Call for applications: Master’s degree (LLM/MPhil) in human rights and democratisation in Africa

FEES: US$ 15 000

Partial or fully self-funded students are encouraged to apply for this programme.

NEEDS-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR AFRICAN CITIZENS

Eligibility criteria:

- Law students (LLM option): A degree allowing access to the legal profession
- Non-law students (MPhil option): At least an Honours degree in a discipline relevant to human rights and democratisation

Applicants must have excellent academic credentials and demonstrate human rights experience or interest. Members of minority groups such as indigenous people, LGBTI persons and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

The LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa is a unique programme to which 25 individuals from African countries with the following degrees and preferably experience in the field of human rights are admitted:

The objectives of the LLM/MPhil programme are:

+ To train human rights experts who can be employed in government ministries, other national, international and regional bodies concerned with human rights and democracy. The aim is to ensure effectiveness of these bodies, through imparting professionalism and operational competence. The end result is to ensure transfer of technical skills and strengthen the capacity of these organisations with the goal of improving the protection and promotion of human rights and democratisation in Africa.

+ Expand collaboration among African universities. Collaboration should result in a network of lawyers and academics specialised in human rights and democracy. The programme envisages promoting research and teaching that addresses the particular needs of Africa. Some identified needs include conflict prevention; democratic transition; strengthening of civil society, institutional building and the rule of law. The programme also aims at developing and strengthening links between civil society, governmental bodies and international organisations.

+ Develop relationship between the African Masters and the other regional masters, such as the European Masters Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA), the Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in South Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation.

During an intensive one-year course, they are taught by eminent lecturers in the field of human rights and gain invaluable practical exposure. It is the only course of its kind in Africa.

The LLM/MPhil is a regional cooperation initiative presented by the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria (South Africa), in conjunction with the faculties of law at Université d'Abomey-Calavi (Benin), Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia), University of Alexandria (Egypt), Catholic University of Central Africa (Cameroon), University of Nairobi (Kenya), Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique), Université Gaston Berger de Saint Louis (Senegal), University of Ghana, University of Lagos (Nigeria), University of Mauritius, Makerere University (Uganda), University of Venda and the University of the Western Cape (South Africa).

Individuals from all African countries are invited to apply for admission to study for the Master’s Degree (LLM/MPhil) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

APPLY ONLINE:
http://www.chr.up.ac.za/index.php/llm-mphil-online-application-2015.html

-Download the Call for Application 2016

- Download 2013 the LLM/MPhil (HRDA) brochure