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    GC-HRIGHT

    Human Rights

    Graduate certificate

    Study human rights theory and philosophy across cultural, religious and political traditions.

    Course outline
    • Qualification
      Graduate Certificate in Human Rights
    • Duration

      Duration

      1 year part-time
    • Credit

      Credit

      100
    • CRICOS

      CRICOS

      050729M
    • Location

      Location

      Curtin Perth
    Course outline

    Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

    Select your preferred campus:

    Intake Application open Application close

    Semester 1, 2026

    21 April 2025

    Applications now closed!

    Semester 2, 2026

    Applications now open!

    2 July 2026

    Semester 1, 2027

    1 May 2026

    28 January 2027

    Semester 2, 2027

    1 March 2027

    1 July 2027

    Course outline

    Overview

    Overview

    Human rights is a multidisciplinary area that incorporates political theories, anthropology, philosophy, education, social work, development studies and legal frameworks to build a broad and critical understanding of human rights. 

    If you do not have a relevant degree, this course is an entry pathway to the Master of Human Rights. The graduate certificate is for human rights workers, those who hope to work in the human rights field, professionals who wish to apply human rights principles to their practice, development workers, non-government organisation workers, activists, teachers, mediation and conflict workers, and community workers.

    The course involves the study of human rights theory and philosophy across different cultural, religious, philosophical and political traditions, and how these ideas can be translated into practice in the contemporary world. This course is for those working either in Australia or internationally. It is multidisciplinary, and provides an opportunity for those from different cultural backgrounds, professions and disciplines to dialogue about human rights and develop ideas and skills in human rights practice.

    Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate, you can enrol in the master degree.

    What jobs can the Human Rights course lead to?

    Our graduates work in jobs that aim to realise and protect human rights or to raise community awareness about human rights issues, in professions such as education, health, law, social work, development work, in both the public and private sector. Others work for human rights in a voluntary capacity, advocating social justice, peace and a sustainable future.

    What you'll learn

    • apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of human rights in work and community settings
    • 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
    • locate, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant evidence and human rights literature
    • communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex human rights data or theories
    • use technologies to effectively collect information and communicate findings
    • demonstrate ability in self-directed learning
    • recognise the global nature of human rights issues and apply knowledge of practices learned
    • demonstrate a critical appreciation of diverse cultural aspects of human rights theory and practice
    • 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

    Admission criteria

    What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

    An approved bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary institution or relevant work experience. Candidates applying on the basis of work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Some lectures in this course may be attended by both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

    English requirements

    Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

    You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

    IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

    Writing

    6

    Speaking

    6

    Reading

    6

    Listening

    6

    Overall band score

    6.5

    Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

    Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

    Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

    Fees and scholarships

    Domestic fee paying postgraduate

    2026 Fee year:

    $12,370*

    Domestic

    Domestic

    Fees are indicative only.

    * Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

    Looking for more detail on the course structure?

    View course structure

    Location

    For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

    Curtin Perth flag

    2026

    Semester 1
    • On campus
    • Online
    Semester 2
    • On campus
    • Online

    2027

    Semester 1
    • On campus
    • Online
    Semester 2
    • On campus
    • Online

    All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

    The University reserves the right 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.

    How to apply

    Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

    Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

    Apply now
    • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

      The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

      While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

      View courses information disclaimer.

    • Curtin course code: GC-HRIGHT
    • CRICOS code: 050729M
    • Last updated on: 20 March 2026

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