LLM in International Human Rights Law at University of Notre Dame

Programme overview

The LL.M. in International Human Rights Law is a joint programme of Notre Dame Law School and the Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights. It covers substantive and procedural international human rights law and the practical skills of strategic human rights lawyering. More than 500 lawyers from over 100 countries have graduated from it.

Faculty: The Law School | Department: Notre Dame Law School and the Klau Institute for Civil and Human Rights | Duration: One academic year (minimum 24 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Notre Dame, IN, United States

What you will study

A required fall core includes International Law, Introduction to International Human Rights Law, Business and Human Rights Law, the Global Human Rights Clinic and LL.M. Legal Research and Writing, plus Jurisprudence: Foundations of Human Rights and a spring research course. Spring electives include Comparative Constitutional Law, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Civil Rights and a Human Rights LL.M. Thesis.

Career pathways

Graduates are regularly selected to clerk for regional human rights courts and to work at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, among other global appointments.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

First law degree required: a J.D. from an ABA-approved US law school, or a J.D., LL.B. or comparable first law degree from a non-US law school. Transcripts go through the LSAC CAS report. Three letters of recommendation (up to four), at least one from a law teacher where possible. Personal statement (up to four double-spaced pages), 'Why Notre Dame Law School?' statement (up to two pages) and a resume. Optional addendum; interview at the committee's discretion. English proficiency required unless the applicant holds a degree from an English-medium institution: TOEFL iBT 100 (preferred), IELTS 7.5 Academic, or C1 Advanced 185. Applications open November 1; deadline March 15 (late applications may be accepted subject to availability); supporting documents due April 1; rolling decisions.

Notre Dame Law School admits new Juris Doctor students for the fall term only.

Notre Dame MBA application rounds: Early Action September 10, 2026; Round 1 October 20, 2026; Round 2 January 7, 2027; Round 3 March 17, 2027. The application fee is $175, paid by credit card.

Executive MBA application rounds: Early Action September 10, 2026; Round 1 October 20, 2026; Round 2 January 7, 2027; Round 3 March 17, 2027. The application fee is $100, paid by credit card.

Juris Doctor Regular Decision: the application opens September 1 and closes March 1, with supporting documents due by March 10. The application fee is $75, payable by credit card.

Apply through the official page: https://law.nd.edu/admissions/

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