Program Overview

Introduction to the Human Rights Law Program

The Human Rights Law program is designed for individuals seeking to understand the role and potential of the law in understanding, promoting, upholding, and advancing human dignity, equality, and access to justice. This postgraduate program is convened by Salona Lutchman and is offered through the Public Law department.

Program Overview

The program is an LLM or MPhil in Human Rights Law, which appeals to a diverse range of legal professionals with a shared commitment to human rights. Law graduates aiming to specialize in this field will acquire a deep understanding of domestic and international legal systems to champion human rights causes on various platforms. Activists and advocates gain the necessary legal expertise to amplify their causes and effect real change, while policymakers gain insights and understanding to craft informed legislation that aligns with human rights principles.

Program Structure

Each of the postgraduate options offers different requirements and structures, and are taught accordingly. While courses are taught at the applicable level, the requirements across the qualifications are the same in terms of coursework - requiring the completion of three core courses, and a choice of one of the two electives on offer. The remaining requirements depend on which qualification you are pursuing and can include additional research tasks for each course (professional master's); or a dissertation (25,000) on a topic that you propose.

Curriculum

The curriculum for this Master's qualification comprises four elective courses and a compulsory minor dissertation of not more than 25,000 words on a related topic. These components fulfill the required 240 credits.

Core Courses

Three courses can be chosen from the following:

1. International Rights of the Child
2. International Protection of Human Rights
3. International Protection of Women's Human Rights
4. Refugee Law and Human Rights
5. Human Rights, Legal Pluralism, Religion and Culture
6. Litigating South African Bill of Rights
7. Punishment and Human Rights

One course must be selected from the following Law courses:

1. International Law in Theory and Practice
2. International Law on Disputes and Use of Force
3. Governing under the Constitution: Law and Practice
4. Sexual Offences and the Law
5. Administrative Justice and Open Government
6. Transparency Law & Governance: Global and Local Theory & Practice
7. Police and Policing: Explorations in Security Governance
8. Victims and Victimology
9. Criminal Process and Human Rights

Program Code

The program code for the LLM or MPhil in Human Rights Law is LM003PBL05/ LM002PBL05.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program have the potential to become catalysts for positive transformation, eradicating systemic injustices and advancing equality. They can engage in legal battles to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable and provide legal support to marginalized communities. Furthermore, graduates can contribute to policy formulation and the promulgation of laws that seek to protect vulnerable communities, ultimately promoting social justice, preserving human dignity, and creating a more equitable society.