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Study online with Curtin University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

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.

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

Master of Human Rights

This degree is an entry pathway to the Master of Human Rights for those who do not have a relevant degree. It is for human rights workers, those who would hope to work in the human rights field, professionals who wish to apply human rights principles to their practice, development workers, non government organisation workers, activists, teachers, mediation and conflict workers, and community workers. It involves the study of the theory and philosophy of human rights across different cultural, religious, philosophical and political traditions, and how these ideas can be translated into practice in the contemporary world. This degree is for those working both in Australia and internationally. It is multidisciplinary, and provides an opportunity for those from different cultural backgrounds, professions and disciplines to dialogue about human rights and develop their ideas and skills in human rights practice.This degree is only available for part-time study and the minimum completion time is 1 year.

Study the theory and philosophy of different cultural, religious and political traditions to investigate how they can be translated into practice today. Make a difference for human rights groups, aid programs, diplomatic services and governments.

Graduate Certificate in Human Rights

Forced Migration and Refugee Rights

International Human Rights Law and Practice

Social Justice and Development

Diversity Democracy Dissent

This subject is the second of two Masters project subjects involving supervised independent research in/of a discipline-relevant topic. This subject focuses on the completion and presentation of the research commenced in HUMN600 Masters Research Project 1, and will be taken in the next available study period following that subject. The specific nature of the project, the methods of research and the submission format will be determined in consultation with a discipline supervisor and may include professionally orientated tasks or components. The chosen research work involves supervised completion of a dissertation or creative project with exegesis.﻿Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject, you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Finalise and present your independent research. You’ll be guided by your supervisor towards the best submission format. Show a deep understanding of your research topic in this advanced Masters-level course. Complete your dissertation and mark a milestone.

Masters Research Project 2

The first of two supervised independent Masters project subjects involving detailed research in/of a topic to be chosen in consultation with the relevant discipline supervisor. This subject focuses on the preparation and design of that research, and must be taken prior to HUMN610 Masters Research Project 2. The specific nature of the project, the methods of research and the submission format will be determined in consultation with a discipline supervisor and may include professionally orientated tasks or components.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject, you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Learn how to define your research topic, and by the end of the subject, produce a project plan. Start sourcing the literature as you design your research. Communicate clearly with your supervisor. Get ready to write your Masters project thesis.

Masters Research Project 1

This subject was previously known as Human Rights Instruments and Institutions.This subject explores international and national human rights systems, including the role of the United Nations and international and national laws in defining, protecting and upholding human rights. Topics include human rights treaties; the recognition of Indigenous rights, racial and ethnic minority rights, women&#39;s rights and the rights of other groups; international and regional reporting and complaint mechanisms; and the role of non-government organisations. The subject also includes a practical simulation exercise to understand how the global human rights system operates in practice.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Enter the international human rights arena and study the laws, framework and institutions that define it.Scan treaties and conventions. Address Australia's human rights responsibilities. Look into the United Nations and non-government organisations.

Students complete a supervised independent project individually or in collaboration with other students in a discipline or across disciplines approved by their supervisor. This postgraduate project is a work of creative or professional practice or a combination of these practices, and is expected to become a significant element in the student’s portfolio. Students are advised to undertake a project that is significant to their ongoing studies, career or community engagement.﻿Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject, you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Work on a supervised project, either individually or collaboratively, based on your creative or professional practice. You’ll uncover diverse sources and build complex ideas. Boost your portfolio for future studies or your career.

Masters Professional or Creative Project

This subject was previously known as Human Rights Activism, Advocacy and Change.This subject explores the role of social movements, advocacy groups and different forms of activism in bringing about change. It features lecturers with a range of activist experiences and encourages students to reflect on their own activism or movements they support. Specific social movement models are explored, complemented by practical examples of activism from women&#39;s movements, LGBTQIA+ social movements, independence movements, and Indigenous peoples&#39; struggles for recognition and land.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Be emboldened by theories of power, change and social movement. Relive historical fights including the US civil rights struggle and the Algerian independence movement.Evaluate the role advocacy groups and activism play in fighting for human rights.

Activism, Advocacy and Change

This subject was previously known as Human Rights Issues 2.This subject explores Indigenous rights at the global level as well as within the Australian context, and elevates the importance of learning about the impacts of colonialism from the perspectives of those with lived experience. It examines key challenges in areas such as health, gender and sexuality, youth and leadership in relation to Indigenous rights, and the importance of Indigenous knowledges and self-determination in responding to these challenges.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Come to grips with the key challenges facing the Indigenous rights movement.Survey factors including gender, youth and social change. Unearth ongoing land rights issues. Identify the role of the media and the government.

Indigenous Rights

This subject was previously known as Refugee Rights.This subject explores forced migration from a range of perspectives, encouraging a critical engagement with the topic and the perspectives of those with lived experience. It examines theories and practices in relation to refugees and the politics of forced migration as well as the evolution of the international regime for refugee protection. The challenges provided by the restrictive policies of receiving countries and durable solutions to forced migration movements are examined.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Navigate the politics of forced migration. Critique and deconstruct theories and literature about refugee rights. Seek a legal perspective on Australia's asylum policies.Shore up a better understanding of refugee rights activism and advocacy.

This subject was previously known as Human Rights and Development.This subject explores the meaning of development by critiquing dominant models of economic growth and exploring the relationship of social and environmental justice to development theories and practices. It focuses on the impact of colonialism, patriarchy, climate change, economic growth, and racism on development policies and institutional practices. It draws lessons from the perspectives and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples, the Global South, grassroots, and diverse communities to understand how we may address social and environmental injustices and reimagine just, sustainable and decolonised futures.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Balance the relationship between human rights and economic development concerns.Learn how development was used to justify human rights abuses. Probe colonialist and anti-colonialist ways of thinking. Identify environmental development issues.

This subject was previously known as Human Rights History Across Cultures and Religions.This subject explores the development of the idea of the human across a range of cultures and religions. It draws upon critical theory and decolonial methods to learn how to address contemporary and emerging challenges that undermine cultural diversity and equal opportunity for all. It explores what diverse worldviews and lived experiences across histories, cultures, and religions are contributing for the emergence of inclusive, just, and pluriverse societies. The unit encourages critical and imaginative insights through dialogue, praxis, and critical education.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

View human rights through the lenses of religious and cultural beliefs.Return to the Enlightenment and the birth of human rights. Adopt Buddhist, Christian and Islamic approaches. Ask how these perspectives intersect with the field of education.

Dialogue across Cultures and Religions

This subject was previously known as Human Rights Theory and Philosophy.This subject provides an introduction to human rights, examining the foundations of the conventional human rights discourse and questioning what is meant by universal human rights. It explores the development of the Enlightenment and post-Holocaust human rights traditions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and critiques universalism from postmodernist, postcolonialist, decolonial and feminist perspectives. It also examines rights from a range of disability, First Nations, LGBTQIA+ and ecological perspectives.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Unpack human rights and what the term has meant at different times in history.  Manoeuvre your way through various human rights theories including universalism and socialisation. Address philosophical queries about what we mean by human rights.

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