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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

308209 v.3 Master of Human Rights

MHumRights(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 061485B
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

Introduction

The Master of Human Rights is a multidisciplinary course incorporating political theories, anthropology, philosophy, education, social work, development studies and legal frameworks to build a broad and critical understanding of human rights. The course is designed for human rights workers in a range of non-legal settings such as human services, policy work, development, advocacy, education and peace and conflict resolution, as well as for scholars wanting to engage with human rights in a grounded theoretical framework. The course takes a critical dialogical approach to education and human rights theory. The course involves the study of the theory and philosophy of human rights across different cultural, religious, philosophical and political traditions,including a particular focus on bridging the gap between scholarship and practice. The course is designed for people working both in Australia and internationally. It is multidisciplinary, and provides an opportunity for people from different cultural backgrounds, professions and disciplines to dialogue about human rights.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A degree or equivalent in any discipline or profession related to human rights. For example: sociology; political science; health professions; education; social work; community development; law; philosophy; theology; psychology; business; history; management; human resources; labour studies; international relations; media studies etc. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Human Rights will enable entry to the Masters program.

Note

Doctoral studies in human rights are also available. For further information about doctoral studies visit the future research students website (http://www.curtin.edu.au/research/futurestudents/) or contact L.Briskman@curtin.edu.au or 08 9266 7186.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study. Part-time study is available to international onshore students depending on their visa conditions. Off-campus, online or external study is available in some units only.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Graduate Certificate in Human Rights; Graduate Diploma in Human Rights.

Course Organisation

The first two semesters of this full-time course consist of eight units. Students are required to study six core units in human rights theory and philosophy, human rights history across cultures and religions, human rights instruments and institutions, community education, and human rights activism and advocacy. The remaining two units may be selected from a range of units on human rights issues, or units offered by other areas at Curtin. The final semester consists of two units which together comprise a project - this may be a research project, or a practice-based project. Students may undertake this project in Perth, or elsewhere in the world by individual arrangement and with the approval and support of the Centre for Human Rights Education.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will have an internationally recognised qualification which will assist with entry to exciting career prospects in a wide range of government and non-government settings. Previous graduates have gone on to work in EU anti-racism programs, human rights NGOs in Indonesia, policy development roles in Western Australia, direct service provision both locally and overseas in a range of human services, and advocacy and lobbying positions.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.

Further Information

For further information contact the Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator, Centre for Human Rights Education, on 08 9266 1678 or L.Fiske@curtin.edu.au.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
308168 v.2   Human Rights Theory and Philosophy 501 3.0 25.0
308169 v.2   Community Education and Consciousness Raising 503 3.0 25.0
308188 v.2   Human Rights and Development 507 2.0 25.0
  SELECT 1 OPTION   25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
308170 v.2   Human Rights History Across Cultures and Religions 502 3.0 25.0
308171 v.2   Human Rights Instruments and Institutions 506 3.0 25.0
308197 v.2   Human Rights Activism, Advocacy and Change 512 2.0 25.0
  SELECT 1 OPTION   25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
308206 v.2   Human Rights Project Preparation 601 5.0 25.0
308207 v.2   Human Rights Project 691 5.0 75.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
308202 v.2   Human Rights Issues 509 2.0 25.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 2 Hrs/Wk Credit
308201 v.2   Community Education and Consciousness Raising 504 2.0 25.0
308204 v.2   Human Rights Issues 510 2.0 25.0

#    Students may substitute an optional unit with an approved unit from other Master's level courses at Curtin.

Availability

Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 1       Y  
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2       Y  
2011 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.