Human Rights

Study human rights and advocate for justice and social change 

Studying our Human Rights major enables you to turn your passion into global impact. You’ll explore the forces shaping justice and inequality around the world, learning not just the theory, but the practical tools to advocate, challenge injustice, and drive meaningful change. 

Guided by expert academics with real-world experience, from the UN Security Council to work on the ground in the Middle East and Africa—this program connects you to global conversations on human dignity, rights and freedom. 

During your studies you’ll explore international human rights systems, global institutions, policy advocacy and contemporary debates surrounding justice, accountability and governance. You’ll examine issues such as inequality, development, conflict and social exclusion, while learning how governments, communities and organisations work to promote and protect human rights. 

Whether you’re interested in politics, communications, public policy, law, activism or international development, you’ll graduate with the skills and confidence to stand up for what matters. You’ll also develop research and critical thinking skills that prepare you to analyse complex human rights challenges and advocate for evidence-based solutions. Through interdisciplinary learning, you’ll explore how human rights principles apply in real-world contexts at local, national and global levels. 

By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared for careers supporting human rights, social justice and community advocacy across government, not-for-profit organisations and international settings. 

3 reasons to study human rights at Murdoch University 

• Study a human rights major informed by real-world social justice challenges and designed to prepare you for advocacy, policy and community-focused careers. 
• Study at the university ranked #1 in Western Australia for full-time employment, median salary and student support in Humanities and Social Sciences (Good Universities Guide 2026). 
• Learn at a university rated five stars for student support at both undergraduate and postgraduate level (Good Universities Guide 2026). 

What you’ll learn 

• Explore contemporary debates surrounding international justice, conflict, inequality, global governance, and human rights frameworks.
• Learn how human rights frameworks shape government policy and practical action 
• Analyse human rights issues using legal, political and policy perspectives. 
• Build skills in advocacy, research and public communication. 

Your future career in human rights 

With our Human Rights major, you’ll develop the knowledge and analytical skills to pursue a career where you can stand up for what matters.  

Potential roles include: 

• Human rights advocate 
• Policy analyst 
• Community development officer 
• NGO or humanitarian worker 
• Advocacy adviser 
• Social justice coordinator 
• Research officer or journalist 
• International development practitioner 
• Community engagement officer

For more details about our Human Rights major, download our information pack.