LL.M. in Human Rights & International Law

The LL.M. in Human Rights and International Law is offered through Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) in partnership with the Faculty of Law, long considered the most prestigious law school in the country. This program is geared toward students who have completed a law degree and are interested in careers in law, academia, and governmental and non-governmental sectors. As a participant in this program, you will learn from experts about how to create and implement human rights and international law.

In this program, you will study recent trends in the fields of human rights and international law, with a specific focus on globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of our world.

Structure

The program spans two consecutive semesters, from October through July.

Credits

The LL.M. in Human Rights and International Law consists of 32 credits.

Courses

Provided as an example only and subject to change:

Introductory Courses (3 of 3) 

• Israel and International Law
• Introduction to the Law of Israel
• International Human Rights Law

Core Courses (4 of 5)

• International Regulation of Trade and Investment
• International Criminal Law
• Laws of War
• Introduction to Transitional Justice
• Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights

Workshops (2 of 3)

• International Law Workshop
• Transitional Justice Colloquium: Comparative, Jurisprudential and Regional Perspectives
• Workshop In Public Law And Human Rights

Seminars (2 of 4)

• The Role of International Law in Resolving the Middle-East Conflict
• Non-state Actors in International Law
• Religion, State, and Multiculturalism
• Strangers in their own Land: Law, Colonialism and Indigenous Peoples

Elective courses

You can choose from more than 10 additional courses on human rights and transitional justice, and you have the option to complete an LL.M. thesis. See a full list of on the program’s website.

LL.M Thesis

We are offering the students the possibility of pursuing a research track, followed by the submission of a Thesis. Successful completion of the entire track, including the Thesis, would be reflected in the Graduation Certificate. The thesis grade will amount to 40% of the final M.A./LL.M grade. Acceptance to the research track will be based on your grades from the first semester. Students with an average of 85 and above will be eligible to apply in the beginning of the second semester.

As a student in the LL.M. program, you’ll have the opportunity to study with a law faculty that includes internationally renowned scholars and specialists with experience in the creation and implementation of international law. Prof. Robbie Sabel, an expert in international law, worked on the Camp David Accords and is a frequent commentator in Israeli and international media. Prof. Ruth Gavison, an expert in human rights law, was nominated to the Israeli Supreme Court and specializes in philosophy of law, law and morals, judicial and administrative discretion law, and democracy and civil society.  Read more about HebrewU’s law faculty.

Geared towards law graduates interested in specializing in the fields of human rights and international law, this program is designed to help you advance your career in law or begin a career in government, non-governmental organizations, or academia.

The Hebrew University’s RIS offers a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, social and cultural events, lectures, and more. We support you throughout your stay with us so that Jerusalem becomes your home away from home. Learn more about the Office of Student Life here.

Click here to view one of the OSL’s weekly emails to students with information about events taking place on campus and around Jerusalem.

Apply by: 

• January 6 – July 31, 2023

Applicants will receive an email from the Graduate Office with a student number, personal code, and link to upload the required supplementary documents within about 3 days of applying to a program.

Applicants will receive an admission decision within about 3 weeks of applying to a program and submitting all of the required supplementary documents. Admissions decisions are sent via email.

Tuition Payment

All students must pay $1,500 towards their tuition by May 31, 2023, and must pay the remainder of their tuition by September 19, 2023.

Cancellation Policy

Applicants who complete their tuition payment and then decide to cancel their enrollment in the program before October 15, 2023will receive a full refund, but will be charged a $500 withdrawal fee.

Arrive on campus by: Approximately one week before your program starts; specific dates will be sent to accepted students via email.

Summer Ulpan (optional intensive Hebrew language course): August-September, 2023; check the academic calendar for exact dates.

Program length: One year (two consecutive semesters, autumn and spring); October, 2023– June, 2023; check the academic calendar for exact dates.

Students who wish to prolong their studies may enroll as LL.M/ M.A. Extended Year Students for an additional fee.

For financial information, see Tuition & Fees.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in M.A. programs are eligible to receive health insurance for the duration of their program at no extra cost. Students who will be arriving early or departing late may purchase extended health insurance. See Health and Safety for more information.

Summer Ulpan

The Summer Ulpan (an intensive Modern Hebrew course) is optional. For information about Summer Ulpan tuition and housing fees see “Tuition & Fees”.

Housing

A limited number of on-campus student apartments are available. See University Housing for more information.

Fees & Refunds

For a complete explanation of fees and refunds, see Tuition & Fees for Graduate Students.

Scholarships

Faculty of Law: The Faculty of Law offers scholarships of up to US$ 4,000. Email a letter of motivation to the coordinator, Ms. Shanie Rabinowitz, detailing why you are requesting a scholarship and the amount requested. The request will be reviewed by the scholarship committee. Only applicants accepted to the program will be considered for a scholarship.

To be eligible for acceptance, you must have the following:

• LL.B. or J.D. degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by HebrewU; note that applicants with degrees from France must have the M1 in addition to an LL.B.
• Minimum B average (85/100 or equivalent)
• Demonstrated knowledge of English
  
  

In addition to your online application, you will be required to submit the following documents:

1. Academic Records: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a B average (85/100 or equivalent) or above. Applicants must submit transcripts and diplomas from all prior academic degrees.*
2. Proof of English Proficiency: A TOEFL exam score of 80 or above, IELTS exam score of 6 or above, Amir exam score of 220 or above, or Amiram exam score of 120 or above. **
3. A CV and Statement of Purpose
4. One Academic Recommendations
5. An Academic Paper in English (may be a final paper submitted for a university course or sample of your legal writing).
6. Photocopy of your Passport ID page
7. A Medical Form and Disclaimer Form (US citizens only)- both forms may be downloaded from the application website.
   
   

All documents may be uploaded to your application directly or sent to gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il as email attachments.

* Students who submit scanned copies of their academic records may be accepted to the program conditionally, pending submission of original academic records.

** If you have completed a degree at a university at which English is the sole language of instruction, or if you have completed a degree in English Language and Literature, you can request an exemption. You must submit documentation from your university verifying English as the language of instruction. Exemption is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.