School of Graduate Studies · Law
University of Hargeisa
Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Human Rights
Develop advanced legal expertise to strengthen criminal justice, protect human rights and support fair and accountable institutions.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Study structure
- 4 semesters
- Credits
- 36 credit hours
- Study mode
- Regular
Programme profile
The LL.M in Criminal Justice and Human Rights develops specialist knowledge in criminal law and procedure, constitutionalism, international human rights, international criminal and humanitarian law, criminology and transitional justice. The programme connects legal theory with challenges facing Somaliland’s justice system.
Students develop legal analysis, advocacy and research skills through case studies, problem-based learning and simulations. A supervised thesis enables independent investigation of a criminal justice or human rights issue.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or an equivalent second degree relevant to law from a recognised university.
- A minimum undergraduate CGPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- A statement of purpose explaining interest in criminal justice and human rights.
- At least two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
- An interview may be required.
- Payment of the required application registration fee.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Hargeisa postgraduate admission system. Applicants must complete the application form and upload the required academic and supporting documents before the published deadline. Application dates, tuition fees and document requirements should be confirmed in the current SGS admission announcement.
What you will learn
- Analyse criminal law, procedure and evidence in relation to fair trial guarantees.
- Apply international and regional human rights standards to domestic legal challenges.
- Evaluate international criminal law, humanitarian law and transitional justice mechanisms.
- Develop advocacy, legislative reform and legal research skills.
- Conduct independent research on criminal justice and human rights.
Programme content
Explore the course outline below.
Year 1 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 811 | Rule of Law and Constitutionalism | 3 |
| LAW 812 | International Human Rights Law | 3 |
| LAW 613 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
Year 1 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 621 | Criminal Justice and Human Rights in Africa | 3 |
| LAW 622 | International Criminal Law and Humanitarian Law | 3 |
| LAW 623 | Human Rights Institutions and Advocacy | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 631 | Transitional Justice and Accountability | 3 |
| LAW 632 | Criminology | 3 |
| LAW 733 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
| LAW 733 | Statistics | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 741 | LL.M Thesis | 6 |
Contact SGS for the confirmed course schedule and credit requirements.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines Socratic discussion, problem-based learning, seminars, lectures, case law analysis and simulations. Assessment comprises participation and attendance (10%), assignments (50%) and a final examination (40%). Students also complete and defend a supervised LL.M thesis.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Legal practice in criminal justice and human rights
- Judicial, prosecutorial and defence roles, subject to professional requirements
- Human rights advocacy and detention monitoring
- Legal reform and policy advice
- Research and university teaching
Questions about the programme
Speak with the School of Graduate Studies about entry requirements, fees and application dates.
School of Graduate Studies · Law
University of Hargeisa
Master of Laws in Criminal Justice and Human Rights
Develop advanced legal expertise to strengthen criminal justice, protect human rights and support fair and accountable institutions.
- Duration
- 2 years
- Study structure
- 4 semesters
- Credits
- 36 credit hours
- Study mode
- Regular
Programme profile
The LL.M in Criminal Justice and Human Rights develops specialist knowledge in criminal law and procedure, constitutionalism, international human rights, international criminal and humanitarian law, criminology and transitional justice. The programme connects legal theory with challenges facing Somaliland’s justice system.
Students develop legal analysis, advocacy and research skills through case studies, problem-based learning and simulations. A supervised thesis enables independent investigation of a criminal justice or human rights issue.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) or an equivalent second degree relevant to law from a recognised university.
- A minimum undergraduate CGPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- A statement of purpose explaining interest in criminal justice and human rights.
- At least two recommendation letters from academic or professional referees.
- An interview may be required.
- Payment of the required application registration fee.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Hargeisa postgraduate admission system. Applicants must complete the application form and upload the required academic and supporting documents before the published deadline. Application dates, tuition fees and document requirements should be confirmed in the current SGS admission announcement.
What you will learn
- Analyse criminal law, procedure and evidence in relation to fair trial guarantees.
- Apply international and regional human rights standards to domestic legal challenges.
- Evaluate international criminal law, humanitarian law and transitional justice mechanisms.
- Develop advocacy, legislative reform and legal research skills.
- Conduct independent research on criminal justice and human rights.
Programme content
Explore the course outline below.
Year 1 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 811 | Rule of Law and Constitutionalism | 3 |
| LAW 812 | International Human Rights Law | 3 |
| LAW 613 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
Year 1 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 621 | Criminal Justice and Human Rights in Africa | 3 |
| LAW 622 | International Criminal Law and Humanitarian Law | 3 |
| LAW 623 | Human Rights Institutions and Advocacy | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 1
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 631 | Transitional Justice and Accountability | 3 |
| LAW 632 | Criminology | 3 |
| LAW 733 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 |
| LAW 733 | Statistics | 3 |
Year 2 Semester 2
| Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LAW 741 | LL.M Thesis | 6 |
Contact SGS for the confirmed course schedule and credit requirements.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching combines Socratic discussion, problem-based learning, seminars, lectures, case law analysis and simulations. Assessment comprises participation and attendance (10%), assignments (50%) and a final examination (40%). Students also complete and defend a supervised LL.M thesis.
Career opportunities
Graduates may pursue roles such as:
- Legal practice in criminal justice and human rights
- Judicial, prosecutorial and defence roles, subject to professional requirements
- Human rights advocacy and detention monitoring
- Legal reform and policy advice
- Research and university teaching
Questions about the programme
Speak with the School of Graduate Studies about entry requirements, fees and application dates.