Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
You can choose one of three specialisations within the Master of Human Rights:
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.
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year (to be considered for CSP, you must apply by 15 January)
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year (to be considered for CSP, you must apply by 30 June)
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 (March) 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.
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 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
To qualify for the Master of Human Rights you must complete 72 credit points, including:
Recognition of Prior Learning / credit for previous studies is available for this course, refer to Admission requirement below.
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.
Entry in the 1 year or 1.5 year degree program is determined by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) criteria below:
Admission to candidature for the Master of Human Rights (1.5 years full-time) requires:
Admission to candidature for the Master of Human Rights (1 year full-time) requires:
If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course.
The Master of Human Rights 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.
You can also find employment in print and visual media (journalism, radio and reporting) where a human rights specialisation is required.
