Postgraduate Center
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Human Rights

Master of Laws (LL.M.)

  • Short Facts
    Academic Degree

    Master of Laws (LL.M.)

    Scope

    60 ECTS Credits

    Format

    On site with the option to join via live stream + some lectures only on campus

    Language

    English

    Duration

    2 semesters (extra occupational)

    Tuition Fee

    EUR 7,110.- per semester (plus EUR 1,580.- deposit)

    Application Deadline

    June 30, 2027

    Start

    Annually in October

    Program Schedule

    See FAQs

    Register here

Where Science meets Practice

The LL.M. program “Human Rights” provides you with a comprehensive academic and practical understanding of the principles, systems, and challenges of human rights protection. As a one-year, hybrid program taught entirely in English, it offers a structured combination of legal theory, methodological skills, and applied perspectives. You develop a solid understanding of human rights frameworks, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms while working with instructors from academia and practice.

Designed for participants with diverse educational backgrounds, the program welcomes both lawyers and non-lawyers. You gain insight into legal reasoning, explore current human rights issues such as technological developments, and participate in interactive teaching formats. The Moot Court allows you to train legal argumentation in simulated court proceedings. Upon graduation, you are equipped to integrate human rights considerations into your professional work in public administration, international organizations, NGOs, academia, or the private sector.

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  • Michael Lysander Fremuth Porträt
    Michael Lysander Fremuth
    We are proud to have the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Fundamental and Human Rights as a program partner, ensuring a perfect combination of academic excellence and practical skills.
    Univ.-Prof. Dr. Michael Lysander Fremuth, Academic Director
  • Portrait Christina Binder
    Christina Binder
    Studying and working in the field of human rights means that you will meet the most wonderful people; passionate and very motivated human rights defenders from different areas and disciplines.
    Prof. Christina Binder, Lecturer
  • Portrait Teresa Hatzl
    Teresa Hatzl
    This program brings together individuals dedicated to human rights from all over the world. It combines theory and practice, a unique opportunity to learn about different methods, approaches and their interlinkages to advance human rights on the ground.
    Teresa Hatzl, LL.M, Lecturer
  • Human Rights are not a luxury. They are not granted by a state. Human rights exist because we exist as human beings. The worldwide implementation of human rights norms remains of paramount importance.
    Ambassador Christina Kokkinakis, Lecturer
  • Portrait Irmgard Marboe
    Irmgard Marboe
    The young generation of academics, future professionals and leaders need to be educated to cope with the numerous challenges that stand against the full realization of human rights globally.
    Prof. Irmgard Marboe, Lecturer
  • Portrait Adel-Naim Reyhani
    Adel-Naim Reyhani
    I look forward to teaching at the postgraduate program Human Rights because it will allow me to participate in a meaningful exploration of some of the most pressing issues of our time, such as the legal exclusion of refugees from the international order.
    Dr. Adel-Naim Reyhani, Lecturer
  • Portrait Nora Salem
    Nora Salem
    The curriculum’s design is exceptional because it includes a number of courses that aim to teach (oftentimes overlooked, yet incredibly important) practical skills beyond the necessary theoretical knowledge.
    Dr. Nora Salem, Lecturer
  • I am convinced that the never-ending work in the field of human rights urgently needs new generations of human rights lawyers with a strategic vision to work tirelessly towards the promotion and protection of all human rights for all.
    Prof. Vasilka Sancin, Lecturer

Events

Here you can find all upcoming events of the program. Feel free to check in regularly for the latest updates.

Occupational Fields and Careers

As a graduate of the LL.M. program “Human Rights”, you can work in a wide range of professional fields. You develop the legal and analytical skills to address human rights issues in complex institutional environments and contribute to responsible decision-making in public, private, and civil society contexts.

Typical career paths include positions in international organizations, NGOs, ministries, diplomatic services, research institutions, and legal practice. You strengthen your ability to interpret human rights norms, assess violations, and use legal tools in advocacy, strategic litigation, or organizational compliance.

Postgraduate Center Universität Wien

Modules

You follow a structured study path that combines theoretical foundations with practical skills. You complete either an Introduction to Legal Studies module (mandatory for non-lawyers) at the beginning of the program or a Moot Court module (mandatory for lawyers) in the summer semester. If your educational background does not clearly match either option, the decision which of the two alternative compulsory modules to attend is subject to prior permission by the academic director.

This module provides essential legal concepts and methods for participants without a background in law. You learn how legal systems work, how to read legal texts, and how to apply basic reasoning in human rights contexts.

Courses:

  • Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers
  • Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

This module trains legal argumentation and case analysis in a court-like simulation. You work with human rights cases, prepare submissions, and develop persuasive legal reasoning.

Course:

  • Moot Court

You explore the foundations, legal sources, interpretation methods, and enforcement mechanisms of human rights. This module strengthens your analytical understanding of how human rights norms emerge and operate.

