Applications Open For Master’s Degree In Human Rights And Democratisation In Africa At The University Of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria is now accepting applications for its prestigious Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) for the year 2024. This one-year intensive course is uniquely designed for the African context and provides a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of human rights and democratisation. Here’s everything you need to know about the program, eligibility, scholarship opportunities, and the application process.
Program Overview
The LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa is a distinctive course offered by the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria. Each year, 25-30 exceptional individuals are selected to embark on a year-long academic journey, spending six months in Pretoria and another six at one of the twelve partner universities across Africa.
Throughout the course, students are taught by prominent lecturers in the human rights field, engage in numerous practical training exercises, and gain first-hand experience in the various dimensions of human rights work. The HRDA is the only course of its kind in Africa, making it a unique opportunity for those dedicated to the cause of human rights and democratisation.
Graduates of the program become members of the HRDA Alumni Association, a vibrant network of 537 professionals actively engaged in various sectors of human rights work. They contribute across all levels, from grassroots activism to civil service, and even at international organisations including the African Union and the United Nations.
Scholarship Opportunity
The university offers a limited number of full scholarships to up to 25 African students, subject to funding availability. These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and official programme activities.
Students who don’t receive scholarships can still gain admission as self-funding or partial-self funding students, provided they meet all the minimum admission criteria and can guarantee payment of a significant portion of their tuition, accommodation, and official programme activities.
Eligibility Criteria
The HRDA program welcomes applications from individuals from all African countries. To be eligible, applicants must hold a first degree in Law (LLB, licence en droit or licenciatura em direito) or an Honours degree relevant to human rights and democratisation.
In addition to these academic qualifications, selection is also based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated professional, academic, and personal interest in and commitment to human rights and democratisation in Africa.
- Potential for the applicant to utilise the qualification in their future career, preferably in their country of origin (the ‘multiplier effect’).
- Consideration of geographic representation to avoid overrepresentation of students from a particular African country.
- Efforts to achieve gender balance between women and men.
- Equitable representation of persons from vulnerable communities, including individuals with disabilities, indigenous community members, and LGBTI persons.
Application Process
Interested applicants need to provide the following documents during the application process:
- Previous academic records/transcripts
- Previous degree certificate(s)
- Copy of bio-data page of passport
- A good quality photograph
- For applicants who did not obtain their qualifications in English: TOEFL, SAT1 or IELTS Test certificate
Deadline: July 31, 2023
Partner Universities
The HRDA program has established a strong collaboration with twelve partner universities across Africa. These institutions contribute to the program by hosting students during the second semester, providing local expertise, and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the human rights landscape in various regions. The partner universities include:
- University of Botswana, Botswana
- University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- University of Ghana, Ghana
- University of Nairobi, Kenya
- University of Lagos, Nigeria
- University of Mauritius, Mauritius
- University of Malawi, Malawi
- Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal
- University of Rwanda, Rwanda
- University of the Western Cape, South Africa
- University of Zambia, Zambia
- University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Course Structure
The HRDA program is structured to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of human rights and democratisation. The course is divided into two semesters, with the first semester taking place at the University of Pretoria and the second semester at one of the partner universities.
First Semester Modules
- Introduction to Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa
- International Human Rights Law and Institutions
- African Human Rights System and Institutions
- Democratisation in Africa
- International Humanitarian Law
- Socio-Economic Rights and Development in Africa
- Rights of Vulnerable Groups in Africa
Second Semester Modules
During the second semester, students complete a research paper under the supervision of an academic expert from one of the partner universities. In addition, they participate in a clinical program, which involves hands-on human rights work with local NGOs, community-based organisations, and government institutions.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the HRDA program have gone on to pursue successful careers in a variety of sectors, including government, civil society, academia, and international organisations. Some notable career paths include:
- Human rights activists and advocates
- Policy advisors and consultants
- Researchers and academics
- Legal practitioners and judges
- Diplomats and international civil servants
- NGO and civil society leaders
Alumni Association
The HRDA Alumni Association is a vibrant network of former students who are actively engaged in various sectors of human rights work. The association facilitates professional networking, mentorship, and collaboration among its members, enabling them to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democracy in Africa. Alumni also play an essential role in promoting the HRDA program, recruiting new students, and supporting current students through mentorship and guidance.
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria’s Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa is an exceptional opportunity for passionate individuals dedicated to the cause of human rights and democratisation in Africa. The HRDA program provides not only an enriching academic experience but also an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democracy across the continent.
Seize this opportunity and apply to the University of Pretoria’s Master’s Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa. Let’s make a difference, one student at a time.
