A Master of Human Rights is an advanced postgraduate qualification that equips students with a deep, critical understanding of human rights theory, law, policy, and practice in both Australian and international contexts. The degree examines the philosophical, historical, and political foundations of human rights, explores key international and domestic legal frameworks, and analyses the role of institutions, social movements, government bodies, and non-government organisations in advancing human rights. Students engage with contemporary challenges such as refugee and asylum seeker rights, Indigenous rights, gender equality, disability rights, the rights of children, and the intersection of human rights with globalisation and development. The course approaches these issues from multidisciplinary, multicultural, and multi-religious perspectives, ensuring graduates develop a well-rounded, globally informed understanding of the field.

The qualification suits a diverse range of students — from recent graduates in law, arts, social sciences, international relations, or development studies, to experienced professionals in the public sector, NGOs, legal practice, journalism, or community services seeking to formalise and deepen their expertise. Employers of graduates span a wide range of sectors including federal and state government departments, statutory bodies such as the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Commission, United Nations agencies, international development organisations, legal aid and community legal centres, advocacy groups, not-for-profit organisations, humanitarian agencies, academia, and the media. The degree typically runs for one to two years full-time, though many providers offer part-time and online modes to accommodate working professionals.

Most Australian universities offering a Master of Human Rights require applicants to hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Depending on the course and its duration, applicants may require a bachelor degree with honours, a graduate certificate, or a graduate diploma. Cognate disciplines typically include law, humanities, social sciences, international relations, development studies, social work, journalism, and health — though many programs welcome applicants from non-cognate backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant professional or community experience. Some programs specifically accommodate both legal and non-legal backgrounds, enabling practitioners from diverse professions to build human rights expertise.

Work experience is often considered alongside academic qualifications. Relevant experience may include roles as a lawyer, solicitor, public servant, policy or research officer, political adviser, or professional in a charity or not-for-profit organisation. Where an applicant does not hold a law degree, a detailed curriculum vitae demonstrating substantial work experience in human rights-related fields is typically required to support the application. English language proficiency requirements apply to international applicants, with most universities requiring an IELTS Academic overall score of at least 6.5–7.0 (or equivalent in TOEFL, PTE, or C1 Advanced), with no individual band below 6.0. Some universities offer alternative pathway entry through graduate certificates or diplomas for applicants who do not fully meet direct entry requirements.