Auckland University of Technology

What you'll study

This master's combines interdisciplinary coursework with applied research or a supervised thesis, allowing you to build expertise in human-rights theory, legal frameworks, policy analysis and practical advocacy. Core themes typically include the philosophical foundations of human rights, international human-rights law and monitoring mechanisms, social and economic rights, migration and refugee protection, and the rights of Indigenous and Pacific peoples.

• Research methods for human-rights practice (qualitative and quantitative approaches)
• Human-rights law and international mechanisms
• Indigenous rights and Treaty/Māori rights within the Aotearoa context
• Migration, refugees and border policy
• Advocacy, monitoring and human-rights impact assessment
• Electives in areas such as gender and sexuality, development and humanitarian action, corporate accountability, and restorative justice
• Capstone experience: a supervised research thesis or an applied practicum/major project with an external partner

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline (for example law, social sciences, health, development studies or public policy) at a recognised university. Demonstrated academic performance at undergraduate level is required; applicants with substantial professional experience in human rights, advocacy, social services or related fields may also be considered. A research component may require a prior research methods course or demonstrated ability to undertake independent research.

All applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English-language proficiency requirements. International applicants should provide certified transcripts and any supporting documents requested by the admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme go on to careers across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Typical roles include human-rights or policy officer, advocacy and campaigns coordinator, researcher or analyst, community-development manager, compliance and corporate social-responsibility adviser, refugee and migrant support worker, and positions within international organisations or intergovernmental bodies.

The degree also prepares students for further academic study (PhD) and for roles that combine research with practice, such as monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment, or rights-based programme design and management.

Why study at Auckland University of Technology

AUT offers an applied, interdisciplinary approach that situates human-rights study in the New Zealand and wider Asia–Pacific contexts, with particular emphasis on Indigenous (Māori) and Pacific perspectives. The university has academic staff whose research spans law, social policy, migration, health and Indigenous studies, enabling rich cross-disciplinary supervision and teaching.

Students benefit from opportunities for applied learning through project partnerships, internships and community-engaged research, and from Auckland’s status as a regional hub for NGOs, government agencies and international organisations. The programme is designed to be flexible for working professionals, with options for part-time study and a mix of coursework and research pathways to suit different career goals.