LL.M. Human Rights

Programme

The master program “Human Rights” will provide theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills required for a career in the field of human rights. Based on the academic excellence of the University of Vienna and on the high reputation of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights for doing applied research, the program can best be described with: "Where Science meets Practice!"

The master program addresses the multi-layered field of human rights and reflects the different relevant legal frameworks as well as the corresponding protection mechanisms. Topics covered by the program will be, i.a., legal human rights know-how including theoretical foundations of international human rights law including its protection mechanisms; methodology; as well as necessary competences for people striving to work in a human rights-related environment.

For non-lawyers, an introduction to legal studies will be provided. Besides including practical courses, such as strategic litigation, human rights education, campaigning and advocacy, as well as project acquisition and management into the syllabus, another chance to combine theoretical knowledge with practical abilities is offered by the opportunity to participate in a court trial simulation (‘moot court’).

Emphasis/Curriculum

Module 1a:  Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers*

• Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers
• Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers - Application and Exercises

Module 1b:  Moot Court Competition*

• Moot Court

Module 2: Human Rights - General Theory and Legal Approaches

• Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights
• Human Rights and the Law, Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation
• Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms
• Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Module 3:  Human Rights as a Multi-Level Approach (Human Rights Systems)

• The Nation-State as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights and the Principle of Subsidiarity
• UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms
• Regional Human Rights Systems

Module 4:  Specific Human Rights and Special Human Rights Challenges

• Human Rights Generations and Dimensions
• Persons in Vulnerable Situations, Equality and Diversity
• New Challenges for Human Rights

Module 5:  Practical Aspects of Human Rights

• Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education
• Human Rights in an Organizational Context, Monitoring and Advocacy
• Human Rights Litigation, Legal Mediation and Advice

Master’s Thesis and Defense

*Depending on the educational background of participants there are two alternative compulsory modules from which one has to be completed. For non-lawyers an introduction to legal studies will be offered. To elaborate on the combination of theoretical knowledge with practical skills, the opportunity to participate in a trial simulation (“Moot Court”) is offered for lawyers. Should participants have prior knowledge in both or in none of the two areas, the decision which of the two alternative compulsory modules to attend is subject to prior permission by the scientific director.

Costs: see Website
Language: English

Admission requirements are:

• University degree in Legal Studies or University degree in Economic, Natural, Social Sciences or Humanities
• Sufficient English skills to follow and participate in lectures (B2)
• Complete application via online application platform

Please submit the following documents:

• Filled and signed application form
• Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)
• Letter of motivation (1-2 pages)
• Copy of your University diploma 
• Proof of your English language proficiency (minimum B2 level)
• Copy of your passport

Language(s) of instruction:

English