Student testimonials
Bel Russell-Lynch
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2019
I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Master’s Degree of Human Rights course run by the Centre for Human Rights Education in 2016. Coming from an undergrad background of Law and Justice, as well as my personal experiences with social advocacy and activism, I felt the Human Rights degree would be a perfect complement and expansion to my knowledge base and social understanding.
I studied part time on campus in my first year and was able to take my studies with me, continuing as an online student when I moved to Scotland in 2017. The teaching staff that I met in that first year remain some of the finest, generous and most passionate activists and educators I have had the privilege of learning alongside. Whilst each has a specialist area of human rights and advocacy, they are knowledgeable and well abreast of all areas of human rights understanding, both theoretical and practical. Each lecturer was also extremely encouraging and inclusive with online learning, ensuring all students felt well looked after when studying from overseas.
The variety of units provided within this course was dynamic and fascinating. I certainly felt like I Ieft the course with an in-depth and multifaceted understanding of the concept, philosophy and application of human rights. Completing the 15,000 word dissertation on a subject of my own choosing was a definite highlight of the degree. It provided me the autonomy of completing such a large project on my own time and with my own motivation, allowing me a true feeling of pride and achievement. The Master’s Degree of Human Rights taught through Curtin University’s Centre for Human Rights Education has been the definitive highlight of my academic career. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of achieving this degree and would highly recommend it to all individuals with an interest in rights, activism and social justice.
Sharlene Farrugia
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2017
My time spent studying with the Centre for Human Rights Education has been a rich experience of professional and personal growth and development. The staff offered flexible and personable support to me as an online student, but also as a woman coordinating many other demands in her life. Engagement with staff reflected highly specialised knowledge and experience in their field of work and subject areas. The course organisation and delivery was of an impeccable standard, minimising any additional pressure for the student. Clear and conscious communication ensured an understanding of what was expected of me as a student, whilst feedback of my progression throughout the course was given in a timely and thorough manner. Course requirements were considered and varied, offering practical experience whilst encouraging the application of theoretical knowledge to my practice. Exposure to a multi-disciplinary curriculum that offered the opportunity to synthesise critical theory, International law and Human Rights practice has enhanced my current professional work and will indeed serve me well in future employment opportunities.
I have had the most pleasurable studying experience, sadly finishing a degree, that has only enticed my curiosity for learning and passion to study further. This I believe is testament to the professionalism of the staff at Curtin University and the pinnacle of any education system.
Richard Yaxley
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2017
My background is in teaching, a career which tends to promote earnest self-reflection as the approved form of higher learning, meaning that – in my view – professional growth can be compromised. I see teachers as needing to be actively interested in and engaged with the morality of the greater world, hence my enrolment in the Masters of Human Rights. I was particularly attracted by the multidisciplinary nature of the course, and have relished the opportunities to explore the philosophical, social, political, cultural and economic implications of human rights and determine how they may be situated within the increasingly schismatic environment in which we live.
I was pleasantly surprised by how interactive the online experience was, and how supported I was as a learner. Perhaps naively, I had assumed that I would be a lone researcher, burying myself in obscure journals and hoping that my academic musings would pass muster. However, I was able to opine, debate and maintain regular and affirming lines of communication with staff and students alike, which certainly assisted my transition to higher education and provided greater access to success.
The most significant benefit of this course, for me, has been the rejuvenation and recalibration of my thinking. We grow through challenge, not affirmation, and the Masters of Human Rights certainly offers that in abundance.
Sara Denby
Graduate Certificate in Human Rights Graduate 2017
I enrolled for the Graduate Certificate in Human Rights because I was planning a career move into the public sector. I wanted a solid understanding of Human Rights discourse, and that’s exactly what the syllabus delivered. I studied online, and completed the Certificate whilst volunteering with an international NGO in Cambodia – a role I’m not certain I would have secured, let alone thrived in, had it not been for my Human Rights study. Rather than a purely theory-based academic approach, the diverse curriculum was relevant and applicable to what I was encountering in the field. It equipped me to approach challenges differently – and to constantly question my ‘Western perspective’! I would highly recommend the Graduate Certificate as a really stimulating course of study.
Georgina Diacos
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2017
I have always been interested in human rights whereby I had embarked on many volunteer opportunities overseas, specifically in Africa. The natural progression for me was to embark on the next challenge, completing the Master of Human Rights, through Curtin. The course allowed me to develop academically and stretched me on a personal level, engaging and learning about challenging circumstances our world faces. The content of each subject was very relevant and each topic was covered in great detail ensuring that students gained the necessary skills to grow in confidence to discuss the issues.
