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

International Human Rights Law

Can a church be attacked if a sniper hid in the tower during an armed conflict? Having the Polish nationality, being tortured in a Thai prison, what rights do you have? Can you invoke them and how?

In this programme, you will be trained in human rights at the international level, but also in international humanitarian law and other related fields of (international) law. You will learn about the different systems and how human rights are interpreted within these systems and in different countries.

Official detailed information on the programme can be found here.

This is a selective LLM track, see Faculty pages here for further details.

The LLM International Human Rights Law is a track registered under the LLM CROHO label Public International Law (60856). This is a Top Rated Programme in the Netherlands.

Facts & Figures
Degree
LLM in Public International Law
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60856
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Law
Why study this programme in Groningen?

This programme offers a broad approach to human rights. It is therefore a specialization in the broadest sense: it covers all aspects in and surrounding human rights. This will provide students with a context in which human rights function.

Programme

Students will have to participate in four compulsory courses and the compulsory seminar for this programme plus two optional compulsory courses. Like all masters, this programme is also concluded by writing a Master's thesis, worth 18 ECTS.

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)
International Human Rights 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)

Curriculum

Students will have to participate in four compulsory courses and the compulsory seminar for this programme plus two optional compulsory courses. Like all masters, this programme is also concluded by writing a Master's thesis, worth 18 ECTS.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International and European LawUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International Human Rights LawUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
European Law in a Global ContextUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Technology Law and InnovationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

LLB or equivalent

knowledge minimum

basic knowledge of public international law, on a similar level as the course Public International Law, including some elementary human rights law and elementary knowledge of European Law

grade average

On top of providing the Admissions Board with transcripts and diplomas, students should have an equivalent minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 7/10 (Dutch grading scale).

language test

For more details about language requirements please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

reference letter

For further details about letter of reference please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

(motivation-) letter

For more details about motivation letter please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

other admission requirements

Curriculum vitae. For further information please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

LLB or equivalent

knowledge minimum

basic knowledge of public international law, on a similar level as the course Public International Law, including some elementary human rights law and elementary knowledge of European Law

grade average

On top of providing the Admissions Board with transcripts and diplomas, students should have an equivalent minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 7/10 (Dutch grading scale).

language test

For more details about language requirements please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

reference letter

For further details about letter of reference please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

(motivation-) letter

For more details about motivation letter please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

other admission requirements

Curriculum vitae. For further information please check: https://bit.ly/2Ho7gkM

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

You can read more about career prospects for graduates here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/ihrl/career-prospects

Research

Research

The faculty's research is carried out under the umbrella of the Groningen School of Law, in which all departments of the faculty are participating. Wherever possible teachers will use and involve this research in the courses that are being taught.

  • 
						Testimonial of Juan Manuel Portilla Gonzalez

    LLM International Human Rights Law

    – Juan Manuel Portilla Gonzalez
    Read more

    The University of Groningen is not only symbol of solid academic formation, cultural activities and sports complement this wonderful experience. Groningen is a truly life experience both inside and outside the classrooms

    To study abroad was not a new experience for me when I decided to do my LLM programme in Groningen; but without a doubt it has been the best choice I could have made. As an international law student to study in the Netherlands offers you a wide scope of opportunities. Most of the top international tribunals have their seat here. An amazing quality programme and an impressive academic staff is offered. The University of Groningen is not only symbol of solid academic formation, cultural activities and sports complement this wonderful experience. Groningen is a truly life experience both inside and outside the classrooms. How does it sound to you to live in an International Student House with 320 people from different nationalities and cultures? The first time I heard about the University I had my doubts about why they are awarded as the most welcoming university in the Netherlands, now I fully understand. Ever since your application procedure, the staff will guide you; and do not feel silly asking questions, believe me, I had many and they helped me a lot! Currently I am applying for an internship in the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which will help to achieve my academic and professional goals. I need to say no more, you have to live the Groningen experience!

    Close
Study support

If you come across questions with regard to your programme, study progress, your way of studying, personal circumstances, etc., you can go to the International Office for guidance. All discussed in these conversations is treated confidentially.