Course overview
Gain the advanced practical expertise and intercultural skills required to engage in human rights and social justice issues on a global scale.
Whether you want to enter the field of human rights and social justice, infuse your profession with principles of diversity and inclusion, or advance your expertise as a seasoned human rights worker, this course can support your aspirations.
Additionally, the strong cultural skillset and global perspective developed through this course would be an excellent foundation for a new career in international development or international relations.
Delivered through our Centre for Human Rights Education, this course draws on the centre’s strong partnerships and commitment to inclusivity, social justice and ethical behaviour. You’ll experience award-winning and innovative teaching from lecturers with extensive activist and advocacy experiences. Together with your peers, you’ll engage in important discussions around some of the most urgent global issues we face, and examine how we may respond.
Depending on your unique interests and experience, this course can lead to a range of careers in advocacy, policy-making, education, community development, youth work or international development.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Human rights and social justice advocate
- International development worker
- Diversity and inclusion consultant
- Community engagement officer
- Social justice and sustainability advocate
- Foreign or multicultural policy advisor
Industries
- Non-profit and human rights organisations
- International development
- Government and public policy
- Environment and sustainability
- Diplomacy and foreign service
Why study at Curtin?
Led by experts
Experience innovative teaching delivered by experts experienced in advocacy and activism.
A multidisciplinary approach
Delivered by Curtin’s Centre for Human Rights Education, this is the only multidisciplinary course in human rights and global engagement in Australia.
Industry-aligned
Benefit from industry-informed courses for up-to-date, sought-after skills.
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Upcoming events
24 May 2026
Curtin Open Day
Curtin Perth
Discover where in the world a Curtin Degree can take you at Curtin Open Day. Explore courses that connect with industry, meet people who can guide your career direction and see how your ideas can become a reality.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
As the only multidisciplinary course in human rights and global engagement in Australia, this two-year program will expose you to rich and varied perspectives on human rights in a global context. This includes insights into regional politics, culture and justice, intercultural competence, and sustainability. This will enable you to build a broad and critical understanding enabling you to develop your own views and solutions to current crises faced by the world.
You’ll strengthen your intercultural competence by exploring diverse cultural and religious perspectives, enhancing your understanding of how your own culture has influenced your views and beliefs, and deepening your understanding of other world views. This will prepare you to work in a range of settings with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Practical experience
This course provides opportunities to gain practical experience in real-world scenarios, such as developing advocacy campaign strategies and engaging in simulation exercises modelled on UN human rights agency hearings. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete an internship to gain real-world experience in human rights and global engagement.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
A Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
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.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Domestic fee-paying first-year fee
$24,276*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | 21 Apr 2025 | Applications now closed |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Applications now open | 5 Jul 2026 |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Applications now open | 28 Jan 2027 |
| Semester 2, 2027 | 1 Mar 2027 | 1 Jul 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.