Admission

Call for Applications

Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific).

Applications are now being accepted for study and for scholarships in the Master of Human Rights and Democratisation (Asia Pacific) (MHRD).

The 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:

• Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia)
• Mahidol University (Thailand)
• Katmandu School of Law (Nepal)
• University of Colombo (Sri Lanka)

Graduates of the program 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

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

In the second semester, students will take one of the following options:
a) Internship program
b) 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 of 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

20 partial scholarships, covering course fees and a stipend 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 Union, through the European Inter-University Centre.

Scholarships will be available to citizens of Asia Pacific countries. The award of scholarships will be determined by academic qualifications and potential contribution to human rights and democratisation.

Important Dates

Application Checklist:

International Students

1. Completed and signed USYD Postgraduate Coursework Application Form including:

• Application Processing Fee (if applicable – see section below)
• A copy of the personal details of your passport
• A certified transcript or marks sheet for any tertiary study you have completed or are currently enrolled in (see certification policy)
• An original or certified copy of your official degree certificate(s)/testamur
• An original or certified copy of your official professional qualifications
• A certified official translation of any document not in English
• A certified copy of the award of any scholarship

2. Completed and signed MHRD Supplementary Application form – available for download on this page or at the following link: http://sydney.edu.au/courses/?detail=1&course_sef_id=Master_of_Human_Rights_and_Democratisation__Asia_Pacific_Regioal_Program__1317

3. Evidence of English language proficiency in the form of EITHER

• An IELTS score card with an overall score of 7, with no band below 6 (or equivalent) completed in the past two years OR
• A letter from the University Registrar certifying that any degree completed in the past five years that states that the language of the institution and of instruction, examination and assessment was English.
  ** The letter must contain these exact words **

4. Curriculum Vitae
5. Letters of Reference by two (2) referees
6. Any other supporting documentation applicants wish to provide


Domestic Students

1. Completed and signed USYD Postgraduate Coursework Application Form including:

• A certified transcript or marks sheet for any tertiary study you have completed or
• are currently enrolled in (see certification policy)
• An original or certified copy of your official degree certificate(s)/testamur
• An original or certified copy of your official professional qualifications
• A certified official translation of any document not in English
• A certified copy of the award of any scholarship

Scholarships

All applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship place must submit their completed application with all required documentation by 3 December 2012.

Please refer to the checklist above to make sure you have submitted all necessary documentation.

Incomplete applications may not be considered for scholarship positions or for admission.