Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Human Rights promotes a critical understanding of the discourse that enables policy workers, lawyers, educators, social workers and journalists to contribute to the development, protection and application of human rights. This courses suit those who want to enter the field of human rights or add a human rights perspective to their profession; and to those working in the field who wish to enhance their knowledge in a particular area of human rights practice or advocacy. Using both theoretical and practical learning methods, you'll examine modern human-rights institutions and explore the philosophical and political development of beliefs about human rights that underpin current systems. You'll consider how social movements, grass-roots campaigns, and government and non-government organisations have contributed to human rights practices and activism. The courses examine the subject from multidisciplinary, multicultural and multireligious perspectives to ensure you develop a globalised understanding. Students who complete the master degree to a high standard can apply for doctoral-level studies.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Curtin Perth, Western Australia

78 Murray St, Perth, WA 6000

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma
Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met
English language requirement: IELTS Academic with an Overall band score of 6.5, with Writing 6, Speaking 6, Reading 6, and Listening 6
If you've completed a different English test or qualification, you may be able to use it to meet this requirement — check accepted English tests, qualifications and required scores on the English language requirements page
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The world is becoming increasingly complex where the interests of multinationals, organisations and communities intersect. Curtin's postgraduate human rights courses emphasise the importance of human dignity and environmental protection. Our students learn the concepts and skills required to enable them to understand how accountability, justice, fairness, inclusion and human dignity can be realised. Industries include: International relations, Human resources, Global health, Law, Media, Education, United Nations organisations, NGOs.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Master of Human Rights designed for?

The Master of Human Rights suits those who want to enter the field of human rights or add a human rights perspective to their profession, as well as those already working in the field who wish to enhance their knowledge in a particular area of human rights practice or advocacy. It is particularly relevant for policy workers, lawyers, educators, social workers and journalists.

What are the English language requirements for this course?

You must meet Curtin's English language requirements. For this course, the IELTS Academic requirement is an Overall band score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in each of Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. If you've completed a different English test or qualification, you may be able to use it to meet this requirement.

How much does the Master of Human Rights cost for domestic students?

The 2026 domestic indicative first-year fee is $24,738. This is based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points and does not include administrative and incidental fees or the cost of textbooks. Domestic fee-paying students may be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for all or part of their tuition fees.

Can I continue to doctoral studies after completing the Master of Human Rights?

Yes. Students who complete the master degree to a high standard can apply for doctoral-level studies.

When can I start the Master of Human Rights and how do I apply?

The course is offered at Curtin Perth with intakes in Semester 1 and Semester 2 each year. For 2026, Semester 2 applications close 5 July 2026, and for Semester 1 2027, applications close 28 January 2027. You apply directly to Curtin via their online applications portal.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $78,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $78,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Human Rights OfficerPolicy Officer / Policy AnalystRefugee and Asylum Seeker AdvocateCommunity Legal Centre LawyerAnti-Discrimination Conciliator

Key Skills

Critical analysis of international and domestic human rights law and instrumentsPolicy research, development, and evaluation in a human rights contextLegal advocacy and argumentation in human rights mattersCommunity consultation and stakeholder engagementHuman rights monitoring, reporting, and documentation

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses