• Law students
  A degree allowing access to the legal profession (eg LLB or licence en droit)
• Other students
  At least an Honours degree in a discipline relevant to human rights and democratisation

Brochure

• Download the brochure with more information on the LLM/MPhil (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa) degree

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.

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)
• 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 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:

• Module 1: Methodology of human rights research, education and advocacy
• Module 2: Democratisation in Africa
• Module 3: International and comparative human rights
• Module 4: Human rights in Africa
• Module 5: Introduction to the South African legal system and Bill of Rights
• Module 6: Human rights in the field (Field trip)

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
• Module 8: Dissertation

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 (no later than 31 July). 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 Englsih 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)

How to apply

Applicants must be in possession of a first degree in Law (LLB, licence en droit or licenciatura em direito) or a Honours degree relevant to human rights and democratisation, and should submit the following documentation by post (no electronic applications will be accepted):

1. Letter of motivation (a one-page letter stating why you would like to do the course)
2. CV (a two-page curriculum vitae (including your full particulars: name, address, telephone, fax and e-mail)
3. Transcript (detailed academic record showing subjects taken and marks obtained)
4. Degree certificates (certified copies of all degree certificates)
5. Letters of recommendation (two academic and/or professional letters of recommendation/support)
6. Financial application (a one-page letter detailing your financial position and indicating why you would need assistance)
7. English proficiency (if undergraduate studies were not in English proof of your proficiency)
8. Photo (a recent colour passport photograph)
9. Please indicate in your application where you have heard about the LLM/MPhil (Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa) programme (for instance: word of mouth / newspaper / website / Facebook etc)

ONLY THE INFORMATION REQUESTED ABOVE (1-8) IS REQUIRED.
THERE ARE NO APPLICATION FORMS TO BE COMPLETED. 

Please note:

• All documents must be typewritten
• Please ensure that all documents are submitted together
• There are no application forms to be completed
• Deadline for receipt of applications for the 2014 class is 31July 2013
• The successful LLM/MPhil (Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa) applicants will be notified at the end of October 2013.

Applications should be directed to:

The Coordinator
LLM/MPhil (Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa)
Centre for Human Rights
Faculty of Law
University of Pretoria
Pretoria 0002
SOUTH AFRICA

For further enquiries: