Human rights law postgraduate course.
Posted on : 6 October, 2026 3:22 pm
A human rights law postgraduate course helps students understand equality, justice and legal protection. It prepares learners to work on issues such as discrimination, gender justice, child protection and access to justice.
Students can choose an LLM in Human Rights Law or a postgraduate diploma. The right option depends on your education, career goal and available time.
This guide explains human rights law postgraduate courses in simple words. It covers eligibility, subjects, skills, jobs, salary and career growth.
What Is Human Rights Law?
Human rights law protects the dignity, freedom and equality of every person. It deals with rights that people should enjoy regardless of caste, religion, gender, disability or background.
The subject covers both Indian and international legal systems. Students learn how laws protect citizens and how courts handle rights-related cases.
Human rights law is useful for people who want to work in law, social justice, policy or public service.
Types of Human Rights Law Postgraduate Courses
There are two main options after graduation.
LLM in Human Rights Law
LLM stands for Master of Laws. It is a postgraduate law degree.
Most LLM programmes require an LLB degree. The course usually takes one or two years, depending on the university.
For example, Banaras Hindu University offers a two-year full-time LLM in Human Rights. It requires an LLB degree from a recognised university and minimum marks of 50% for general candidates.
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights Law
A postgraduate diploma is usually shorter than an LLM. It focuses on practical knowledge and career skills.
Some diploma programmes accept graduates from any discipline. The Indian Institute of Human Rights offers a two-year postgraduate diploma in Human Rights for graduates from arts, science, commerce, engineering, medicine, law, pharmacy and other fields.
This option can suit working professionals, social workers and graduates from non-law backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria
For LLM in Human Rights Law
Most universities require:
- LLB degree from a recognised university.
- Three-year LLB or five-year integrated law degree.
- Minimum marks as per university rules.
- Entrance examination score, where required.
- Valid documents during admission.
Many universities require around 50% to 55% marks in LLB. Reserved-category students may receive relaxation under the applicable rules.
For Postgraduate Diploma
Diploma programmes may be more flexible. Some institutions accept graduates from any stream.
Common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Minimum marks as per institution rules.
- Merit-based or entrance-based selection.
- Personal interview, where applicable.
Some institutions offer admission based on graduation marks. Others conduct entrance tests or interviews.
Admission Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Choose between LLM and PG diploma.
- Check university eligibility rules.
- Read the official admission notice.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload marksheets and identity documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Appear for the entrance exam, if required.
- Attend counselling or interview.
- Pay the admission fee.
- Complete registration.
Keep copies of your application form, fee receipt and admission letter.
Entrance Exams
CLAT PG
CLAT PG is accepted by participating National Law Universities. It tests legal knowledge, reasoning and comprehension.
Some universities use CLAT PG scores for LLM admission. Jindal Global Law School, for example, lists CLAT PG as one accepted entrance examination for its LLM in Human Rights and International Law
University Entrance Exams
Many universities conduct their own entrance tests. These exams may test constitutional law, human rights, current affairs and legal reasoning.
Merit-Based Admission
Some colleges offer admission based on graduation marks. This depends on the institution and available seats.
Main Subjects
The syllabus can vary by university. However, most courses cover similar topics.
Constitutional Law
Students study Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles and constitutional remedies.
International Human Rights Law
This subject covers global human rights standards, treaties and international organisations.
Criminal Justice
Students learn about criminal procedure, victim rights and access to justice.
Gender Justice
This area covers gender equality, violence against women and workplace rights.
Child Rights
Students study child protection, education, trafficking and juvenile justice.
Labour Rights
This subject covers fair wages, safe workplaces and worker protection.
Refugee and Migration Law
Students learn about displacement, asylum and protection for migrants.
Environmental Justice
This subject connects environmental harm with health, housing and community rights.
Research Methodology
Students learn how to collect data, analyse cases and write research papers.
Skills You Will Learn
A human rights law postgraduate course develops both legal and professional skills.
Important skills include:
- Legal research.
- Case analysis.
- Legal writing.
- Public speaking.
- Client interviewing.
- Policy analysis.
- Documentation.
- Critical thinking.
- Teamwork.
- Empathy.
These skills are useful in courts, NGOs, government offices and research organisations.
Career Options After the Course
Human Rights Lawyer
You can work with individuals, communities and organisations. The work may involve petitions, legal advice and court representation.
Legal Researcher
Legal researchers study laws, judgments and policy issues. They prepare reports and support legal teams.
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts study social problems and suggest legal reforms. They may work with think tanks, NGOs and government projects.
NGO Professional
NGOs work on legal aid, women’s rights, child rights, labour rights and community development.
Human Rights Consultant
Consultants help organisations understand human rights standards and improve their policies.
Legal Advisor
Legal advisors support companies, social organisations and public institutions.
Teaching and Academia
You can become a lecturer, researcher or academic coordinator. Higher qualifications may be required for some teaching roles.
International Organisations
Experienced professionals may work with international agencies and humanitarian organisations. These roles often require strong research and policy skills.
Where Can You Work?
Human rights law graduates can work in:
- Law firms.
- Courts.
