Master of Human Rights and Multiculturalism (MHRMC) is a multidisciplinary degree programme which is designed to enhance the candidate’s aptitude for advancing both theoretical knowledge and investigative skills and the ability to deal with practical issues of human rights in a multicultural society. The Master of Human Rights and Multiculturalism degree (SLQF 9) is a 15 months interdisciplinary degree programme focusing on human rights and cultural diversity. The programme is designed to accommodate students with degrees in different academic disciplines. The programme is also designed to accommodate development practitioners and others who need knowledge of human rights to practice their respective professions.
The aim of the MHRMC programme is to impart required knowledge and training for students to enhance theoretical knowledge and develop their research and analytical skills and ability in order to help them deal with complex issues of Human Rights and Multiculturalism, address the needs of professionals and researchers who wish to develop knowledge and skills in the field of human rights and multiculturalism and supplement their skills in their respective fields.
Eligibility Criteria
A candidate who possesses one of the following qualifications is eligible to apply for Master of Human Rights and Multiculturalism:
- A Bachelor’s degree in the field of Social Sciences or Humanities obtained from a recognized University or Higher Educational Institution, OR
- A Bachelor’s degree in any other field obtained from a recognized University or Higher Educational Institution with one-year work experience in a related field; OR
- Professional qualification/s and/or a diploma in human rights or a related field and threeyears’ work experience in a related field as acceptable to the relevant Board of Study.
Target Group and Career Prospects
The MHRMC degree programme is expected to be particularly useful for development professionals in the state sector, NGO workers/social activists, school teachers, policy makers, planners, academics and researchers working on human rights issues and graduates who aspire to develop their professional career in the field of human rights and multicultural issues.
Courses offered:
Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
Compulsory Courses | ||
HMC 601 | Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights | 3 |
HMC 602 | Multiculturalism: Theories and Concepts | 3 |
HMC 603 | International and Regional Systems on Human Rights | 3 |
HMC 604 | Research Methodology | 3 |
HMC 605 | Policies and Mechanisms to Protect Human Rights in Sri Lanka | 3 |
|
|
|
Optional Courses Group A: Cultural Diversity, Multiculturalism and Human Rights | ||
HMC 606 | Cultural Diversity, Human Rights and Multiculturalism | 3 |
HMC 607 | Human Rights and Development | 3 |
HMC 608 | Epistemological Foundations of Social Science Research | 3 |
HMC 609 | Multiculturalism in International Context: Case Studies | 3 |
HMC 610 | Politics of Multiculturalism | 3 |
HMC 611 | Religious Perspectives on Human Rights and Multiculturalism | 3 |
HMC 612 | Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Education | 3 |
|
|
|
Optional Courses Group B – Human Rights and Multiculturalism in Sri Lankan Contexts | ||
HMC 613 | Vulnerable and Disadvantaged People in Sri Lanka | 3 |
HMC 614 | Fundamental Rights and Duties of Sri Lankans | 3 |
HMC 615 | Identity Politics in Sri Lanka | 3 |
HMC 616 | Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Rights in the International Rights Regime | 3 |
HMC 617 | Ethics for Professionals | 3 |
HMC 618 | Seminar on Human Rights in Multicultural Contexts | 3 |
|
|
|
HMC 696 | Independent Study/Guided Project | 5 |
Note: In addition to the above courses, PSC 608, PSC 609 and PSC 610 of MA in Political Science will be cross listed as optional courses. | ||
Programme Completion Requirements
A student will be awarded the Master of Human Rights and Multiculturalism upon successful completion of 32 credits from courses and an independent study/project.
Exit Point:
A student who is admitted to follow the Master of Human Rights and Multiculturalism programme and wishes to leave the programme may obtain the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights and Multiculturalism upon successful completion of 27 credits.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available under the NORPART Project of the Institute to study one semester at the University of South-eastern Norway (USN), Norway. The selected student shall complete 30 ECTS (equivalent to 15 credits)/15 ECTS (equivalent to 7.5 credits) in Human Rights and Multiculturalism at the USN. Credits earned at the USN will be transferred to the Master’s degree programme at the PGIHS.
