The LLM degree in International Law and Human Rights is taught in English at the prestigious Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faculty of Law. The two-semester program is open to law school graduates holding an LLB or JD degree who have a good command of English and a GPA of 85 or above.

The program offers students a rich variety of specialized courses in the main fields of international law - international organizations, conflict resolution, the laws of war, immigration law and international criminal law - as well as key areas of human rights law, including multiculturalism, human rights, counterterrorism, and transitional justice.

The studies take place in Jerusalem, one of the world’s most complex conflict zones with ongoing human rights challenges, lending students a unique perspective to the issues being studied. In addition to the context of the program, its rigorous and thought-provoking curriculum offers valuable experience to those seeking careers in law, academia, or international organizations.

Courses are taught by legal scholars who are leading academics and experienced practitioners in the field, including legal advisors to international organizations, NGOs and governments such as the UN and ICRC; members of international human rights organizations; and leading academics from Israel and abroad. Among the distinguished faculty members is Prof. Malcolm Shaw, author of the world’s leading textbook on international law.

The program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks, as well as an internship program in conjunction with Hebrew University’s Rothberg international school. Students with a minimum average of 85 may apply to the thesis track after the completion of the fall semester.

Career & Networking 

The LLM in International Law and Human Rights at Hebrew University provides an expedient gateway to a career as a lawyer or legal advisor in either the public or private sector.  Graduates of this program continue on to prestigious PhD degrees, to placements in leading international organizations and NGOs, such as the U.N., and to positions in elite law firms.

Teaching Faculty

The program’s teaching staff consists of prominent academics and practitioners, many of whom have served on UN human rights committees and as legal advisers to governments and international organizations.

The head of the program, Prof. Gideon Parchomovsky, is an expert on intellectual property, property law, and cyber law. He has written numerous articles for major law reviews on property and liability regulations, insider trading, trademarks, domain names, and patents.

Prof. Guy Harpaz researches EU law, EU-Israel relations, public international law and international human rights law. Prof. Harpaz has published numerous articles in leading law journals, and additionally serves as Hebrew University’s Dean of Students.

Prof. Yuval Shany, Vice-Chair of the UN Human Rights Committee, teaches the course “International Human Rights Law.” His research interests are international human rights law, international criminal law, international courts, and the regulation of cyber-space.

Prof. Malcolm Shaw teaches the course “Human Rights and the Law of the Territory,” and has an international reputation for advising on territorial disputes, law of the sea, recognition of foreign governments, human rights, and other matters. He is the author of a widely-cited textbook on international law.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Law of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, located on Mount Scopus, is the flagship of legal research and education in Israel. Established in 1949 as the first law faculty at an Israeli university, it has maintained an impressive record of excellence and accomplishments. Ranked first among law faculties in Israel and 33^rd in the world, its alumni include most of the leadership of the Israeli legal system, including Supreme Court justices.

The Faculty’s teaching staff are top-notch legal scholars and researchers with an established international reputation and prominent status in the Israeli legal ecosystem. Their research is regularly published in the world's leading law journals and publishing houses. Faculty members also distinguish themselves in obtaining competitive research grants and prizes for academic excellence.

Admissions Requirements

The LLM programs in English are open to law school graduates who have an LLB or JD degree, a good command of English, and a GPA of 85 or above. Candidates are selected based on their law school grades, letters of recommendation and past academic work. For detailed admissions regulations please click here.

Candidates who did not previously study at an educational institution where the language of instruction is English must demonstrate a high command of English by providing one of the following:

• a minimum score of 134 on the Psychometric English subsection/Amiram exam
• a minimum score of 234 on the Amir exam
• a minimum score of 95 on the internet-based TOEFL test
• a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS

Learn more on how to meet English proficiency requirements here.

For detailed information on admission requirements, based on the country where you completed your undergraduate studies, please click here.

Tuition and Scholarships

The program’s tuition is US$16,000.

Eligible students may benefit from financial aid, including merit- and need-based scholarships. Additional living stipends are available for outstanding students (contact the program coordinator for further information).

The Rothberg International School offers scholarships to qualified students. Additional information can be found on the school’s scholarships & financial aid page.

The Faculty of Law offers scholarships as well. To apply, students must first be accepted to the program, after which they must submit a letter of motivation detailing their reasons for applying for a scholarship and the amount requested. The request is then reviewed by the scholarship committee, and a decision is reached on the basis of both merit and need. If approved, the scholarship amount is deducted from the program tuition. 

For additional information regarding tuition and other costs, please visit the program’s website.

Further Information

Ms. Shanie Rabinowitz, Program Coordinator: shaniebe@savion.huji.ac.il

Division of Graduate Studies, Rothberg International School: gradmiss@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

back to results >

The M.A. in Law with specialization in Human Rights and Transitional Justice provides a strong background in the legal aspects of human rights issues, focusing on the pursuit of justice in international courts of law on behalf of disenfranchised populations. 

