Human rights - XM0016
Human rights
Print & ShareAbout human rights
We explore human rights law, practice and activism, which are among the most widely accepted approaches to addressing harms suffered by humans worldwide. We look at issues such as torture, hunger, military aggression, ethnic violence, political corruption and discrimination.
Why study human rights?
Majoring in human rights will develop your analytic abilities and communication skills, and empower you to acquire expertise in areas that are of relevance to employers.
Human rights is taught by a team of internationally-renowned researchers. Our areas of research expertise include disability rights, multiculturalism, feminist theory, poverty, climate change, international justice, and indigenous justice, war and civil conflict, democratic theory, Holocaust and genocide studies, children’s rights, and an array of other topics in applied ethics and applied political philosophy.
What will you study?
You’ll examine the nature and legitimacy of human rights’ claims and the role of human rights in the broader context of international affairs. You’ll investigate critical issues: Is torture ever justified? What are the rights of asylum seekers? Does the world have a responsibility for misplaced peoples? Can human rights violations justify interfering in the domestic affairs of the violating nation?
What careers will you be ready for?
Studying human rights will open up opportunities to pursue a career in:
- Politics
- Advocacy
- Law
- Non-government organisations (NGOs)
- Journalism
- Government bodies and diplomacy.
Global study
With Monash’s impressive international links, you’ll get the opportunity to venture into new and challenging contexts where you can apply your expertise.
Short term programs:
- In the footsteps of refugees – Vietnam and Indonesia
- Seeking justice – South Africa and Rwanda.
Exchange programs include:
- University of Essex – England
- University College Utrecht – The Netherlands.
Global Immersion Guarantee:
As a Bachelor of Arts student, you’ll have access to the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee – an opportunity to spend two weeks studying in one of a variety of locations, with airfares and accommodation covered as part of your degree.
This area of study is offered in the following courses or can be taken where you have 8 free electives. To see if you can take this area of study within a double degree select from the course offering below.
- Arts
- Arts and Criminology
- Arts and Fine Art
- Arts and Global Studies
- Arts and Health Sciences
- Arts and Media Communication
- Arts and Music
- Business and Arts
- Commerce and Arts
- Education and Arts
- Information Technology and Arts
- International Business and Arts
- Laws and Arts
- Liberal Arts
- Marketing and Arts
- Politics, Philosophy and Economics and Arts
- Science and Arts
Career options
- Politics
- Advocacy
- Law
- Non-government organisations (NGOs)
- Journalism
- Diplomacy
Overseas opportunities
As a Monash student you have the option to make your course an international one. One option is studying at a Monash campus abroad, and you'll have Malaysia, India, China or Prato (Italy) to choose from.
"Approaching the third year [of study], I felt it was important to expand my learning beyond academic papers and lectures. Arts internships offered me this opportunity to enhance my degree and embrace a practical approach to learning."
- Tess Vermeer, Bachelor of Arts majoring in Human Rights