I was able to complete my degree online, which gave me the flexibility to still work and travel. Despite being an online student, I felt very involved and included in all the lectures, discussions and assignments. The support and responsiveness of the all the staff within Centre of Human Rights was so incredible and made my study that much better. I would recommend this course to anyone with a passion for Human Rights.
Pema
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2017
The passion to learn more about Human Rights brought me to Australia. Curtin immediately became my favourite choice because of the all-inclusive courses offered by the Centre of Human Rights Education (CHRE). Now after two years when I look back, I am happy with my choice because of the richness of knowledge and experiences I am taking back with me to Bhutan. I had the chance to meet some wonderful people from different parts the world and learn about their culture and country. The best thing about the CHRE is the team of lecturers and staff who are not only experts actively involved in activism but also some of the nicest people I have ever met. I would definitely recommend Curtin based on the experience I had.
I came as someone with a very narrow perspective of human rights, but my Masters study has challenged my conventional views and taught me to think critically and consciously. I have also developed the confidence and skills to practice Human Rights with my community once I get back home.
Prattana Tublom
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2016
My passion for human rights started when I was in college. I knew that I would like to pursue a Masters in Human Rights. As I began to seek a Masters degree in Human Rights, Curtin was in my first list. The courses are right up my alley and I was influenced by the way these courses are approachable to various professional, cultural, and religious background. Curtin Centre for Human Rights Education (CHRE) gave me an opportunity to be part of the human rights community in Western Australia as I exchanged my thoughts and ideas with the lecturers and fellow students in class.
Studying human rights at Curtin presented me with the opportunity to discuss and explore more into the topics that Thai people do not really realise, for example freedom of speech and refugee rights. Among all courses provided by CHRE, refugee rights attracted me the most. I was drawn into the topic as the discussion went on in class. And because refugee rights are one of the main human rights violations in Australia, I could not stop myself from researching deep down into the issues. This was the start of my career path. At the end of my Masters, I chose to undertake an internship with Centacare as a Volunteer Tutor dealing with adult refugee literacy. I knew that I wanted to do more and I would not stop helping refugees and asylum seekers to have meaningful lives. So I start working as a caseworker at JRS helping asylum seekers who are the most vulnerable in Thailand. I never expected that my life would end up working with refugees but it did. I am glad that I was part of human rights community in Perth. And I am thankful for CHRE, lecturers, community members, and other students who have allowed me to make changes in refugee rights area in Thailand.
Johanna Webster
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2016
I chose to undertake the Master of Human Rights as I knew I wanted to do more but was not sure exactly how to do it. I had an interest in human rights but did not want to go down the pathway of law, which is why Curtin was a perfect fit. I completed this degree through a mixture of both online and on campus units, which provided me with the flexibility to continue working full time. The small class sizes were perfect as they allowed for meaningful and interesting discussions both in class and online. As I developed close relationships with the lecturers and other students, there were endless opportunities to attend events and catch ups outside of university.
Working within the field of disabilities, I saw firsthand the gap within rights education and the lack of understanding in how human rights are not only applicable but a necessary part of everyday life. This was influential as not only did I bring experiences from my employment into my studies, but also brought my studies into my employment as I learnt and explored new topics. I was privileged to undertake a dissertation that allowed me to further research the issues I faced within my role as a support worker and advocate, allowing me to tailor the degree to my own interests. Since graduating, I have moved interstate to work with Mission Australia in Sydney, something that would not have been possible before studying the Masters.
Lainey Weiss
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2015
I started out with the Grad Cert in Human Rights, followed by the Masters course with the Centre for Human Rights Education. I did the courses externally through Open University, and was anxious about whether I would feel isolated. My fears were soon extinguished, as the staff and lecturers were very responsive, and the online learning platform was very dynamic. I felt like I was part of an exciting global classroom as my classmates were living all over the globe. Most of all, what I’ve learnt at Curtin has been highly relevant to my work now as a women’s rights activist in Malaysia.
Sarah Elizabeth Jones
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2014
“Through my undergraduate studies in sociology and international relations I had already engaged with the human rights system, but I wanted to learn more. As a prospective student, the Master of Human Rights seemed a promising interdisciplinary platform from which to engage with issues including sexual violence, poverty and refugee crises.
There were so many highlights to studying this course. I loved the interaction with fellow students from all over the world. I enjoyed the open nature of the assignments, allowing us to apply key theories to case studies of personal interest and I appreciated learning from academic staff who are actively engaged in human rights activism.
Be prepared to suspend your preconceived ideas and engage in conversation with other students, especially those from cultural backgrounds other than your own. Don’t let human rights be a theoretical interest – jump on board with a real human rights campaign, volunteer and gain practical experience.”
