Bachelor of Human Rights

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
111436D
IELTS
6.0 overall score (with individual score of 6.0 in writing and speaking, and 5.5 in listening and reading)
Fees (first year)*
$28728
Start dates
February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027

Overview

ACU’s Bachelor of Human Rights is an exciting course that will assist in preparing you to be one of the leading human rights advocates of the 21st century.

Human rights is a rapidly growing area of multidisciplinary study that supports an expanding job market in the human rights sector. The Bachelor of Human Rights will provide students with a deep understanding of human rights that is enriched by perspectives from law, philosophy and the humanities. Students will apply their knowledge to practical professional contexts, and complete a placement in the human rights sector. Graduates of this program will bring their multidisciplinary expertise in human rights to a wide variety of professional settings in the corporate, government and non-government sectors.


You can also study the Bachelor of Human Rights/ Bachelor of Laws or the Bachelor of Human Rights/ Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice


  • Top 2% universities worldwide

  • Top 10 Catholic universities globally

  • Top 40 young universities worldwide

Careers

Our graduates can pursue careers in:

  • advocacy: domestic and international advocacy, humanitarian services, disaster relief, policy development, volunteer co-ordination
  • law: human rights law, international law, immigration law, diversity/equity law,
  • social services: human services provision, public health, economic development, policy development
  • international relations: diplomacy, peacekeeping, foreign affairs
  • communications: foreign news reporting/correspondence, investigative journalism, research

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Elective unitsElective

    POLS101 must be taken as Elective in Year 1 to meet prerequisite requirements for POLS213

    10 cp
  • Elective unitsElective10 cp
  • Laws Specified unitsLHRG103Legal Institutions and Human Rights10 cp
  • Philosophy Specified unitsPHIL104Introduction to Ethics10 cp
  • Arts Specified units SOCS101 Global Society and Change 10 cp
  • Arts Specified unitsHIST106Australian Indigenous Peoples Past and Present10 cp
  • Laws Specified units LHRG111 Human Rights and Indigenous People 10 cp
  • Core Curriculum unitsCore Curriculum unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for more details.10 cp

Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has met the requirements of one of the following awards may exit with that qualification:

  • Certificate in Liberal Arts
  • Diploma in Liberal Arts

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International applicants must also meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

StatePrerequisites
New South Wales

Assumed knowledge: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3)

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy , including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

 If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

 an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)

an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Find out further information on TAC admission

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Further study

Graduates with bachelor degrees may be eligible for entry into honours courses or to a range of postgraduate coursework programs, eg graduate certificates and graduate diplomas and, through these qualifications and/or with relevant work experience, to master’s degree programs.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3591
  • Average first year fee: $28728
  • Estimate total cost: $86184

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

 

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