Program Overview

---

Introduction to the LL.M. in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

The LL.M. in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights is an innovative and intellectually challenging full-time degree that focuses primarily on the rules applicable to armed conflicts and their interaction. It promotes both academic excellence and independent critical thinking.

Objectives

• Provide advanced, comprehensive, and practical training in international humanitarian law, international human rights law, international public law, international refugee law, and international criminal law, as well as the interplay between them.
• Provide a solid exposure to practical work via internships with leading actors and participation in moot courts and public pleadings.

Audience

The program is designed for candidates who hold a full degree in law or have a significant amount of training in public international law and courses related to the program. Professional experience in a field related to the program is preferable.

Programme Structure

The LL.M. program is structured around the following components:

• Core courses
• Optional courses
• Internship or Moot Court Competition
• Extra-curricular activities
• LL.M. Paper

Registration and Admission

Registration Deadline

The registration deadline is 24 February 2024. Applicants applying for a scholarship can apply until 26 January 2024.

Fees

The program fees are CHF 18,000. Financial support is available.

Admission Criteria

Candidates must have:

• A full degree in law enabling the applicant to sit the bar exam in the relevant country, or another degree if the applicant has a significant amount of training in public international law and courses related to the program.
• A strong academic record.
• A demonstrable interest in the subject matter of the program.
• A sound command of English, unless the candidate's mother tongue is English, has taken an English-taught bachelors or masters degree, or has at least two years professional or academic experience in an English-speaking environment.

Curriculum

Period

The program runs from September 2024 to August 2025.

Credits

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

Pedagogical Method

The program includes:

• Core courses
• Optional courses
• Writing of an LLM paper
• Internships with leading Geneva-based humanitarian and human rights organizations or moot court

Assessment

Assessment methods include exams, papers, presentations, group work, and the LLM paper.

Partnerships and Collaboration

The diploma is delivered jointly by the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID).

Testimonials

The Geneva Academy experience is described as extraordinary, providing the opportunity to apply the law to contemporary and pressing challenges in international humanitarian law, human rights law, refugee law, and international law.

Director and Coordinator

The program is directed by Prof. Gloria Gaggioli, Faculty of Law, University of Geneva and Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. The coordinator is Lotte Walstra, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

The program contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals by providing advanced training in international humanitarian law and human rights, enhancing the capacity of professionals to address global challenges.