The course aims to provide the candidates in their early and mid-career professions, an opportunity to enhance their basic knowledge on more contextualised and practical understanding on human rights and democracy. The design of the curriculum, teaching and learning methodology will enhance necessary skills of the candidates related to monitoring and preparing practical/advocacy related tools for human rights and democracy. In addition, the eventual objective of this course of study is positive influence of attitudes and perception of students in reater competence at working with human rights and democratisation defenders.

At the end of this degree programme, students will be able to:

• Have an excellent knowledge of theory and practice of the promotion and protection of human rights and democratization.
• Undertake independent scholarly research on current issues in human rights and democratisation in the Sri Lanka and the Asia Pacific.
• Have the capacity to put their academic understanding and practical experience to use in real situations.

This course is designed based on the credit value system of Sri Lanka Qualification Framework Level 9 (SLQF 9) and it allows a candidate to earn 30 credits within the period of one year (01) by successfully completing six course modules along with a supervised researched component or an internship placement of 180 hours with a research.

First Semester

• Human Rights Norms and Mechanisms (Part I)
• Human Rights and Democratisation Research
• Dynamics of Human Rights Violations
• Democracy Theory and Practice

Second semester (with international students following the Asia Pacific Regional MHRD Programme)

• Human Rights Norms and Mechanisms (Part II)
• Critical and Emerging Issues in Asia Pacific
• Dissertation or Internship Placement

(i) A Bachelor’s degree from any recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University of Colombo;

(a) including 30 credits in the relevant subject area

Or

(b) with prior learning/work experience equivalent to 30 credits in the relevant subject area

Or

(ii) An educational/professional qualification in the relevant subject area equivalent to 1(a) or 1(b) with prior learning/work experience which is  acceptable to the Faculty Board and the Senate of the University of Colombo

Or

(iii) Completion of NVQ level 7, as determined by the Senate of the University of Colombo

And

(iv) A good knowledge of English language and satisfactory performance at a selection test and/or selection interview.