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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

University of Notre Dame Australia

Policing Human Trafficking

PostgraduateUND-BUSN5007

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Apr 2025
Griffith University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 14 Jul 2025
Curtin University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 21 Jul 2025
Murdoch University

Global Justice, Aid and Security

UndergraduateMUR-POL201

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025
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
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
Murdoch University

Work in an industry where your input will change lives

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all bachelor degrees

Discover 42 ways to study human rights with leading Australian universities.

Explore human rights courses

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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 through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

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.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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

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Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

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University of New England logoRMIT University logo
The University of Queensland logoTorrens University Australia logo
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