Warning! This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.

Degree structure

Degree details

Students will achieve the following outcomes from the Masters:

  1. apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of human rights in work and community settings
  2. 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
  3. locate, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant evidence and human rights literature
  4. communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex human rights data or theories
  5. use technologies to effectively collect information and communicate findings
  6. demonstrate ability in self-directed learning
  7. recognise the global nature of human rights issues and apply knowledge of practices learned
  8. demonstrate a critical appreciation of diverse cultural aspects of human rights theory and practice
  9. 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.

Graduates will have opportunities in careers including education, diplomatic services, human rights organisations, international development programs and government agencies.

Higher education

Applicants require a bachelor degree or equivalent in one of the following disciplines: Arts/Humanities, Psychology, Education, Social Work, Law, Journalism, Health.

Applicants with a bachelor degree in another discipline also require one year work experience (paid or unpaid).

English Proficiency Requirements

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 http://students.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/English_List.pdf.

A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for international applicants is also required.

Applicants for a Graduate Certificate are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://courses.curtin.edu.au/course_overview/admission-requirements/. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent credit gained for recognised learning.

*** 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: https://study.curtin.edu.au/credit/

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 manual (PDF).

If you have any questions, please contact opencurtin@curtin.edu.au

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 multidisciplinary, multicultural and multi-religious perspectives, as well as looking at the roles that 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.

Award Requirements

The Master of Human Rights students must complete eight core subjects and two double Human Rights project subjects.

The Graduate Diploma of Human Rights is offered as an exit award after completion of eight core subjects.