Skip to main content

Human rights courses

Become a champion for justice and advocate for those in need

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Human rights

Human rights are at the heart of a fair and just society. And those drawn to this field of study are the daring and disruptive among us, people who want to make a positive change in the world.  

It’s an engaging specialty that can help you understand and advocate for the rights of humans everywhere. You’ll gain the insights needed to address pressing issues affecting society, like refugee crises, reconciliation, and modern slavery. 

Below, you can compare online human rights courses with some of Australia’s top universities. Learn how to fight for justice, equality, and social responsibility—and make your mark on the world.

Explore human rights courses
Matthew, law student, standing outside
Matthew studied law with RMIT through Open Universities Australia

Discover human rights courses

Online human rights subjects and short courses

Torrens University Australia

Social Justice in Action

PostgraduateTUA-EEDUSD400

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 16 Feb 2026, 1 Jun 2026, 14 Sep 2026
La Trobe University

Justice and Society

UndergraduateLTU-LAW1001

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 2 Mar 2026
Griffith University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 13 Jul 2026
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 20 Jul 2026
View all subjects

Online human rights degrees

Curtin University

Master of Human Rights

PostgraduateCUR-HRI-MAS

Engage with a range of perspectives to develop your own position

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Curtin University

Graduate Certificate in Human Rights

PostgraduateCUR-HRI-GCE

Think global. Act local. Think local. Act global.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

A double degree in business and politics

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Notre Dame Australia

Fight to end the exploitation of human labour

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

Need help choosing the right course?

With 30+ years experience, our student advisors will call at a date and time that suits you to discuss:

  • Choosing the right course
  • Enrolling in and planning your studies
  • Understanding your funding options

When would you like to chat?

Let me pick a time

Find a time that suits you for a free 1:1 consultation with a student advisor.

Call me anytime

A student advisor will call you, usually within 30 minutes during business hours.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Student reviews

We support thousands of students on their study journey every year

Our advisors are here to help with your study goals from enrolment to completion 7 days a week.

Human rights study FAQs

What will I learn in a human rights course?

A human rights course will teach you what it takes to stand up for the rights of others and be a voice for change. Topics you delve into may include: 

  • The history and development of human rights 

  • International human rights laws and treaties 

  • Human rights advocacy and activism 

  • The impact of inequality and discrimination 

  • Strategies to promote social justice

Why should I study human rights?

If you’re interested in learning about the social issues that impact humanity, a human rights course could be a good fit for you.  

Studying human rights gives you the knowledge and skills you need to advocate for social change and justice. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, learn about the challenges faced by marginalised groups, and understand the various ways you can make a difference. It’s an ideal area of study for those who are passionate about fighting for equality and working towards a better world for all.  

If you’re still unsure, you may be interested in exploring courses in law, international relations, public policy, social work, or sociology, which are closely aligned with human rights.

Why should I study human rights online?

An online human rights course is the perfect way to study something you care about with total flexibility. You have the freedom to balance your course workload with other commitments, like work, family, and staying social.  

Benefits of studying human rights online include:  

  • Learn from anywhere. Access your course materials no matter where you are

  • Flexible scheduling. Earn your degree in a way that fits your life

  • Quality education. Learn from leading Australian universities, no matter your location.

Can I specialise in a particular area of human rights?

Absolutely! Depending on the subjects you choose, you could specialise in a field such as: 

  • Women’s rights 

  • Indigenous rights 

  • Refugee rights 

  • Environmental justice 

  • Disability rights  

Specialising your studies is a great way to prepare yourself for a targeted career path.

What career opportunities can I explore after completing a human rights course?

Your course can open the door to a range of rewarding careers, including: 

  • Human rights advocate

  • Policy analyst

  • Community outreach coordinator

  • Not-for-profit program manager

  • International relations officer

  • Researcher or educator

Building a strong foundation in human rights will equip you to embark on a career that is both fulfilling and influential, no matter which path you find yourself on.

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 may be able to help you find a pathway into your course.

Chat with us to find out more.

How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Student stories and study advice

How a love of travel became a career path for Harry

Ever watched a movie where the main character has a cool job and thought, ‘Gee, I’d love to do that one day'? For Harry, that’s exactly how he found himself on the pathway to becoming a humanitarian aid worker with the help of our student advisors.

The power of student activism (and how to get involved online)

As history shows, student activism drives meaningful change. But how can online students be part of these grassroots movements from afar?

6 facts you need to know about studying law online

We debunk your misconceptions and highlight the unique opportunities available to you when you study law online. 

3 fascinating forensics jobs in Australia

Thinking about forensics as a career? For true crime junkies and self-confessed science geeks with a penchant for justice, it might seem like the perfect choice. But what does it take to work in forensics, and what jobs are on offer in Australia?

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

A student leaping from one side of a platform to another, with a blue sky in the background.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 540,250+ students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

How we can help you

Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year

We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.

You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education

As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.

Enrol in courses from 24 of Australia's leading universities

RMIT University LogoUniversity of Southern Queensland Logo
Edith Cowan University LogoMacquarie University Logo
Swinburne University of Technology LogoMurdoch University Logo
Griffith University LogoThe University of Newcastle Logo
University of New England LogoCurtin University Logo
University of the Sunshine Coast LogoUniversity of Canberra Logo
La Trobe University LogoThe University of Notre Dame Australia Logo
University of Tasmania LogoFlinders University Logo
Australian Catholic University LogoSouthern Cross University Logo
James Cook University LogoThe University of Queensland Logo
Torrens University Australia LogoBond University Logo
The Australian National University LogoAdelaide University logo
Start exploring courses now