Master of Human Rights

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.

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.

• Master of Human Rights

• Year 1 Alternate Core Subjects

• Year 2 Alternate Core Subjects

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 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.

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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).