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Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation Reach a greater understanding of Human Rights and Advocacy Law by increasing your knowledge of the law and litigation practice.
Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation Reach a greater understanding of Human Rights and Advocacy Law by increasing your knowledge of the law and litigation practice.

Qualification: LLM

Faculty: Commerce, Law and Management

Duration: 1 - 2 years

School: Law

Study mode: Full-time; Part-time

Overview

Human Rights and Advocacy Law engages questions of legal practice and strategy in the broad social justice sector. It considers perennial and changing questions about the role and limits of law and constitutional rights in securing social justice. More broadly, it continually interrogates the place of the Constitution in effecting social change, as well as the changing debates on ‘transformative constitutionalism’. By inviting human rights practitioners to talk about current cases, the course aims to be at the cutting edge of contemporary South African human rights practice.

Human Rights and Advocacy Law is aimed at advocates, attorneys, academics and researchers who are interested in the relationship between law, litigation and social justice outcomes. It is beneficial both to those working within the broad social justice/human rights sector and to those working in other areas of law. Students are expected to have a basic doctrinal knowledge of human rights related law, and be prepared to learn to think ‘out of the box’ about the use of law to effect social change.

This course seeks to build students’ theoretical, conceptual, strategic and practical understandings of the law and litigation practice. Students are expected to have a basic doctrinal knowledge of human rights related law, and be prepared to learn to think ‘out of the box’ about the use of law to effect social change.

Human Rights and Advocacy Law directly engages the role of law in securing social and economic justice. This means that the course has considered the role of law in addressing a variety of societal problems, including an absence of socio-economic rights, inequality, poverty, racism, gender-based violence, xenophobia, environmental injustice and so on.

The following compulsory course, which must be completed at core level **:

  • Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation Law

Three of the following elective courses, one of which must be completed at core level 

and two at non-core level:

  • Access to Information and Privacy Law
  • Advanced Administrative Law
  • Advanced Bill of Rights Jurisprudence
  • Human Rights and the Marketplace
  • International Criminal Law
  • International Dispute Resolution
  • International Human Rights Law
  • International Law on Foreign Investment *
  • Law of Armed Conflict
  • Migration, Law and Society
  • Refugees Law
  • Regulation and Law
  • Urban and Local Government Law

* Course subject to prerequisite(s)        

**  Core courses

A core course covers the same content as a non-core course, but students must complete an additional research component, counting for 50% of the final mark for the core course.

* Prerequisite courses

Some courses are subject to prerequisites, as set out below.

Note: A candidate who has not completed the prerequisite(s) for a course prior to commencing the programme, will only be able to take the course(s) once they have completed the prerequisite(s). In some cases this may necessitate the candidate registering for the programme on a part-time basis and completing the prerequisite(s) in the first year of study, so that they can complete the course(s) subject to prerequisite(s) in the second year of study.

Course Description
Prerequisite(s)
International Law on Foreign Investment
  • It is recommended that candidates must have passed either Public International Law (LAWS3050A);
  • or an equivalent course at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with an average mark of 70 percent. If you have an LLB with an average mark of between 65% and 70%, you may be considered for admission.
  • However, you may be requested to submit a sample of academic writing which, in the sole discretion of the School of Law, demonstrates your ability to perform legal research and produce writing of a high standard, including the ability to think conceptually, footnote and reference properly, and communicate effectively in writing.
  • Such evidence could, for instance, consist of a legal publication or a law essay written by you during your LLB that received a high mark. This sample should not be submitted together with your application – if needed, the School will request the sample from you once your application has been marked as complete.
  • We admit only law graduates and legal professionals who have the interest, ability and time to conduct research at an advanced academic level. Entry to the programme is limited.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place.

