University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Human Rights combines core study of human rights theory and international human rights law with applied subjects in areas such as Indigenous rights, migration and refugee protection, transitional justice, and socio-economic rights. The programme is interdisciplinary, drawing on units from Law, Politics and International Relations, Philosophy, Anthropology and Development Studies.

• Core topics: foundations of human rights theory, international human rights instruments and mechanisms, human rights research methods, and ethics.
• Applied and regional topics: Indigenous and First Nations rights, humanitarian policy, refugee and migration law, gender and sexual rights, business and human rights, and environmental and climate justice.
• Skills and practice: advocacy and campaigning skills, policy analysis, qualitative research methods, legal literacy for non-lawyers, and a capstone or practicum project integrating theory with practice.
• Structure: typically completed over three years full time. Students can select majors or minors from related disciplines, undertake an honours year (where available) for a research-focused pathway, and access exchange and study-abroad opportunities to gain international perspectives.

Entry requirements

Admission is usually based on successful completion of secondary education (local or equivalent). Domestic applicants are considered on their secondary school results and through any alternative entry schemes the university operates. International applicants must meet the equivalent academic entry standard.

• Prerequisites: there are generally no specific subject prerequisites beyond satisfactory completion of secondary school, but strong performance in English and humanities/social sciences is advantageous.
• English language: international students will need to meet the University of Western Australias English proficiency requirements (standard tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or approved equivalents), with a commonly expected overall IELTS score and minimum band scores consistent with undergraduate entry.
• Alternative pathways: mature-age entry, recognised diplomas, and transfer from other tertiary institutions are also options; specific entry routes and any articulation arrangements should be checked with UWA admissions.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Human Rights enter a wide range of roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. The degree provides skills relevant to advocacy, policy development and research as well as practical competencies valued by employers.

• Non-governmental organisations and community-based services (policy officer, program coordinator, advocacy officer)
• Government departments and statutory agencies working on human rights, social policy, immigration and community services
• International organisations and multilateral agencies in humanitarian, development and human rights roles
• Legal sector roles such as paralegal, legal support in human rights clinics, and preparation for further professional legal study
• Research, teaching and communications roles in think tanks, universities and media covering human rights issues

Why study at University of Western Australia

Studying human rights at UWA offers an interdisciplinary curriculum taught within a research-active university with links across Arts, Law and Social Sciences. Students benefit from opportunities for practical engagement through internships, clinical placements, advocacy projects and partnerships with local and regional organisations.

UWA also provides pathways to honours and postgraduate study, support services for international and domestic students, and exchange programs that allow students to gain comparative international experience. The programme is well suited to those who want a rigorous academic grounding combined with practical skills for human rights work.