Key facts
UNE unit code: LLM526
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2026
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
The study of human rights raises some of the most important issues in Australia and the world. Within the context of international legal relations, this online unit will help you to develop a broad understanding of the underlying principles, structure, institutions and vocabulary of human rights as complemented by national law.
You will explore a range of contemporary human rights topics and issues including the origin, content, nature, scope and implementation of human rights, as well as human rights protection in the UN system and regional systems and prohibition of discrimination.
Additionally, you may also examine minority rights, human rights and terrorism, human rights and the environment, and Australia and human rights. You will be encouraged to develop your critical thinking and legal analysis skills by reflecting on contemporary human rights issues, including the effectiveness and impact that human rights law has on society.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced critical introductory understanding of key human rights institutions, principles, laws and practices at international and national levels;
- demonstrate strong familiarity with international human rights treaty arrangements, processes, documents and jurisprudence;
- construct and articulate effective international human rights arguments applicable in international and domestic legal forums to test and challenge the applicability of laws and their interpretation;
- have a rounded appreciation of the relevance of international human rights norms for the Australian legal system;
- comprehend at a legal professional level the operation and ambit of Commonwealth human rights legislation; and
- critically evaluate and convincingly articulate issues and arguments surrounding charters of rights and post charter developments.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written Assessment No. Words: 3000 |
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
International Human Rights Law
ISBN: 9780192845382
Smith, R., Oxford University Press 10 ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The International Law of Human Rights
ISBN: 9780190304249
McBeth, A., Nolan, J. and Rice, S., Oxford University Press 2nd ed. 2017
Text refers to: All offerings
International Human Rights
ISBN: 9780199578726
Alston, P. and Goodman, R., Oxford University Press 4th ed. 2012
Text refers to: All offerings
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