Program Overview

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Program Overview

The LL.M. in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is a one-year, full-time program that provides an in-depth understanding of international humanitarian law, human rights law, refugee law, and international criminal law. The program is designed for law graduates who wish to deepen their expertise in these areas and is taught by leading academics and practitioners.

Objectives

• Trains legal experts in analyzing and applying the diverse mechanisms of justice designed to address international crimes and serious human rights violations.
• Places primary focus on strengthening knowledge and preparing students for future professional activities.

Audience

The program is designed for law graduates who wish to deepen their expertise in international humanitarian law and human rights. It explores the interplay between international humanitarian law, human rights law, refugee law, and international criminal law, within the broader framework of public international law.

Program Structure

Period

The program runs from September 2026 to October 2027.

Format

The program is taught on-site.

Language

The program is taught in English.

Credits

The program consists of 60 ECTS credits and is a full-time program.

Location

The program is located in Geneva.

Registration Deadline

The registration deadline is 16 February 2026. The application portal closes for priority regular and scholarship applications on 16 January 2026.

Fees

The tuition fee for the program is CHF 18,000.

Admission Criteria

Candidates should have:

• A full degree in law or an equivalent degree.
• A strong academic record.
• An interest in the subject areas of the program.
• Proficiency in English (minimum level C1). Professional experience in a field related to the program is an asset.

Application File

The application file should include:

• A color copy of the applicant's passport.
• The applicant's curriculum vitae in English.
• A cover letter explaining the applicant's interest in and potential contribution to the program.
• Two letters of recommendation in English.
• Color copies of relevant degrees and diplomas.
• Color copies of official records of university examinations taken and grades obtained.
• Language tests (less than 2 years old).

Curriculum

Core Courses

The core courses include:

• Public International Law (6 ECTS).
• International Humanitarian Law (12 ECTS).
• International Human Rights Law (12 ECTS).
• International Criminal Law (6 ECTS).
• International Refugee Law (6 ECTS).

Optional Courses

Students must choose two optional courses (3 ECTS each), which may include:

• Children's Rights and Armed Conflicts.
• Decolonisation and its Impact on International Law, Human Rights, and International Development.
• Displacement and Armed Conflict in International Law.
• Identity Claims, Cultural Diversity, and Human Rights.
• International Cyber Security Law.
• Non-State Armed Groups in Armed Conflicts.
• Reconciliation and Peacebuilding.
• Reparations to Victims in Transitional Justice.
• The Law and Politics of International Human Rights Monitoring.

Professionalizing Activities

Students must complete one mandatory professionalizing activity, choosing among:

• A curricular internship with an international, regional, or national institution active in the field of justice, accountability, or human rights.
• Participation in a moot court competition.

Assessment

The assessment includes written and oral exams, papers, presentations, group work, and a final MAS research paper.

Partnerships

The program is delivered jointly by the University of Geneva and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program are equipped with an advanced and practice-oriented understanding of international humanitarian law, human rights law, international criminal law, and the legal frameworks applicable in armed conflict and other crisis situations. They work in international organizations, non-governmental organizations, governmental and diplomatic institutions, international courts and tribunals, and academic and research institutions.