Courses:

  • Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights
  • Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation
  • Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms
  • Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

You examine human rights systems at national, regional, and international levels. This module shows how different institutions interact and how the principle of subsidiarity shapes protection mechanisms.

Courses:

  • The Nation-State as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights and the Principle of Subsidiarity
  • UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms
  • Regional Human Rights Systems

This module focuses on substantive rights and contemporary issues affecting human rights protection today. You work with cases involving vulnerable groups and emerging global issues.

Courses:

  • Human Rights Generations and Dimensions
  • Persons in Vulnerable Situations, Equality and Diversity
  • New Challenges for Human Rights

You gain practical skills relevant for human rights work, including monitoring, advocacy, litigation, and educational approaches. You apply tools used by professionals in various institutional settings.

Courses:

  • Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education
  • Human Rights in an Organizational Context, Monitoring and Advocacy
  • Human Rights Litigation, Legal Mediation and Advice

You complete your studies with a master’s thesis that reflects your ability to work with human rights topics using academic and methodological standards.

What our Graduates say

  • Studio NEXT
    Through the program, I learned that rights are rarely fixed guarantees, but negotiated and uneven in practice. This Master’s stands out for its intellectual friction, created by an interdisciplinary cohort and faculty.
    Rebecca Caric, LL.M., Graduate
  • The professors provided practical examples and essential advocacy skills. My highlight was my thesis on adoption rights for foreign same-sex couples in Austria and on children’s rights to nationality.
    Ilias Myrsinias, LL.M., Graduate
  • The program showed me legal questions aren't isolated but must be seen in a broader human rights context. I valued its interdisciplinary approach and the exchange with experts linking national law to European/international standards and society insights.
    Mag. iur. Tianyi Zhang, Graduate

Insights

Further Insights

Admission Process

  • Requirements

    Admission requirements include the following:

    • A university degree in Legal Studies or in Economic, Natural, Social Sciences or Humanities (minimum 180 ECTS Credits)
    • English proficiency at B2 level

  • Application

    Please submit the following documents via the application form:

    • Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
    • Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
    • University diploma
    • Proof of English proficiency (min. B2)
    • Photo ID-card

  • Further Procedure

    Applications are continuously reviewed by the academic director. You will receive timely updates regarding your admission status.

Ready for your next step?

Register here

Funding and Financing

Your continuing education is an investment in your future. The Postgraduate Center supports you in finding the right funding opportunities. Find out about educational grants, tax deductions, and financial support options: Funding and Financing

Take the opportunity to find out about state grants, scholarships, and employer subsidies – there are many paths to continuing education.

Der Knopfdrücker

LL.M. Scholarships

At the University of Vienna, scholarships for students of the Faculty of Law are awarded at regular intervals. The grant supports participation in an LL.M. program and is funded annually by the Hochschulstipendienstiftung für Hörer der Rechte an der Wiener Universität (Higher Education Scholarship Foundation for Law Students at the University of Vienna). These scholarships are awarded once a year – typically at the end of the summer semester – for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships are usually announced in June. Please refer to the calls and further information: LL.M. Scholarships.

FAQs

Our courses take place weekly – typically on Thursdays from 5 to 9 pm, Fridays from 4 to 9 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 6 pm. The program follows mainly a hybrid format with on-site teaching and live streaming. Some sessions take place exclusively on-site or exclusively online.

To help you plan ahead, we are providing the dates for the first semester. Once you have been admitted, you will find detailed course information in Moodle.

Winter semester 2026/27*:

DateTimeCourseFormat

Thu, October 1, 2026

17:00-18:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

In-person attendance preferred; hybrid format available upon request

18:45-20:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

In-person attendance preferred; hybrid format available upon request

Fri, October 2, 2026

16:00-17:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

On-site only

17:45-19:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

On-site only

19:30-21:00

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

Sat, October 3, 2026

09:00-10:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

10:45-12:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

13:45-15:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

Thu, October 8, 2026

17:00-18:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

20:30-21:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

Fri, October 9, 2026

16:00-17:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

19:30-21:00

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

Sat, October 10, 2026

10:00-11:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

11:45-12:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

Thu, October 15, 2026

17:00-18:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

Fri, October 16, 2026

16:00-17:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

19:30-21:00

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

Sat, October 17, 2026

09:45-10:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

10:45-12:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers

Hybrid possible

13:45-15:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

15:30-17:00

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

17:15-18:00

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

Thu, October 22, 2026

17:00-18:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

20:30-21:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

Fri, October 23, 2026

16:00-17:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

19:30-21:00

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – Application and Exercises

Hybrid possible

Sat, October 24, 2026

(first session for everyone in the program)

