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. The intensive one-year course, uniquely designed for the African context, provides a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of human rights and democratisation. Here’s what you need to know about the program and how to apply.
Program Overview
The LLM/MPhil in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa is a distinctive course offered by the Centre for Human Rights, 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.
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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
This is an excellent 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.
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