The LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa is a unique programme to which 25 to 30 individuals from African countries with the following degrees and preferably experience in the field of human rights are admitted:
- Law students
A degree allowing access to the legal profession (eg LLB or licence en droit) - Other students (non-law students)
At least an Honours degree in a discipline relevant to 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.
Brochure
Who can apply?
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.
How to apply - Online
Applicants are required to apply online for this course.
Applicants must be in possession of the first degree in Law (LLB, licence en droit or licenciatura em direito) or an Honours degree relevant to human rights and democratisation.
Application Deadlines
Deadline: 31 July 2018
Partners
The LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa is a regional co-operation initiative presented in partnership by the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, and the faculties of law at:
- Université d'Abomey-Calavi (Benin)
- Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia)
- University of Alexandria (Egypt)
- Catholic University of Central Africa (Cameroon)
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique)
- Université Gaston Berger de Saint Louis (Senegal)
- University of Ghana
- University of Lagos (Nigeria)
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- University of Mauritius
- University of Nairobi (Kenya)
- University of Venda
- University of the Western Cape (South Africa)
First semester
This premier course, the only one if its kind, focuses specifically on human rights as seen from the African perspective. The course is presented full time over one academic year (two semesters) that runs from the end of January to early December and comprises eight modules. The first semester is spent at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, studying the following modules:
Core module:
Fundamental modules:
Module 2: Democratisation in Africa (DIA 801)- Module 3: International and comparative human rights (ICH 801)
- Module 4: Human rights in Africa (HRA 801)
- Module 5: Introduction to South African legal system and Bill of Rights (RVM 801)
- Module 6: Human rights in the field (AHR 801)
- Language Module: Students are assigned to do language classes in French (FRN 181), Portuguese (PTG181) or English.
Second semester
At the end of the first semester, the class is divided into seven groups, each of which spends the next five months at one of the partner universities where they complete the following two modules and/or internships:
Module 7: Accredited courses (ACH 802)
- an advanced human rights-related module (minimum of 28 lecture hours for the academic module, assessed by way of one or more assignments to a total minimum of 8 000 words);
- an internship (minimum 150 hours).
- The Module 7 academic course may for some students be presented at the University of Pretoria at the start of the second semester. In 2016, the second semester academic component for Addis Ababa, Catholic University, Gaston Berger, Lagos, Mauritius, Nairobi and Venda will most likely be presented in Pretoria.
At the University of the Western Cape, accredited courses consist of two advanced human rights-related modules.
At most partner universities students continue with a language course.
Module 8: Dissertation (MND 802)
Language (First and Second semester)
Besides the 8 modules, students must study French, English, Portuguese or, exceptionally, another elective course.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
An important new requirement of admission to the programme is that applicants who did not undertake their undergraduate degrees in English are now required to submit test results for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. In order to be admitted to the LLM/MPhil programme you must at least score as follows in the test:
- Reading: 21
- Listening: 17
- Speaking: 23
- Writing: 22
- Total Score: 83
If you would like to register for the TOEFL test, please visit the following website for more information: www.ets.org
The Centre for Human Rights is not able to assist you with any additional information about this test as it is presented by independent authorities. For purposes of your application please send your score results when you apply. Should this not be possible please ensure that you send your TOEFL results as soon as possible. Should you be admitted to the LLM/MPhil programme in the meantime, such admission would be provisional until we receive your TOEFL results.
It is your responsibility to cover the costs of taking the TOEFL examination.
Please note that it can take several months to finalise the process of obtaining a test date for TOEFL and also to obtain the results. In view of this, we strongly advise that you start the process of registering and writing this test as soon as possible.
Course format
Instruction is by way of formal lectures and practical exercises. The lecturers are some of the most prominent human rights experts in the world. Emphasis is placed on classroom participation and there is ample opportunity for informal interaction between the students and lecturers. Students can make use of extensive library facilities.
A substantial part of the course is dedicated to the use of the Internet in research on human rights law. The medium of instruction is English, of which students must have a good working knowledge in order to follow lectures and participate fully in class discussions and practical exercises. Students who did not undertake their studies in English are required to write the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Upon admission to the programme advanced English is provided for students from non-English speaking countries and French is taught to students from English speaking countries. Students who are fluent in both English and French study Portuguese. Admission is on a competitive basis and bursaries are available.
Click here to read more about the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