Advocating and protecting human rights, especially those of people who have been forced to flee from their homes, requires a broad range of skill sets and a profound knowledge of international law, as well as of local legislation and judicial systems in the countries of origin and host countries.

The program’s rich curriculum is taught by top Hebrew University scholars and practitioners. The studies take place in Jerusalem, one of the world’s most complex conflict zones with ongoing human rights challenges, which gives students a unique perspective to the issues being examined. Moreover, the diversity of the student body – which includes Israelis, Palestinians and international students, each with their own ideas and beliefs – brings further depth and context to the program and encourages thought-provoking class discussions.

For additional information on the M.A. in Law with specialization in Human Rights and Transitional Justice, please visit the program’s website.

Career & Networking 

This program provides ideal training for those interested in careers in human rights, transitional justice and conflict resolution. Students gain proficiency in analyzing and acting upon issues and circumstances related to these topics, making them well qualified for careers with international human rights organizations, NGOs and institutions affiliated with the global human rights’ legal ecosystem.

Program alumni have been offered positions in prominent international organizations, including the United Nations and the U.S. Government. Graduates have also gone on to law schools in the US and Canada, as well as to PhD programs.

In conjunction with the Rothberg International School, an internship program is offered to all students who are interested in this field: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/internships/The majority of alumni return to their home countries, where they pursue careers in relevant fields and hold key positions in industry, education, academia, research, NGOs and government organizations. 

Teaching Faculty

The M.A. in Law with Specialization in Human Rights and Transitional Justice program’s teaching staff consists of prominent academics and practitioners, many of whom have served on UN human rights committees and as legal advisers to governments and international organizations.

The head of the program, Prof. Gideon Parchomovsky, is an expert on intellectual property, property law and cyber law. He has written numerous articles for major law reviews on property and liability regulations, insider trading, trademarks, domain names and patents.

Prof. Guy Harpaz researches EU law, EU-Israel relations, public international law and international human rights law. Prof. Harpaz has published numerous articles in leading law journals. Today, Prof. Harpaz also serves as the Hebrew University Dean of Students.

Prof. Yuval Shany, who is Vice-Chair of the UN Human Rights Committee, teaches the course “International Human Rights Law.” His research interests are international human rights law, international criminal law, international courts and the regulation of cyber-space.

Prof. Malcolm Shaw, who teaches the course “Human Rights and the Law of the Territory,” has an international reputation for advising on territorial disputes, law of the sea, recognition of foreign governments, human rights, and other matters. He is the author of a widely-cited textbook on international law.

The Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, located on Mount Scopus, is the flagship of legal research and education in Israel. Established in 1949 as the first law faculty at an Israeli university, it has maintained an impressive record of excellence and accomplishments. Ranked first among law faculties in Israel and 33^rd in the world, its alumni include most of the leadership of the Israeli legal system, including Supreme Court justices.

The faculty’s teaching staff are top-notch legal scholars and researchers with an established international reputation and prominent status in the Israeli legal ecosystem. Their research is regularly published in the world's top law journals and publishing houses. Faculty members also distinguish themselves in obtaining competitive research grants and prizes for academic excellence.

The faculty welcomes international students from all over the world through its International School and HUJI’s Division of External Studies. Faculty graduates hold key positions in the agricultural industry in Israel and around the world, and use their knowledge to compete in world markets.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an internationally accredited university with a minimum 85 average (B) or equivalent, demonstrated English proficiency (see below), letters of recommendations, and an academic writing sample.

Candidates who did not previously study at an educational institution where the language of instruction is English must submit an official test score by one or more of the following exams:

• minimum TOEFL score of 95 on the Internet-based test
• minimum IELTS score of 7
• minimum Psychometric English subsection / Amiram exam score of 134
• minimum Amir exam score of 234

For additional information regarding admissions, please visit the program’s website.

To apply now, click here.

Learn more on how to meet English proficiency requirements here.

For detailed information on admission requirements, based on the country where you completed your undergraduate studies, please click here.

Tuition and Scholarships

The program’s tuition is US$16,000.

Financial aid and merit-based scholarships and stipends are available to qualified students. Additional living stipends are available for outstanding students (contact the program coordinator for additional information).

The Rothberg International School offers scholarships to qualified students. Further information can be found on the school’s Scholarships & Financial Aid page.

Additionally, the Faculty of Law offers scholarships. To apply, students must write a letter of motivation detailing why they are requesting a scholarship and the amount requested. Students must first be accepted to the program in order to be evaluated for a scholarship. The request is then reviewed by the scholarship committee. The approved scholarship amount is then deducted from the program tuition. The decision is based on both merit and financial-based needs.

In addition, external scholarships are available through MASA.

For additional information regarding tuition and other costs, please visit the program’s website.

Further Information

Administrative Inquiries: Ms. Shanie Rabinowitz, Program Coordinator: shaniebe@savion.huji.ac.il

Program Website

back to results >