Sophia Vanzetti
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2010
The Centre for Human Rights Education at Curtin runs an excellent Masters level degree in my opinion. The course covers the legal, philosophical, historical and theoretical aspects that you would expect in the subject. What made the course interesting and gave it depth and relevance was the way the lecturers were flexible enough to incorporate current issues and each students personal areas of interest into almost every unit. This was combined with a teaching style that generally encouraged high levels of contribution from students, so that at the end of semester you would be far more knowledgeable about the overall unit, have had a chance to pursue your own area of interest at a deeper level and also learnt a lot more about areas of human rights you had little idea about before. I felt challenged at an intellectual level, my personal confidence levels increased and it developed my research skills immensely. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in this field.
Laura Miller
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2010
As someone passionately committed to disability human rights, the next step in the way forward academically or professionally was unclear before I enrolled in Masters of Human Rights Practice. This Masters allowed me to grow academically, learn new and exciting things and meet people I would never have thought other possible. The course positively challenged me every step of the way and allowed me to pursue my passion with influence spanning all spheres of my life. The process was greatly aided by the enthusiasm mentoring and support of lecturers, supervisors and Professors at the Centre for human Rights. Since completing my masters I have changed employment, undertaken new projects, won a national award for advancing disability human rights and have decided to pursue my PhD with the Centre for Human Rights. The experience was life changing.
Lisa Craig
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2010
Working towards a more peaceful and just world can sometimes feel like a lonely journey. I found the connections I made, and the encouragement I received enabled me to continue this work with renewed hope and even excitement! The course material was varied and fascinating and each member of staff demonstrated a wealth of personal experience and passion for human rights. A better world is possible, and after completing my Masters in Human Rights Education I feel like I can make a contribution to that quest.
Amy Berson
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2007
The Masters in Human Rights course has given me the opportunity to not only become more aware of human rights issues, but to develop skills to be able to do something about it! I have learnt a tremendous amount from the lecturers and my fellow students and the course has certainly opened up new doors for me – with my latest exciting challenge being a child rights internship in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Lianda Gibson
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2007
I have found the Masters of Human Rights course both inspiring and engaging. I came into the course from activist perspective, but found that it has challenged me to think critically about the Human Rights from a variety of perspectives, legally, philosophically and community to name a few. I have also found that the course has given me the skills, confidence and opportunities to practice Human Rights Education with community groups outside of the course.
Damien Norris
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2006
When you have a desire to make change finding an academic ‘home’ is not easy. Curtin’s Master program in Human Rights not only provided a home, it provided a framework for all those ‘good ideas’ that sound fine over red wine but lack substance in practice. More than this, the course allowed me to grasp the enormity of the NGO world-community and to locate myself within it. Because of this, job-hunting for positions in areas where I am most passionate was not only easier, the degree itself provided an added authority that open doors that may otherwise have remain closed.
Inge Christanti
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2006
At first I thought that to be able to study about human rights, I need law background. Yet, it is not always that way. Learning human rights is not mainly related with law. It turned out to be studying human rights is fun.
The focus on studying human rights is more on the humanity itself. So everybody from various educational backgrounds can learn this course without need to worry about its relation with law.
The lecturer is also very helpful. In class, we are equal. Either lecturers or students contribute some ideas in the class to develop the course materials and make the discussion more “real” with our daily experiences.
Vira Al Wati
Researcher, Centre for Human Rights Studies, University of Surabaya, Indonesia
Studying Human Rights Education has definitely been one of the most valuable experiences in my life. For a start, the course itself is focused, and has been one of very few similar courses in other universities. It becomes the strength of the course, since it offers subjects covering extensive topics yet specifically related to human rights. The course has assisted the students to gain more understanding on human rights, its contexts around the globe, and challenges within those contexts. Students attending the course are not all originally from Australia, but coming from various countries, and of course various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Students bring with them unique experiences regarding human rights. This is, of course, other strength of the course, since I have an invaluable chance to interact with each other, and engage with each others’ experiences. This has helped me in developing my knowledge on human rights discourse outside my homeland, and at the same time developing myself to be an individual with the wisdom to understand human rights struggle and challenges in other parts of world.
Fiona McGaughey
Master of Human Rights Graduate 2005
I completed the Masters in Human Rights Practice in 2005. I had been looking for a postgraduate course for some time and didn’t see anything I was really interested in until I read about this course. As part of the Masters I was involved in a project with my supervisor (Anna Copeland) and a number of NGOs across Australia to prepare and present the NGO report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, thanks to the lecturers, the other students and the interesting debates!
The Masters helped me change direction in my career and was definitely a factor in getting my new position in Ireland.