Decentralized Student Association (DSLA) is an association focused on curating and fostering the education and futures of students interested in Technology Law.
DSLA aims to connect law, computing science, and artificial intelligence students, therefore giving DSLA a cross-faculty element. DSLA is an internationally friendly association, and has a number of exciting tech-based events all year round including day excursions around the Netherlands, international trips, moot courts, pub quizzes, debates, monthly socials for our members, and more.
https://www.dslagroningen.org/
Student profile

We are looking for students with a law background, who are motivated to engage critically with international human rights law. Our students are typically:

  • interested in what is going on in the world, keep track of current events
  • socially committed
  • willing to actively participate
  • independent
  • self-reliant
  • take initiative
  • curious
  • able to express their opinion(s)
  • able and willing to work together with others
Study support

To support you while studying, the Faculty ensures that the schedule is feasible, that mentors, lecturers, and the study advisers provide active study supervision, that exams are marked quickly and that lecturers and the study advisers are readily contactable.

The Faculty will offer a (compulsory) introduction session with all new students of the Faculty's English-taught programmes and induction sessions for you and your programme members. These are led by the study advisers.

The study advisers are available for all matters that might occur and will hinder your studying. These can be personal issues, unexpected circumstances, but also when you need some help in planning or time management. The study advisers will contact you every once in a while, but you are also more than welcome to join them during their office hours or to ask your question through email. If it looks like you will incur study delay, please contact the study adviser yourself. The study adviser can help you with your planning, and also advise you confidentially about study problems and/or personal problems.

If you are interested in making your social network at the start of your programme a bit bigger, the Faculty has a programme set up for this as well: the Buddy Network Law .

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