Why study with us?
We're ranked 22nd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 5th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019.
This degree provides you with an understanding of how human rights apply in various political, social, economic and environmental contexts. You will develop critical skills in the effective use of human rights tools and language to achieve specific changes in the world while gaining skills to apply to real situations and create workable solutions.
Obtain vital knowledge of international and regional human rights systems and investigate areas including sociology and social policy, political science and political economy, philosophy, history and human geography. This degree has a global outlook and explores domestic policy and legal issues in the context of the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on Australia's geopolitical position.
This program combines social, scientific and legal approaches to the study of human rights and provides a holistic perspective on human rights and social change. The course addresses human rights violations at the local, national, regional and global levels.
You will have the opportunity to undertake independent scholarly research on current human rights issues and participate in an internship within an Australian or international human rights organisation.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
NOTE: Semester 2 2020 changes:
Sem 2, 2020 application closing date: 17 August
Sem 2, 2020 start date: 24 August
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
NOTE: Semester 2 2020 changes:
Sem 2, 2020 application closing date: 17 August
Sem 2, 2020 start date: 24 August
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
The Graduate Certificate in Human Rights requires the satisfactory completion of:
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Certificate in Human Rights requires:
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent.
Graduate certificates and diplomas are are a good alternative if you want to try out postgraduate study or increase the breadth of your expertise and knowledge, or if you don’t quite meet the entry requirements for a master’s degree.
The Human Rights program may lead you to a career within non-government agencies and the United Nations, roles in international human rights and development agencies as well as federal and state government roles. Graduates can also find employment in print and visual media (journalism, radio and reporting) where a human rights specialisation is required.
