Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific) (MHRD) is a unique Master degree program in which students undertake a foundational semester of study at the University of Sydney, and then a second semester at one of the four partner universities:

Graduates of the course will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of human rights and democratisation in the Asia Pacific, and will have opportunities to research and examine the application of human rights and democratisation in the field with the partner institutions.

Course Structure

In the first semester at the University of Sydney, students will undertake a foundational course in social science, legal and political approaches to human rights and democratisation.  During the second semester students will follow two core units of study complemented by either supervised research, an internship at an in-country organisation specialising in human rights/democratisation or undertake further specialised electives.  Students must select one of the four partners universities listed above to undertake their second semester study.

Courses

1. Human Rights Norms and Laws (1 & 2)
2. Human Rights and Democratisation Research
3. Dynamics of Human Rights Violations
4. Democratisation: Theory and Practice
5. Critical and Emerging Issues in the Asia Pacific

In the second semester, students will take one of the following options:

1. Specialised electives
2. Internship program
3. Research thesis

Graduates will have both the ability to undertake independent scholarly research on current issues pertaining to human rights and democratisation in the Asia Pacific and skills to put their academic understanding and practical experience to use in real situations.

Potential Students

We are looking for people who have a strong commitment to or experience on working on issues about human rights and democratisation. The degree will strongly benefit people already working in, or seeking to work in the fields of human rights and democratisation in our region. Through a combination of academic and practical educational experiences, the objective of the program is to produce graduates who can support ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions dedicated to the protection and promotion of human rights and democracy and to enhance a regional culture of human rights and democracy. Recognising the critical institutional developments that are taking place both regionally and in particular countries during this time, the program has been set up to ensure that human rights and democracy advocates in the region are well resourced to lead us into the next decades.

Scholarships

Thirty scholarships, covering course fees and a living and travel allowance, will be offered to outstanding applicants from across the Asia Pacific region.  This is made possible with the support of a significant grant from the European Commission. Scholarships will be available to citizens of Asia Pacific countries (a full list of countries is available from the Academic Director upon request).  The award of scholarships will be determined by academic qualifications and potential contribution to human rights and democratization

Tuition Fee Charges

The tuition fees for the Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific) are as follows

• Postgraduate Domestic Course Fee: AUD16,500 ($275 per credit point)*
• Postgraduate International Course Fee: AUD24,000 ($400 per credit point)*

*Please note that the Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific) program requires students to take 60 credit points of study during the one year program. The information provided on the University website and offer letters regarding tuition fees shows the indicative tuition fees based on 48 credit points, which is the standard per annum study load.

Application Processing Fee (APF)

A non-refundable Application Processing Fee (APF) of $AUD100 must be paid with each international application form submitted, unless you are a citizen of one of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Lao PDR, Maldives, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand**, Niue, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Union of Myanmar, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Wallis & Futuna.

Dates

Applications are now open.

Applications for the MHRD close on 30^th April 2010 and are considered upon receipt.

Applications for the Human Rights and Democratisation Scholarship close on 12^th March 2010.

Contacts and Further Information

University of Sydney MHRD page: http://www.arts.usyd.edu.au/departs/ssp/postgraduate/2010_pgcw_ssp_human_dc069.htm

For any questions please contact CSHR or the International Office at the University of Sydney at info@io.usyd.edu.au