Program Overview

Master of Human Rights

The Master of Human Rights is a unique programme in New Zealand that attracts students from diverse backgrounds and professions. This interdisciplinary programme can open up opportunities in international human rights organisations, government, policy agencies, human rights institutions, and national NGOs in New Zealand and overseas.

Programme Details

• Programme code: AK1023
• Level: 9
• Points: 180
• Duration: 1 year full-time / part-time available
• Campus: City Campus

Fees

• Domestic: Not offered to new students in 2026
  • $11,851.60 (for 120 points)
    • $10,630 tuition fees + $1,221.60 student services levy
• International: Not offered to new students in 2026
  • $61,682.40 (for 180 points)
    • $59,850 tuition fees + $1,832.40 student services levy
• Fees shown are based on a full-time workload for the points indicated next to the fee.
• The exact fee charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment.
• Fees are subject to change year to year.
• International students' tuition fees reflect the full cost of tuition.
• Domestic students' tuition fees are less due to a proportion of the tuition fees being funded by the New Zealand Government.

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of a B grade average or higher in courses at level 7 or equivalent

International Student Entry Requirements

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with all bands 6.0 or higher; or equivalent

What You Study

You develop a sound understanding of advocacy, treaty body reporting, human rights campaigning, and media strategies – key skills if you want to work in a human rights organisation. You become familiar with the global context and New Zealand's progress in human rights, human rights communication and advocacy, methods of human rights investigation, policy development, and analysis.

Courses You Study

• SOSC801 Human Rights in Global Context
• SOSC802 Human Rights in New Zealand: History, Institutions, and Impact
• SOSC803 Special Topic in Human Rights
• SOSC804 Human Rights Communication and Advocacy: Theory and Practice
• SOSC805 Human Rights Policy and Analysis
• SOSC806 Human Rights Research Methods
• SOSC995 Applied Research Project and SOSC800 Human Rights Reading Course
• SOSC987 Dissertation

Applied Research Project

At the heart of the programme is the applied research project. Students focus on real-world human rights issues, drawing on their diverse skillsets to create projects that highlight harsh realities and propose solutions.

Teaching Staff

• Associate Professor Jane Verbitsky
• Associate Professor Love Chile
• Dr Kirsten Hanna (programme leader)

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates include human rights work in:

• Government
• Policy agencies
• National human rights institutions
• International and national NGOs