Human Rights & International Law Program

Bachelor of Law with a Minor in Human Rights and International Law:

A Joint Program between the Faculty of Law and Al-Quds Bard College at Al-Quds University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Law with a Minor in Human Rights and International Law is offered through a collaboration between the Faculty of Law and Al-Quds Bard College for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Law program. The study plan consists of 131 credit hours, including courses in Law offered by the Faculty of Law, courses in the Human Rights and International Law minor offered by Al-Quds Bard College, in addition to the University’s general requirements.

It is worth noting that Al-Quds Bard College also offers Human Rights and International Law as a standalone major.

The introduction of this program reflects a shared vision between the Faculty of Law and Al-Quds Bard College to address a growing need in both the legal and human rights sectors across public, private, and international institutions. The program aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of human rights concepts while equipping them with comprehensive knowledge and critical analytical skills related to the political, cultural, social, historical, and legal dimensions of human rights.

Through specialized and advanced coursework that combines theory with practice and examines human rights issues at the local, regional, and international levels, the program prepares graduates with strong academic and research competencies. In addition to qualifying for the legal profession, graduates of the Bachelor of Law with a Minor in Human Rights and International Law are well positioned to pursue careers in governmental institutions and international organizations working in the fields of human rights and international law.

Program Objectives

• Deepen students’ knowledge of international law and human rights subjects that remain limited in many law programs across Palestine, and prepare specialized legal professionals in these fields.

• Meet labor market demands by producing graduates with strong legal expertise in human rights, proficiency in English legal terminology, and the ability to engage with legal studies and judicial decisions in English.

• Develop the practical skills necessary to monitor and document human rights violations according to international legal standards established by institutions such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

• Advance legal education in English, addressing a critical need in the sector and enabling graduates to contribute effectively to governmental bodies and international human rights organizations operating in Palestine and abroad. Enhanced English-language legal education also opens opportunities for graduates to pursue postgraduate studies at international universities.

• Equip students with the knowledge and research skills necessary to produce specialized legal studies in human rights and document violations against individuals, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, while adhering to the legal writing methodologies required by international institutions and courts.

• Broaden students’ academic and professional horizons by providing access to the full range of opportunities available through Al-Quds Bard College, including participation in conferences, Human Rights Council sessions, and partnerships with leading international academic institutions as well as local and international human rights organizations such as Addameer, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and others.

Learning Outcomes

I- Intellectual Skills

• Develop critical thinking and analytical abilities in addressing challenges related to human rights and international law.

• Strengthen students’ capacity to explore alternative models and theories beyond dominant approaches in the fields of human rights and international law.

II- Professional and Practical Skills

• Acquire practical skills in applying international human rights and legal standards in diverse contexts.

• Develop investigative and legal research competencies.

• Gain specialized legal translation skills in English.

• Gain professional legal writing techniques.

III- Other Skills

• Strengthen leadership abilities and teamwork skills.

• Develop organizational and management competencies.

• Promote the practical application of research ethics and professional integrity.

Admission Requirements

• A minimum score of 75% in the Palestinian General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihi) or its equivalent.

• Fulfillment of Al-Quds Bard College admission requirements, including an English placement examination and an interview for applicants with Tawjihi averages between 75% and 79.9%.

• Submission of a dedicated application to Al-Quds Bard College through the College Admissions Office.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program may pursue careers in:

•  Human rights organizations.

• Law firms.

• Judicial and justice sector institutions.

• Civil society organizations.

• Government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and official international affairs departments.