Course(s) Offered: Human rights
Course Level: Graduate (masters, internships)
Course Provider: University of Pretoria
Course can be taken at: South Africa, Other African countries
Scholarship Description
The LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa is a unique programme to which individuals from African countries with the degrees listed below and preferably experience in the field of human rights are admitted.
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.
Applications are welcome particularly from students in Africa. Citizens of African countries are the main target group for this programme. Special consideration will be given to African students who can fund their studies. Applicants from Africa who cannot fund therefore qualify for sponsorship consideration if selected for the programme.
Eligibility
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.
Applications are also welcome from other parts of the world and a few students have been admitted from the United States of America, Spain and Finland. However, applicants who are not citizens of an African countries do not qualify for financial sponsorship and must cover all expenses to attend the programme.
Individuals 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
Eligible groups
Citizens of ALL countries (but African countries strongly favoured)
Participating Institutions
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)
- 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)
Masters level courses in the field of Human Rights & Democratisation in Africa. Instruction is by way of formal lectures and practical exercises.
First semester:
This premier course, the only one if its kind, focuses specifically on human rights as seen from the African perspective. The first semester is spent at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, studying the 6 modules.
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 two modules and/or internships.
Number of admissions
A maximum of 25 sponsored students are admitted to the programme every year. Five (5) additional students may be admitted if they are self-sponsored. The total number cannot exceed 30 students for pedagogical reasons.
Course duration
One academic year (two semesters) - from the end of January to early December
Course benefits
This is the only course of its kind in Africa. And admitted individuals are taught by world eminent experts in the field of human rights and gain invaluable practical exposure.
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.
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.
Method of Application
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.
There are two ways to apply for this premier course:
- Online application - you will have to fill out an online form; OR
- Application by post
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) to download the Course Brochure and also for detailed information on how to apply to this highly prized course.
DEADLINES:
For purposes of your application send all documents, including submission of your online form, no later than 31 July each year.
PLEASE NOTE:
After the closing date of the application, it takes approximately two months before the selection process is complete and candidates are informed. Unsuccessful candidates are also notified.
Besides the 8 modules, students must study French, English, Portuguese or, exceptionally, another elective course.
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.
Application Deadline: 31 July 2014
Open to International students: Yes
More Scholarship Information and Application
Related: Scholarships in South Africa for International Students