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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313841 v.1 Master of Human Rights

MHumRights(Curtin)

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


Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


The Human Rights course is designed to promote a critical understanding of the human rights discourse. The course covers modern human rights institutions and how these work for state and non-state actors. The course 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 course 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 course takes a problematising approach to education, provoking students to engage with a range of ideas and perspectives and to develop their own positions. The course 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.


Career Opportunites

Graduates may have opportunities in careers including education, diplomatic services, human rights organisations, international development programs and government agencies.


Additional Course Expenses

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



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. 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.


A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for International applicants is required.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

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 awards approved for this course:


Graduate Diploma in Human Rights; Graduate Certificate in Human Rights


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


The Master of Human Rights students must complete six core units, two elective units in first year plus two double Human Rights project units in second year. The Graduate Diploma of Human Rights is offered as an exit award after completion of six core units and two elective units.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

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


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is three semesters full-time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1       Y  
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      
2014 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.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
313844 v.1   Human Rights Theory and Philosophy 501 3.0 25.0
313845 v.1   Community Education and Consciousness Raising 503 3.0 25.0
313846 v.1   Human Rights and Development 507 2.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
313847 v.1   Human Rights History Across Cultures and Religions 502 3.0 25.0
313848 v.1   Human Rights Instruments and Institutions 506 3.0 25.0
313849 v.1   Human Rights Activism, Advocacy and Change 512 2.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
313850 v.1   Human Rights Project Preparation 601 5.0 50.0
313851 v.1   Human Rights Project 691 5.0 50.0
  100.0

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

**    Suggested electives are Human Rights Issues 509 and Human Rights Issues 510.




Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.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.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.