International Human Rights Law - Master Programme
Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits

Description
Embarking on a career as a human rights lawyer is both a rewarding and demanding pursuit. Our LL.M. programme provides students with the essential legal tools required to advocate effectively for victims of human rights violations and to contribute meaningfully to the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide. Through a structured and academically rigorous curriculum, students develop the ability to formulate sound legal arguments, critically assess complex legal contexts, and apply principled reasoning in international settings.
The LL.M. in International Human Rights Law, offered by the Faculty of Law at 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ for over 30 years, is one of the most established programmes of its kind globally. It was among the first to be designed specifically to offer advanced academic training in this increasingly influential and complex area of international law.
This programme is delivered in collaboration with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), providing a unique educational experience that combines the academic excellence of a leading law faculty with the practical expertise of a globally recognised human rights institution. The LL.M. Guide for Law Programmes Worldwide consistently ranks the programme among the top ten in the field.
Both 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæâ€™s Faculty of Law and the RWI are respected for their high academic standards and international standing. Graduates of the programme benefit from its strong reputation and the breadth of perspectives it offers. The curriculum is carefully designed to ensure intellectual progression, while maintaining a clear academic focus throughout.
We cultivate analytical precision, contextual awareness, and practical legal skills. Our faculty are experts in their fields and committed to academic excellence. The programme is further enriched by regular contributions from distinguished guest lecturers and practitioners from both academia and legal practice.
Programme sheets
Applications will open on the
2025-10-16
Will open for applications
Learn more about our application periods and when to apply for studies at 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ.
Contact
Master coordinator
Anders Tröjer
Phone: +46 46 222 12 49
Email: anders [dot] trojer [at] jur [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
- A3 year Bachelor degree in law (Bachelor, LL.B, or equivalent).
- English course 6 (advanced proficiency).
Selection criteria
Based on grades on previous courses, statement of purpose, and 2 letters of recommendation.
English language requirements
Most of 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæâ€™s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the document deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2026
Day-time Lund, full time 100%
In English
Study period
31 August 2026 - 4 June 2028
Application
Will open for applications 2025-10-16
How to apply
51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
- Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Programme-specific documents
In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit:
- A statement of purpose (letter of intent)
- Two letters of recommendation
See the Faculty of Law's website for further instructions:
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 310 000
First payment: SEK 77 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ Global Scholarship programme
The 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Within the framework of the 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at 51ÖØ¿ÚÁÔÆæ.
External scholarships
Testimonials about this Master's

"The teaching style emphasises a student-centred approach"
Chandara from Cambodia

"A very straightforward programme with useful resources"
Napthali from Nigeria
Read more stories from our students studying the Master's in International Human Rights Law at law.lu.se.