Master of Laws in Human Rights [LLM(HR)]

The Master of Laws in Human Rights Programme [LLM(HR)] was established in 1999 in response to the growing demand for knowledge about human rights in the Asia-Pacific region. The programme focuses on human rights issues of global concern, including in the Asia-Pacific region, and aims to foster an active learning environment.

The diverse range of courses enables students to 1) understand the international human rights legal framework, 2) reflect on key human rights challenges from global, regional, and domestic perspectives, and 3) apply their knowledge to advocate for real change. The curriculum covers human rights law but draws on other disciplines such as history, politics, philosophy, and sociology to ensure the law is understood in context. It also has a clinical option so students can apply what they learn in practice.

Teachers include renowned experts in the field from around the world, including eminent scholars, judges, United Nations (UN) human rights mandate holders, and heads of non-governmental organisations.

We attract students from a broad range of backgrounds, including lawyers, judges, the staff of national human rights institutions and NGOs, journalists, doctors, scholars, government officials, and many others.

This diversity has enriched the learning experience and contributed to a vibrant international alumni network.

• Candidates are required to complete 72 credits, including two 9-credit compulsory courses and a capstone experience in accordance with the regulations for this degree and the syllabus. Candidates must choose at least six courses from the Course List , including two compulsory courses, one capstone course and at least three designated electives.

• Candidates may choose up to two other electives from courses not listed on the Course List, but listed as Electives on the Course List for the General LLM programme.

• Students should also pass all assessments with a Cumulative GPA of at least 1.50 in order to be recommended for graduation.

Please refer to the Regulations and Syllabus of your respective intake for more details.

Remark: Not all courses will be offered in any given year. You may also refer to the course schedule per academic year for actual classes available.

Applicants must comply with the General Regulations, the Regulations for Taught Postgraduate Curricula, and fulfil at least one of requirements (1) to (3) below AND (if applicable) requirement (4):

(1) hold a degree of Bachelor of Laws with at least second class honours or an equivalent qualification accepted by the University for this purpose; or

(2) hold a degree in a discipline other than law with at least second class honours accepted by the University for this purpose and have at least two years of relevant experience and professional qualifications; or

(3) have obtained either the Common Professional Examination of England and Wales or the Common Professional Examination Certificate of this University, provided that in either case a second class honours degree or a qualification of equivalent standard of this University or another comparable institution accepted for this purpose has also been obtained; and if applicable:

(4) for a candidate who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the Faculty English language requirement with one of the following recognised English tests*:

- IELTS (Academic): An overall band of 7.0 or above
- TOEFL (Internet-based Test): A score of 100 or above

*For admissions purposes, please note:
- IELTS and TOEFL tests must be taken within two years prior to September 1 of each admissions year; and
- Scores from "IELTS One Skill Retake", “IELTS Indicator” and “TOEFL iBT Home Edition” will not be accepted.

The Faculty of Law is pleased to offer the following scholarships opportunities to outstanding full-time and part-time students:
 
For Local Applicants:

Pam Baker Scholarships in Human Rights

For Non-Local Applicants:

Wong Family Scholarships

*Tuition and living expenses are covered.

*Full or partial scholarships may be awarded to a limited number of qualified students enrolled in the LLM(HR) Programme.

For 2026-2027 Intake
TBC

Video Recording:

For 2025-2026 Intake

Main Round:
• December 12, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 PM (GMT+8)
 
Clearing Round:
• February 27, 2026 (Friday), 12:00 PM (GMT+8)
 
Interested applicants should submit their application at https://admissions.hku.hk/tpg/programme-list.

Admission offers may be made on a rolling basis, and hence early applications are strongly encouraged.
 
Please click here for details on the application instructions and required supporting documents.



Admission-related Enquiries

✉ lawpgs@hku.hk