Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

The Master of Laws (Human Rights) is the only coursework masters degree in human rights law in Australia. It provides in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of the international human rights legal framework, the organisations that promote and protect it and the mechanisms and processes by which it is enforced. Students will develop high-level skills in interpreting and analysing primary and secondary human rights materials, including treaties, treaty body decisions, domestic jurisprudence and scholarly commentary.

The Master of Laws (Human Rights) is for those who wish to develop their interest in how human rights law impacts upon their work, seek employment by human rights-related organisations such as international human rights NGOs and international development agencies, and upgrade their knowledge and keep abreast of local and international developments in human rights law.

12 credit points

The course comprises eight 6-point coursework units, or coursework units and a minor thesis.

This course may be taken in one of three ways:*,**

(a.) eight coursework units, five of which must be taken from the human rights specialisation

(b.) four coursework units, two of which must be taken from the human rights specialisation, and a minor thesis of 25,000-30,000 words on an approved topic in the area

(c.) six coursework units, four of which must be taken from the human rights specialisation, and a minor thesis of 12,000-15,000 words on an approved topic in the area.

The units in the specialisation will be those which are specified from time to time by the faculty board on the recommendation of the Postgraduate Studies Committee of the faculty. For further information regarding specialisations visit http://www.law.monash.edu.au/postgraduate/units-overview.html.

* Candidates with a law degree from a non-Australian jurisdiction will be required to complete the unit LAW7436 (Introduction to legal process).

** In order to qualify to undetake one of the minor thesis options, a student mush have achieved a minimum of 70 per cent in each of the units undertaken.

Postgraduate unit offerings

The faculty endeavours to offer a broad range of graduate units each year across many areas of specialisations and practice areas. The units published have been approved for the purpose of the coursework component in the postgraduate programs.

Units are offered on a rotational basis. Students should check the current timetable to determine which units are available each year. The faculty reserves the right not to offer in a particular year any of the published units if it appears there are insufficient enrolments or if there are other over-riding considerations. Enrolment quotas may have to be imposed in respect of the listed units.

For further information visit http://www.law.monash.edu.au/postgraduate/units-overview.html.

Thesis requirement

Candidates are required to submit a completed thesis proposal form to the postgraduate studies office (forms are available from the office). Students are encouraged to discuss their proposal with members of academic staff. If required, the chair, Postgraduate Studies Committee, will assist in recommending an appropriate member of staff.

Candidates must complete the thesis at a standard comparable to legal writings found in a learned law journal. For information on the requirements which must be met with respect to the certification of theses prior to submission for examination, contact the postgraduate program coordinator.

Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma in Law (Human Rights) providing all requirements for that award have been met.

Master of Laws (Human Rights)