Course Overview

About This Course

Emerging legal norms require corporations to respect human rights, labour rights and the environment, rather than merely focusing on maximising profit for shareholders. Corporations are also expected to contribute to realise the Sustainable Development Goals and play their part in dealing with various societal challenges – from conflicts to climate change, poverty, unaffordable housing, modern slavery, gender discrimination, fake news, and artificial intelligence. Master of Laws in Corporations, Human Rights, and Sustainability responds to these increasing demands on corporations to earn “profit with principles”. It builds a foundation in international human rights law and then exposes students to key standards applicable to corporations in relation to human rights, labour rights, the environment, climate change and new technologies. Students also learn why responsible business conduct policies should be integrated into day-to-day business decisions and how to conduct human rights due diligence to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate adverse impacts of business activities on people and the planet. The course combines academic rigour with practical application of key responsible business conduct standards to varied situations and dilemmas faced by corporations in the marketplace. The teaching team employs past case studies, hypothetical scenarios and role plays to simulate a real-world operating environment for corporations. As part of the curriculum, students will also have the opportunity to conduct a research project in engagement with relevant partners.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Levels 23 & 24, 123 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $34,000 per year

Duration

Full time: 1 year

Intakes

Session 1 | Session 2

Study Mode

Full-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

•AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
or
•Meet two of the following three criteria:
◦AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
◦Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
◦AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

International students:

•AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
or
•Meet two of the following three criteria:
◦AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
◦Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
◦AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65
IELTS (Academic) overall band 6.5 with minimum sub-scores: listening 6, reading 6, writing 6, speaking 6, or an approved equivalent
CRICOS-registered course - a valid student visa is required to study on campus

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The MCHRS will open pathways for students to join (i) specialised practice teams in law, accounting or consultancy firms, (ii) sustainability teams of corporations, governments and United Nations agencies, (iii) university research centres and think thanks, and (iv) civil society organisations and trade unions.
It should be of special interest to current or future corporate executives, investment bankers, wealth fund managers, corporate lawyers, policy makers, media professionals, human rights researchers and social justice activists.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB NSW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

State Legal Admission Authority

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units18 units

LAWS8800

Responsible Business Conduct in Practice

LAWS8600

Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Law

LAWS8700

Financial Integrity in Action

LAWS8050

Corporate Governance Law

LAWS8099

Professional and Community Engagement

PICT8040

Cyber Crime and Cyber Policing

ACCG8047

Fundamentals of Forensic Accounting

LAWS8087

International Human Rights Law

LAWS8051

Climate Change Law

LAWS8026

Anti-Discrimination Law

LAWS8061

Environmental Planning Law

LAWS8066

Indigenous Peoples and the Law

LAWS8094

Human Rights and Moral Dilemmas

LAWS8037

Refugees and Forced Migration Law

ACCG8052

Sustainability Accounting and Accountability

ENVS8525

Sustainability and Transitions

LAWS8055

Environmental Law and Sustainable Development

LAWS8500

Business and Human Rights

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Master of Laws in Corporations, Human Rights and Sustainability take to complete?

The course has a duration of 52 weeks, as listed in the CRICOS registry for this program at Macquarie University.

How much does the Master of Laws in Corporations, Human Rights and Sustainability cost?

The tuition fee for the course is AU$46,900, with an additional non-tuition fee of AU$373, bringing the estimated total course cost to AU$47,273.

Where is the Master of Laws in Corporations, Human Rights and Sustainability delivered?

The course is delivered at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus at North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, a location owned and operated by the provider.

Is this course eligible for Post-Study Work Rights?

This course has a duration of 52 weeks, which is below the 92-week minimum required for extended Post-Study Work Rights. It is also classified under the broad field of Society and Culture (Law), not Management and Commerce, but the duration threshold means it does not meet all criteria for extended Post-Study Work Rights eligibility.

How can I contact Macquarie University for more information about this course?

Prospective students can contact Macquarie University's Prospective Student Contact Centre by phone at +61 2 9850 6767 or by email at study@mq.edu.au. The institution's website is www.mq.edu.au.

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $120,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $120,000 to $175,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Lawyer / Graduate SolicitorSolicitorBarristerIn-House Counsel / Corporate CounselGeneral Counsel

Key Skills

Legal research and case analysisStatutory interpretation and legal reasoningWritten and oral advocacyContract drafting and document preparationCritical thinking and problem-solving

Full Course Overview

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