International Human Rights and Criminal Justice Master's Programme (LL.M), Utrecht University School of Law

Founded in 1636 and located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities, recognised internationally for its high-quality, innovative approach to both research and teaching. It offers a broad range of high-quality Dutch- and English-taught programmes and courses. The English curriculum consists of Bachelor's and Master’s degree programmes, certificate courses, and Summer School courses. In addition, some of the world’s most talented students come to Utrecht University to do their PhD research.

Exploring new connections
The LLM in International Human Rights and Criminal Justice gives you in-depth understanding of a field of law that is often extremely complex. Taking the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms as your starting point, you analyse the connections between human rights and criminal justice and explore laws on a worldwide scale, as well as honing important practical skills such as conducting research, preparing legal memoranda, and practising litigation. By studying under legal experts who draw on the latest research to guide their lectures, and by working alongside practising professionals, you are trained over the course of a year to understand how and why human rights legislation is important – and what you can do to enforce it.

Flexible options
This graduate course is designed with flexibility in mind, enabling you to pursue your own interests and ideas. We provide two different study tracks, each of which offers a wide range of optional English-taught courses:
The International law of Human Rights track examines human rights both from the perspective of international law and from a broader political and social perspective. You study European and international human rights law, as well as looking at key examples of case law, and discussing the role that supervisory bodies such as the UN and the European Court of Human Rights play. This track offers the possibility to follow the Clinical Programme with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in San José, Costa Rica.

The Internationalisation of Crime and Criminal Justice track focuses on the most important aspects of international and transnational criminal law. You not only explore how legislation is created and implemented, but you also study the historical, cultural and legal contexts in which that legislation was formed, and how it applies to genuine cases. You will have the opportunity to participate in the Clinical Programme with the International Criminal Court in The Hague or the Externship Programme.

International insights
Each year, around 25 students from around the world come to Utrecht to take part in the LLM programme in International Human Rights and Criminal Justice, giving the programme a small-scale, intimate feel and a unique international flavour that is ideal for learning about the views and perspectives of other cultures. Our aim is that by the time you graduate, you will have combined a thorough knowledge of your subject with the skills, knowledge and flexibility that you need to work anywhere you want, whether you choose to practise law, go on to study for a PhD, or follow a different career path.

Detailed information can be found on the Utrecht University website.