MajorUndergraduate

HMNRGTSJ01 Human rights and social justice

Faculty of Arts

Human rights and social justice (HMNRGTSJ01) is a major worth 48 credit points, listing 35 units, taught at Clayton and Caulfield. It is offered in 2 courses: Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Liberal Arts.

Credit points
48
Units
35
Campus
Clayton, Caulfield
Offered in
2 courses

This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

Human rights and social justice are two of the most important concepts in international and domestic affairs. This interdisciplinary major encompasses ethical, political, historical, and sociocultural perspectives, providing you with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding global and local issues related to human rights and social justice. You will explore topics such as global poverty, unequal access to medicine, refugees, discrimination, inequality, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.      

The human rights and social justice major is an excellent complement to studies in law, criminology, journalism, politics, international relations, philosophy, history, development studies and sustainability. As a student of human rights and social justice you will develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and advocacy skills, empowering you to actively engage with the many domains concerned with human rights and social justice. The major will equip you with expertise in areas that are of relevance to employers in the non-government organisation (NGO) sector, a wide variety of professions, and in the federal and state public service.

Availability

Human rights and social justice is listed in A2000 Bachelor of Arts at Caulfield and Clayton as a major and a minor, and in A0502 Diploma of Liberal Arts at Caulfield and Clayton as a major.

Structure

Rules
No more than 12 credit points at Level 1 may be credited to the major and at least 18 credit points must be at Level 3.
Level 1 gateway units12 credit points
Level 2 cornerstone unit6 credit points
Level 3 capstone unit6 credit points
Level 2 and 3 elective units24 credit points
You must complete 24 credit points from the following units or from any cornerstone or capstone unit not already taken, with at least two units at Level 3.

Courses that offer it

Notes

Intending honours students
There is no dedicated honours for the human rights and social justice major. If you complete a major in human rights and social justice, and you satisfy the Arts faculty's general entry requirements for honours you may be admitted to honours in a related area of study, but your eligibility is at the discretion of the honours coordinator in that area of study. If you are intending to progress to honours are strongly advised to consult with the human rights and social justice coordinator prior to completing their third year.

Learning outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of your course, and successfully completing this area of study, you will be able to:
  1. 1

    have a deep understanding of the history, politics and philosophy of human rights and social justice;

  2. 2

    be able to critically evaluate policy and ethical positions which bear on human rights and social justice issues, such as global poverty, inequality, immigration, and discrimination.

Contacts

Academic Coordinators
Dr Suzanne Killmister

Common questions

Which courses offer Human rights and social justice?

2 courses in 2025: Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Liberal Arts.

What units are in Human rights and social justice?

It lists 35 units, including ATS1314, ATS1315, ATS2057, ATS2110, ATS2284, ATS2322, ATS2354 and ATS2553. The structure above shows which are required and which you choose.

Major details

Type
Major
Study level
Undergraduate
Credit points
48
Faculty
Faculty of Arts
Organisational unit
School of Philosophical, Historical and Indigenous Studies
Handbook years
20252026