Call for 2012-2013 Master of Human Rights and Democratisation

By Anna Noonan

27 September 2011
The University of Sydney is now receiving applications for the 2012-2013 cohort of Australia's premier regional Master degree in Human Rights and Democratisation.

Uniquely, our degree offers the opportunity to study both at the internationally renowned University of Sydney, and at one of four regional universities with expertise in human rights and democratisation. This degree forms the Asia Pacific dimension of a consortium of global degrees established under the auspices of the European Union initiative on global human rights and democratisation, representing the most advanced human rights educational programs globally.

Students currently undertaking the Masters program are highly committed mid-career professionals from diverse national, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, many of whom have left jobs and families behind them. Many of the students carry their own experience of oppression and marginalization.

Launched in 2010 with a broad sweep of scholarship students from East Asia, South-East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific, the 2011-12 cohort currently includes students from Iran, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea for the first time.

As an interdisciplinary degree, the Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific Regional Program) emphasises and reflects the inseparable links between human rights, democracy and development. Designed for mid-career professionals and highly motivated undergraduates, our degree offers emerging human rights activists, advocates and scholars a unique opportunity to engage first-hand with regional and international human rights issues, and to interact with internationally renowned academics, practitioners and experts.

Our degree consists of a foundational semester and a one-week inter- sessional intensive (from July to November), both at the University of Sydney. The second semester (from January to May) is undertaken at one of four regional partner institutions: Mahidol University (Thailand), Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia), Kathmandu School of Law (Nepal) and the University of Colombo (Sri Lanka). During the second semester, core units are complemented by supervised research or an internship at an in-country organisation that specialises in human rights or democratisation.

Upon completion of the degree, students will gain both academic and practical skills. They will also have acquired both the ability to undertake independent scholarly research on current human rights and democratisation issues, and the skills to put an academic understanding to use in real situations. Additionally, the degree will be a gateway to a vibrant international community, connecting alumni to an invaluable personal and professional network.

The Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific Regional Program) offers up to 30 full scholarships with priority given to applicants living and/or working in developing Asian Pacific countries.

Applicants from across the Asia-Pacific region are now invited to apply for a place in the 2012-2013 cohort.

For further details on how to apply, visit the website:

sydney.edu.au/arts/human_rights_ democratisation/student_administration/admission/index.shtml

The Master of Human Rights and Democratisation is supported by the largest grant ever won from the European Union by the University of Sydney's International Portfolio (EUR 1.498 million).

Contact: Anna Noonan

Phone:             02 9351 4203      

Email: anna.noonan@sydney.edu.au

 

(Fore details: http://sydney.edu.au/news/human_rights_democratisation/2616.html?newsstoryid=7850)