10:00-11:30

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

11:45-13:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

14:15-15:45

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

Thu, October 29, 2026

17:00-18:30

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

Fri, October 30, 2026

16:00-17:30

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

On-site only

17:45-19:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

On-site only

Sat, October 31, 2026

09:00-10:30

Introduction to Legal Studies for Non-Lawyers – EXAM 

Hybrid possible

10:45-12:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

13:45-15:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

15:30-17:00

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

Thu, November 5, 2026

17:00-18:30

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

20:30-21:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

Fri, November 6, 2026

16:00-17:30

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

17:45-19:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

19:30-21:00

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

Sat, November 7, 2026

09:00-10:30

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

10:45-12:15

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

Sat, November 14, 2026

13:45-15:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

15:30-17:00

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

Thu, November 19, 2026

17:00-18:30

Regional Human Rights Systems

On-site only

18:45-20:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

On-site only

20:30-21:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

On-site only

Fri, November 20, 2026

16:00-17:30

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

19:30-21:00

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

On-site preferred, hybrid on request

Sat, November 21, 2026

09:00-10:30

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

On-site only

10:45-12:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

On-site only

13:45-15:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

On-site only

15:30-16:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

On-site only

16:30-18:00

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

Thu, November 26, 2026

18:45-20:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

20:30-21:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

Fri, November 27, 2026

16:00-17:30

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

17:45-18:30

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

Sat, November 28, 2026

09:00-10:30

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

On-site only

10:45-12:15

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

On-site only

13:45-15:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

15:30-17:00

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

17:15-18:00

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

Thu, December 3, 2026

17:00-18:30

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

Hybrid possible

20:30-21:15

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights – EXAM

On-site only

Fri, December 4, 2026

16:00-17:30

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

19:30-21:00

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

Sat, December 5, 2026

09:00-10:30

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

10:45-12:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

13:45-15:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

15:30-17:00

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

Thu, December 10, 2026

17:00-18:30

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

20:30-21:15

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

Fri, December 11, 2026

16:00-17:30

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

19:30-21:00

The Nation-state as Basic Unit for the Protection of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

Sat, December 12, 2026

09:45-10:30

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

10:45-12:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

13:45-15:15

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

15:30-17:00

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

17:15-18:00

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

Thu, December 17, 2026

17:00-18:30

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

20:30-21:15

Assessing Human Rights Violations, Filing Human Rights Complaints and Strategic Litigation

Hybrid possible

Fri, December 18, 2026

16:00-17:30

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

Hybrid possible

19:30-20:15

Regional Human Rights Systems – Group Presentations

On-site only

Sat, December 19, 2026

13:45-15:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

15:30-17:00

Regional Human Rights Systems – EXAM 

tba

Thu, January 7, 2027

17:00-18:30

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

Online only

18:45-19:30

Human Rights: Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanisms

Online only

Fri, January 8, 2027

16:00-17:30

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

17:45-19:15

Human Rights and the Law: Legal Sources, Methodology and Interpretation

Hybrid possible

19:30-21:00

Definition, History, Justification and Dimensions of Human Rights

Hybrid possible

Thu, January 14, 2027

17:00-18:30

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

18:45-20:15

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

20:30-21:15

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

Fri, January 15, 2027

16:00-17:30

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

17:45-19:15

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

19:30-21:00

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

Sat, January 16, 2027

09:00-10:30

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

10:45-12:15

UN Human Rights Systems and Mechanisms

On-site only

Thu, January 21, 2027

17:00-18:30

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

18:45-20:15

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

20:30-21:15

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

Thu, January 28, 2027

17:00-18:30

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

18:45-20:15

Regional Human Rights Systems

Hybrid possible

Fri, January 29, 2027

16:00-17:30

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

17:45-19:15

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

19:30-21:00

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

Sat, January 30, 2027

09:00-10:30

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

10:45-12:15

Human Rights Practice, Approaches and Human Rights Education

On-site only

13:45-15:15

Optional: Human Rights Career Session 

On-site only

15:30-17:00

Optional: Human Rights Career Session 

On-site only

17:15-18:00

Optional: Human Rights Career Session 

On-site only

*Subject to change

The LL.M. program “Human Rights” starts every October.

No. The program is open to graduates from law and other disciplines. Depending on your background, you complete either the Introduction to Legal Studies or the Moot Court module.

Yes. The program is designed as an extra occupational master’s degree and aligns with the schedules of working professionals.

You learn through lectures, discussions, group work, presentations, simulation games, and creative formats.

Yes. The language of instruction is English, and the program welcomes an international and diverse cohort.

Please note that it is your responsibility to take care of matters such as visa applications, funding, and financing, as well as finding an accommodation. As these processes can take up to several months, we advise to start in a timely manner.

Find out more about living and studying in Vienna here.

You train legal argumentation and case handling in a simulated court environment, strengthening practical skills relevant for many career paths.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Program Management.

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Academic Director

Michael Lysander Fremuth Porträt
Michael Lysander Fremuth Porträt
Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Michael Lysander Fremuth

Academic Director

Contact

Annleena Backhaus

MA

Program Management

Postgraduate Center
Campus of the University of Vienna
Spitalgasse 2, Court 1
Entrance 1.14.1
1090 Vienna

+43-1-4277-10865
humanrights(at)univie.ac.at

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Logo: Ludwig Boltzmann Institut für Grund- und Menschenrechte