Apply for this course by 6 July to study in this intake
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Master of Human Rights
PostgraduateCUR-HRI-MAS2025
Engage with a range of perspectives to develop your own position
Explore philosophy and theory, cultures and religions, instruments and institutions, activism, advocacy and community education. Graduates find career opportunities in diplomatic services, human rights, aid programs and government
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 6 July 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 10
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Human Rights
About this degree
Students will achieve the following outcomes from the Masters:
- apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of human rights in work and community settings
- critically analyse political, service, policy and moral issues using a human rights framework. Think creatively to develop human rights based solutions to social and political problems
- locate, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant evidence and human rights literature
- communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex human rights data or theories
- use technologies to effectively collect information and communicate findings
- demonstrate ability in self-directed learning
- recognise the global nature of human rights issues and apply knowledge of practices learned
- demonstrate a critical appreciation of diverse cultural aspects of human rights theory and practice
- demonstrate ability to work ethically and independently on study and fieldwork projects, as well as work collaboratively with fellow students, staff and colleagues in the field.
The Human Rights degree is designed to promote a critical understanding of the human rights discourse. The degree covers modern human rights institutions and how these work for state and non-state actors. The degree also explores the political, historical and philosophical development of ideas about human rights which underpin current systems. In recognition of the importance of a globalised understanding of human rights, the degree explores ideas about human rights from multi-disciplinary, multicultural and multi-religious perspectives, as well as looks at the roles of social movements, grass-roots campaigns and other actors have played in the development of human rights ideas and practices. The degree takes a problematising approach to education, provoking students to engage with a range of ideas and perspectives and to develop their own positions. The degree employs both theoretical and practical learning methods giving students the chance to put their learning into practice and to pursue individual areas of interest more deeply.
Recommended study pattern
Complete 6 core subjects, 2 capstone subjects (double subjects) and 2 elective subjects.
Award requirements
To qualify for the Master of Human Rights, students must complete the following:
- 6 core subjects
- 2 capstone subjects (double subjects)
- 2 postgraduate elective subjects
Exit points
A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award (or exit point) may apply for graduation in that award, subject to approval of Head of School. Fees apply.
Intermediate awards approved for this course:
- Graduate Certificate in Human Rights (CUR-HRI-GCE)
- Graduate Diploma in Human Rights - on completion of six core and two elective subjects.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
2024 Changes
The following subjects will no longer be offered in 2024:
- CHRE601 Human Rights Project Preparation Study
- CHRE691 Human Rights Project
Students who have completed the above subjects will have them counted towards the completion of their degrees.
Where these subjects are removed, they will be replaced by the following subjects:
- HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1 (new subject)
- HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2 (new subject)
- COM600 Masters Professional Experience (existing subject)
- COM610 Masters Professional or Creative Project (new subject)
For assistance with Student Services, please phone 1300 222 888 between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm AWST (Tuesday from 9:30 am), Monday to Friday, or contact Curtin Connect via the Ask Connect Webform.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$21,879
Indicative total fee $32,818
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at Study at Curtin. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met. All Curtin courses have compulsory and other core capabilities that are essential for demonstrating the achievement of course learning outcomes and graduation. Students who are unable to meet or demonstrate those requirements, now or in later stages during their studies, may seek reasonable adjustments by the University wherever possible to facilitate alternative ways of achieving those requirements. If reasonable adjustments cannot be accommodated, Curtin will discuss study options to find an alternative course of study or an exit degree. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Applicants need to meet Curtin’s English Language requirement as all degrees are taught in English.
If your education degrees were not solely in English, as per the International Handbook of Universities or the World Higher Education database please attach a scanned original copy of English Proficiency Test results. Admission requires an overall International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) (or equivalent test) score of at least 6.5 and competence in all test components (IELTS score of 6.0).
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Entry Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at: English Proficiency Tests.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Career opportunities
Graduates will have opportunities in careers including education, diplomatic services, human rights organisations, international development programs and government agencies.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
| Social Professionals | $75K to $93K | Up 0.4% |
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Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.