Best Universities in Europe for Law & Human Rights Studies

Law and Human Rights Studies are among the most respected and in-demand fields of education. For international students, Europe stands out as a top destination because of its world-class universities, rich history in legal systems, international organizations, and strong human rights institutions like the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the EU Parliament.

If you’re looking to study Law & Human Rights in Europe, here are the top universities to consider:

1. University of Oxford (United Kingdom)

•Offers an internationally recognized Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) and LLM programs.

•Strong specialization in Human Rights Law, International Law, and Constitutional Law.

•Oxford’s Bonavero Institute of Human Rights is one of the leading research centers in Europe.

2. University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)

•Known for its LLM in International Human Rights Law.

•Offers summer programs in Human Rights in collaboration with NGOs and UN bodies.

•Cambridge graduates are highly sought after by international organizations.

3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK

•Offers one of the best LLM programs in Human Rights Law.

•LSE’s Centre for the Study of Human Rights is a leading research and advocacy hub.

•Strong connections with international law firms and NGOs.

4. Leiden University (Netherlands)

•Offers an LLM in Public International Law with a focus on Human Rights.

•Close links to international organizations in The Hague, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ).

•Excellent choice for students aiming to work in international law.

5. University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK)

•Offers a strong LLM in Human Rights.

•Known for research in constitutional law, human rights, and global justice.

•Edinburgh’s legal programs have strong international recognition.

6. Central European University (Austria/Hungary)

•Offers an LLM in Human Rights and Comparative Constitutional Law.

•Known for progressive and critical human rights education.

•Strong international student community with a focus on activism and social justice.

7. University of Geneva (Switzerland)

•Offers an LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.

•Located close to the United Nations and the European Court of Human Rights, making it perfect for internships.

•Practical training with international organizations is a key advantage.

8. KU Leuven (Belgium)

•Offers strong programs in European Law and Human Rights.

•Belgium’s location within the European Union headquarters (Brussels) provides direct access to EU institutions.

•Focuses on European legal systems and international governance.

Why Study Law & Human Rights in Europe?

•Access to international courts and NGOs (Hague, Strasbourg, Geneva).

•High employability in law firms, government, UN agencies, and NGOs.

•Exposure to multicultural and diverse legal systems.