International Human Rights Law - Master Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
Ranked among the top ten human rights law programmes worldwide, it covers public international law, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law. It is jointly offered by the Faculty of Law and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI), providing students with both academic training and practical insights into human rights work. Students have access to the largest human rights library in Northern Europe. Teaching is delivered by internationally recognised scholars as well as current and former UN special rapporteurs, members of the UN International Law Commission, and practitioners from government agencies and humanitarian organisations.
The programme also offers unique opportunities to engage with distinguished guest lecturers, and former lecturers include UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, and President of the UN General Assembly Jan Eliasson. The close collaboration with RWI and the global network of experts makes the programme an ideal platform for further academic research or a career in human rights.
Our students come from all over the world. While some enter the programme directly after completing their undergraduate studies, many bring extensive professional experience in international law and human rights – as judges, lawyers, or members of humanitarian organisations.
The programme offers a structured and academically rigorous learning environment. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, written assignments, workshops, and oral presentations. Some courses also include interactive elements and individual supervision. This pedagogical model gives students the opportunity to develop a theoretical understanding of public international law and international human rights law.
The programme is designed for those seeking a solid foundation for a long-term career in public international law and human rights. Alumni work in a wide range of sectors, including government agencies, courts, NGOs, the private sector, and many also opt to pursue doctoral studies in related fields at top universities around the world
The LL.M. also offers a unique mentoring scheme, pairing current students with alumni working in their field of interest. This initiative helps students navigate the diverse career paths available within the human rights field.
Prerequisites
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.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 310,000
First payment: SEK 77,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University 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 Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University 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 Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.