Programme Code Programme Title Plan Description SA Cutoff Date International Cutoff Date
CCA01 Master of Commerce Accounting 30/11/2022  30/08/2022
CCA01 Master of Commerce Financial and Integrated Reporting 30/11/2022
30/08/2022
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Accountancy 28/02/2023 28/02/2023
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Taxation 28/02/2023 28/02/2023
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Management Accounting 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Taxation 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA16 Bachelor of Accounting Science with Honours Bachelor of Accounting Science with Honours (SAICA Chartered Accountant Route) (CTA) 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA18 Bachelor of Accounting Science with Honours International Accounting, Finance and Governance 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Accountancy 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CXA02 Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy PG Diploma in Accountancy (SAICA Chartered Accountant Route) (CTA) 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CXA03 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialised Accountancy PG Diploma in Specialised Accountancy (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Route) 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CXA04 Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CXA05 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialised Accountancy Integrated Thinking and Value Creation 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CCA01 Master of Commerce Information Systems 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Business Sciences (Management) 28/02/2023 28/02/2023
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Human Resource Management 28/02/2023 28/02/2023
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Information Systems 28/02/2023 28/02/2023
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Insurance and Risk Management 28/02/2023 28/02/2023
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Marketing 28/02/2023 28/02/2023
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Business Sciences/Human Resources 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Business Sciences/Insurance and Risk Management 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Business Sciences/Management 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Business Sciences/Marketing 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Information Systems 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Business Sciences/Human Resources Management 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Business Sciences/Insurance & Risk 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Business Sciences/Management 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Business Sciences/Marketing 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Information Systems 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Taxation 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CCA01 Master of Commerce Applied Development Economics 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CCA01 Master of Commerce Business Sciences/Finance 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CCA01 Master of Commerce Economics 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CCA01 Master of Commerce Environmental and Energy Economics 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CCA01 Master of Commerce Inequality Studies 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CCA11 Master of Economic Science Economic Science 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy AERC 22/07/2022 22/07/2022
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Applied Development Economics 30/11/2022 30/11/2022
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Business Finance 30/11/2022 30/11/2022
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Economics 30/11/2022 30/11/2022
CDA00 Doctor of Philosophy Health Economics 30/11/2022 30/11/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Applied Development Economics 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Business Finance 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA00 Bachelor of Commerce Honours Economics 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CHA17 Bachelor of Economic Science with Honours Bachelor of Economic Science with Honours 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
CRA00 Master of Commerce Business Sciences/Business Finance 31/10/2022 31/10/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Commercial and Business Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Corporate Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Environmental Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report General 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Information and Communications Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report International Economic Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report International Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Labour Dispute Resolution Practice 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Labour Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Pension Funds Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LCA02 Master of Laws by Coursework and Research Report Tax Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LDA02 Doctor of Philosophy Doctor of Philosophy (School of Law) 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LRA00 Master of Laws Master of Laws (Dissertation) Research 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Commercial and Business Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Corporate Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Environmental Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law General 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Human Rights Advocacy and Litigation 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Information and Communications Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law International Economic Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law International Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Labour Dispute Resolution Practice 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Labour Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Pension Funds Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022
LXA03 Post Graduate Diploma in Law Tax Law 31/10/2022 31/08/2022

 

Academic programme Description Plan code Plan description Start date Cut off date
BDA00 Doctor of Philosophy BFADHI80 Doctor of Philosophy (Management) 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA01 Master of Management BFADB60 Digital Business 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA01 Master of Management BFAEL60 Energy Leadership 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA01 Master of Management BFABEXC60 Business and Executive Coaching 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA01 Master of Management BFASTRM60 Strategic Marketing 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA01 Master of Management BFAINST60 Innovation Studies 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BRA06 Master of Management BFADIS70 Master of Management (Dissertation) WBS 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA15 Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation BPAENV60 Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA16 Master of Management in Finance and Investment BPAFI60 Master of Management in Finance and Investment 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BCA14 Master of Business Administration BFAMBA63 Master of Business Administration (January Intake) 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BXA00 Postgraduate Diploma in Management BFAPDBA50 Business Administration 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BXA00 Postgraduate Diploma in Management BFAPGDB50 Digital Business 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BXA00 Postgraduate Diploma in Management BPAEL50 Energy Leadership 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BXA02 Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration BPAPBA51 Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
BXA00 Postgraduate Diploma in Management BPAELES50  Energy Leadership (Electricity Stream) 01/05/2022 30/09/2022
  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.