- Legal-aid centres.
- Non-governmental organisations.
- Human rights commissions.
- Government departments.
- Universities.
- Think tanks.
- International organisations.
- Corporate social responsibility teams.
The National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commissions may offer legal and research-related opportunities. Recruitment depends on the post, qualification and experience.
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Diploma Courses
Students can also choose job-oriented diploma courses: Apply Now
- Diploma in Automobile Engineering (AE)
- Diploma in AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineering)
- Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
- Diploma in Civil Engineering (CE)
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (ME)
- Diploma in Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
- Diploma in Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE)
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering (EE)
- Diploma in Fire Technology & Safety
- Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (MLT)
- Diploma in Hotel Management
- Diploma in CSE (AI & ML)
Salary After Human Rights Law
Salary depends on experience, employer, location and job role.
| Experience level | Approximate annual salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | ₹2.5 lakh–₹5 lakh |
| 2–5 years | ₹5 lakh–₹10 lakh |
| 5–10 years | ₹10 lakh–₹18 lakh |
| Senior professional | ₹15 lakh–₹30 lakh or more |
These figures are estimates. NGO roles may offer lower starting salaries, but they provide valuable field experience.
Law firms, international organisations and consulting roles may offer higher packages.
LLM vs PG Diploma
| Point | LLM in Human Rights Law | PG Diploma in Human Rights Law |
|---|---|---|
| Degree type | Master’s degree | Diploma |
| Duration | Usually one or two years | Usually six months to two years |
| Eligibility | Usually LLB | Often any graduation |
| Focus | Advanced legal study | Practical and applied learning |
| Best for | Lawyers and law graduates | Professionals from other fields |
Choose an LLM if you want an advanced law degree. Choose a diploma if you want a shorter or more flexible programme.
How to Choose the Right Course
Check Your Career Goal
Choose an LLM if you want to practise law or teach. Choose a diploma if you want practical knowledge or work in social development.
Check Recognition
Verify that the university and programme are recognised. Read the official prospectus carefully.
Review the Syllabus
Look for subjects that match your interests. These may include gender justice, child rights, criminal justice or international law.
Check Faculty
Experienced teachers can improve your learning experience. Check their qualifications and research work.
Look for Practical Training
Ask about moot courts, legal-aid work, internships and research projects.
Compare Fees
Include tuition, books, travel and examination charges. Also check scholarship options.
How to Build a Strong Career
Complete Internships
Internships provide real-world experience. Work with NGOs, legal-aid centres, law firms or research organisations.
Publish Articles
Write about human rights issues, court judgments and legal reforms. Use reliable sources.
Attend Seminars
Seminars help you learn from lawyers, researchers and social workers.
Build a Portfolio
Keep your writing samples, research work and certificates together.
Learn Documentation
Human rights work requires accurate records. Learn how to organise interviews, reports and evidence.
Follow Current Affairs
Read court judgments, government reports and human rights developments.
Challenges in Human Rights Law
Human rights work can be meaningful, but it also has challenges.
- Cases may take a long time.
- Funding can be limited in some organisations.
- Work may involve field visits and travel.
- Clients may face difficult situations.
- Starting salaries may be modest.
- Court outcomes may not be immediate.
Prepare for these challenges before choosing this career.
Is a Human Rights Law Postgraduate Course Worth It?
Yes, it can be worthwhile for students who care about justice and social change. The course builds legal knowledge, research skills and professional confidence.
It is suitable for law graduates, social workers, policy students and professionals from other fields.
Choose the course because you value the work. Do not select it only because you expect a high salary.
Final Thoughts
A human rights law postgraduate course can lead to careers in law, research, policy, NGOs and public service. Students can choose an LLM or a postgraduate diploma based on their background and goals.
An LLM is best for law graduates who want advanced legal study. A diploma can suit graduates from other disciplines who want practical knowledge.
Before applying, check eligibility, syllabus, fees and career support. Build practical skills through internships, research and legal writing.
With patience and commitment, a human rights law course can lead to a meaningful career.
Note: Course duration, eligibility, fees and admission rules may change. Check the official university or institution website before applying.
FAQs
What is a human rights law postgraduate course?
It is an advanced programme that teaches legal protection, equality, justice and human rights standards.
Who can apply for an LLM in Human Rights Law?
Most universities require an LLB degree from a recognised university. Minimum marks and entrance requirements vary.
Can non-law graduates study human rights law?
Yes. Some postgraduate diploma programmes accept graduates from any discipline. Check the institution’s eligibility rules.
What is the duration of an LLM in Human Rights Law?
The duration is usually one or two years. It depends on the university and course structure.
What jobs can I get after this course?
You can work as a human rights lawyer, legal researcher, policy analyst, NGO professional, legal advisor or teacher.
Is CLAT PG required for LLM admission?
CLAT PG is required by participating National Law Universities. Other universities may conduct their own entrance tests or offer merit-based admission.
What is the salary after a human rights law course?
Freshers may earn around ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year. Experienced professionals may earn more, depending on their role and employer.
Is human rights law a good career?
Yes. It is a good career for students who care about justice, equality and social change.