Human rights law is a system of international and domestic laws designed to protect and promote rights and freedoms which have been identified as essential to human dignity. Human rights norms purport to set standards in a broad range of areas, including political, civil, social, economic and cultural rights, the distribution of socio-economic resources and the status of particular social groups, including women. Yet these standards will not be achieved without a continued demand by informed human rights professionals. Although human rights are universal and the entitlement of everyone, regardless of status, race, gender, nationality or other distinction, too often they are imperfectly understood and poorly observed.

Graduates go on to various careers. Some work in positions in state and federal government, in the Australian Human Rights Commission or in community organisations. Some hold advocacy positions in international NGOs, or work as international civil servants in international governmental organisations.