Master of Philosophy in Human Rights

The qualification is intended to offer human rights from an interdisciplinary perspective, exposing participants to local, regional and global forces that have shaped and continue to influence the growth and development of human rights, areas of contestation, the institutions and processes involved, as well as problems of ensuring compliance. These attributes have wider application to the individual, work place and society.

Qualifying Learners will be able to

• Deal with complex human rights and related issues both systematically and creatively form diverse perspectives.
• Carry out research ethically using quantitative as well as qualitative research methods.
• Design and critically appraise research, make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences alike.
• Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

Rationale

Most human rights qualifications focus on the subject almost exclusively from a legal point of view, neglecting that human rights cut across disciplines and human endeavours. This also excludes many would be beneficiaries who, in their daily lives and professional work, require knowledge and sensitivity to human rights. The interdisciplinary character of the qualification, therefore, filled this gap. This was also in line with the philosophy and rationale behind the establishment of a UNESCO 'Oliver Tambo' Chair at the institution, and the role that the Chair would play within the institution and the broader South African society. The qualification was intended to develop requisite skills, knowledge, values, and human rights advocacy among administrators, policymakers and implementers as well as the NGO sector in their professional life and day to day practice and application of human rights. I addition to academic knowledge and skills, the qualification instil democracy and human rights values, of good citizenship and sensitivity to global issues.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning will be provided in accordance with the institution's RPL policy. The RPL policy allows the learner to be assessed to find out whether, based on the evidence and judgment of the learners knowledge, skills and experience, learners articulates with the outcome of the qualification.

The assessment shall involve the process of collecting evidence and making judgments about the knowledge, skills and values that shall prove competence and shall articulate with the outcomes of a desired module/course and/or program.

Awarding RPL credit: learners with prior learning, however obtained, may apply to have their prior learning assessed against the learning outcomes for a specific qualification as outlined in the RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• Bachelor of Honours degree in the related field at NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights at NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 and 9 totalling 240 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8.

• Human Rights Theory and Practice, 48 Credits.
• Human Rights Research Methods, 40 Credits.
• Human Rights Contemporary Issues, 32 Credits.

Compulsory Modules,Level 9.

• Mini-dissertation,120 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the nature and content of human rights.
2. Master rights and obligations regarding the promotion and protection of human rights.
3. Understand human rights in broader contexts and relationships.
4. Knowledge and understanding of phenomena such as vulnerability, poverty, racism, globalisation.
5. Apply norms and principles in a focused area.
6. Formulate the research problem and work with literature and other sources.
7. Construct data collection instruments and use them collects data.
8. Digest, present and evaluate data and information.
9. Competence in writing a coherent and well-presented dissertation.
10. Work independently and be able to manage time.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria apply across Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Underlying principles, norms and practices of human rights are coherently explained.
• Ability to determine and apply rights and obligations to relevant situations.
• Grasp the unity and universality of rights as well as their interdependence and inter-relationship and are able to explain this coherently.
• Apply theory in a responsible and integrated way in solving problems.
• Demonstrate competence to integrate human rights into policy, advice and advocacy.
• Move from general and abstract level to a particular situation.
• Write a good research proposal supported by literature review.
• Construct and use data collection instruments.
• Work with and handle different sources and research methods.
• Present a coherent and well organised and presented dissertation.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and academic discipline and timely completion of tasks.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is continuous through assignments and essays, presentation of case studies; and participation in Seminars. These are internally examined and moderated. Preparation and submission of a mini-dissertation are externally assessed.