http://www.law.hku.hk/postgrad/llm-hr 3917 2953 Print this page
Abbreviation FT / PT
LLM(HR) FT / PT

The Master of Laws in Human Rights Programme [LLM(HR)] was established in 1999 in response to the growing demand for knowledge about human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. The programme focuses on human rights issues of global concern, including in the Asia-Pacific region, and aims to foster an active learning environment.

The diverse range of courses enables students to 1) understand the international human rights legal framework, 2) reflect on key human rights challenges from global, regional, and domestic perspectives, and 3) apply their knowledge to advocate for real change. The curriculum covers human rights law but draws on other disciplines such as history, politics, philosophy, and sociology to ensure the law is understood in context. It also has a clinical option so students can apply what they learn in practice.

Teachers include renowned experts in the field from around the world, including eminent scholars, judges, United Nations (UN) human rights mandate holders, and heads of non-governmental organisations.

We attract students from a broad range of backgrounds, including lawyers, judges, the staff of national human rights institutions and NGOs, journalists, doctors, scholars, government officials, and many others.

This diversity has enriched the learning experience and contributed to a vibrant international alumni network

Scholarships
The Pam Baker Scholarships in Human Rights (for local applicants) and the Wong Family Scholarships* (for applicants from jurisdictions outside of Hong Kong, especially within the Asian region) are available for application. Full or partial scholarships will be awarded to a limited number of qualified students enrolled in the programme.

*Tuition and living expenses are covered.

Mode of Attendance

Full Time (one year)

Part Time (two years)

Medium of Instruction

English

Programme Entrance Requirements

*For admission in the academic year 2025-2026: To be advised

Applicants must comply with the General Regulations, the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Curricula, and fulfil at least one of requirements (1) to (3) below AND (if applicable) requirement (4):

(1) hold a degree of Bachelor of Laws with at least second-class honours or an equivalent qualification accepted by the University for this purpose; or

(2) hold a degree in a discipline other than law with at least second-class honours accepted by the University for this purpose and have at least two years of relevant experience and professional qualifications; or

(3) have obtained either the Common Professional Examination of England and Wales or the Common Professional Examination Certificate of this University, provided that in either case a second class honours degree or a qualification of equivalent standard of this University or another comparable institution accepted for this purpose has also been obtained; and if applicable:

(4) for a candidate who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the Faculty English language requirement with one of the following recognized English tests:

i. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - an overall band score of 7 or above with no subtest below 6.5; or

ii. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) -  97 or above (internet-based test)

In each case, for admissions purposes, the test score report is regarded as valid for two years of the application deadline.

Subject to satisfying these entrance requirements, applications are considered for admission based on factors including the applicant's academic record, their relevant experience, academic and other references, the quality of their personal statement, and other information submitted in the application. Admission decisions will be made in light of other applications received and subject to admissions quota, if any.

Important Remark(s):

1. Admission to the programme is typically competitive.  We strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications early and ensure they are complete.

2. All supporting documents must be submitted within 15 calendar days from the date of your application.

3. If you anticipate being unable to meet all documentary requirements simultaneously, we encourage you to proceed with your application. Please include a brief explanation of the reason for the delay and indicate when the required documents will be available.

4. Applications will not be reviewed or processed until they are complete. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials are submitted in a timely manner.

Programme Admissions Advisor(s)

Ms Stephanie BIEDERMANN / Professor Stefano OSELLA

Contacts

Email: lawpgs@hku.hk
Website: https://llm.law.hku.hk/hr/

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