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B-A in Human Rights at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University
Nanded, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Human Rights at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University Nanded?
This Human Rights specialization program at Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, focuses on building a robust understanding of human rights principles, laws, and their application within Indian and international contexts. The curriculum is designed to address pressing societal issues, foster critical thinking, and prepare students for advocacy and social justice roles. The program distinguishes itself by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical field experience, responding to the growing demand for human rights professionals in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream who possess a keen interest in social justice, law, and public service. It also benefits working professionals, such as those in NGOs, law enforcement, or social work, looking to formalize their understanding of human rights. Career changers transitioning into advocacy, policy research, or community development will find the interdisciplinary approach valuable, provided they have a strong commitment to ethical practice and social change.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles in NGOs, government bodies (e.g., National/State Human Rights Commissions), legal firms specializing in human rights, social work, and international organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6 LPA to 12 LPA or more, depending on the sector and role. The program aligns with skills required for certifications in social work, legal aid, and development practice.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Foundational Legal and Ethical Understanding- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand the Indian Constitution, international human rights instruments, and key philosophical theories. Participate in classroom debates and discussions actively to solidify conceptual clarity. Engage in critical reading of legal texts and academic articles beyond the prescribed syllabus.
Tools & Resources
Official Human Rights Commission reports, UGC e-PG Pathshala for Law/Human Rights modules, Academic journals on Human Rights
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures you can articulate and analyze human rights issues effectively, a core skill for policy analysis, advocacy, and legal roles.
Develop Effective Communication and Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving written and verbal communication. Practice essay writing, report structuring, and public speaking. Learn basic research methodologies, including data collection and analysis, which are crucial for academic projects and future professional roles. Seek feedback on all written assignments.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Google Scholar, University Library resources for research papers, Presentation software
Career Connection
Clear communication and sound research are vital for preparing reports, drafting petitions, and presenting cases in advocacy or policy roles, enhancing your employability in NGOs and research institutions.
Engage in Local Community Initiatives- (Semester 1-2)
Volunteer with local NGOs or community groups working on social issues such as education, health, or sanitation. This provides firsthand exposure to human rights challenges at the grassroots level in India. Document your experiences and observations to connect theoretical knowledge with practical realities.
Tools & Resources
Local NGO directories, University social outreach programs
Career Connection
Early practical engagement helps develop empathy, problem-solving skills, and a network, crucial for careers in social work, community development, and field-based human rights work.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Practical Legal and Advocacy Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Seek internships with legal aid cells, human rights organizations, or government bodies like the State Human Rights Commission during semester breaks. Focus on understanding case documentation, legal procedures, and advocacy strategies. This exposure to real-world scenarios is invaluable.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, LawyerKatta, Networking with faculty and alumni
Career Connection
Internships are critical for gaining practical experience, building a professional network, and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong referrals in the legal and NGO sectors.
Specialize in a Niche Human Rights Area- (Semester 3-5)
Based on your interest, delve deeper into specific areas like child rights, environmental rights, women''''s rights, or tribal rights. Read extensively, attend workshops, and focus your project work on these areas to develop specialized expertise relevant to India''''s diverse challenges.
Tools & Resources
UNICEF India reports, National Commission for Women/SC/ST/Child Rights publications, The Wire, Scroll.in for current affairs
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles within NGOs, advocacy groups, or research think tanks that focus on these particular issues in India.
Participate in Debates, Moot Courts, and Essay Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in inter-college debates, moot court competitions (if available or relevant), and human rights-themed essay contests. This hones your argumentation skills, legal reasoning, and ability to articulate complex human rights concepts under pressure.
Tools & Resources
College debate clubs, Law college events, Online legal forums
Career Connection
These activities significantly improve critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive writing, which are essential for future roles in law, policy advocacy, and human rights education.
Advanced Stage
Conduct an Independent Research Project or Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Undertake a significant research project or dissertation in your chosen area of specialization. This demonstrates advanced research skills, critical analysis, and the ability to contribute original thought to human rights discourse. Aim for publishable quality research.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for social sciences), Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A strong research project is highly valued for postgraduate studies (MA/LLM) and research roles in think tanks, universities, and policy-oriented organizations in India and globally.
Prepare for Post-Graduation and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6)
Begin preparing for entrance exams for Master''''s programs (e.g., MA in Human Rights, LLM) or competitive examinations for government services (UPSC, State PSCs) where human rights and social justice are key components. Focus on current affairs, constitutional law, and socio-economic issues.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/PSC coaching materials, Online news portals, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Proactive preparation for higher education or civil services can open doors to influential policy-making positions, academic careers, or leadership roles in public administration.
Build a Professional Portfolio and Network Strategically- (Semester 6)
Compile a portfolio of your research papers, field reports, internship certificates, and project work. Actively network with human rights practitioners, academics, and alumni through conferences, workshops, and online platforms. Attend career fairs and alumni meet-ups.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional human rights associations (e.g., Indian Association of Human Rights), University alumni network
Career Connection
A robust portfolio and professional network are crucial for job placements, collaborations, and long-term career growth in the competitive human rights sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary Examination) or equivalent from a recognized board/university.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 68 (for Human Rights specialization subjects only) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.R.P.C-101 | Human Rights: Concept, Theories and Issues | Core | 4 | Concept and Nature of Human Rights, Theories of Human Rights, Universality of Human Rights, Generations of Human Rights, Major Issues and Challenges in Human Rights |
| H.R.G.E-101 | Introduction to Social Movements | Generic Elective | 4 | Concept and Theories of Social Movements, Types and Characteristics of Social Movements, Dynamics of Social Mobilization, Major Social Movements in India, Impact and Future of Social Movements |
| H.R.A.E.C.C-101 | English / Marathi / Hindi / Urdu (Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course) | AECC (Compulsory) | 2 | Language Skills Development, Grammar and Usage, Reading Comprehension, Communication and Writing Skills, Vocabulary Building |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.R.P.C-102 | Human Rights and Indian Constitution | Core | 4 | Human Rights in the Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Constitutional Amendments and Human Rights, Role of Judiciary in Protecting Human Rights |
| H.R.G.E-102 | Women and Human Rights | Generic Elective | 4 | Status of Women in Society, Human Rights of Women, Gender Inequality and Discrimination, Women''''s Movements and Empowerment, Legal Frameworks for Women''''s Rights in India |
| H.R.A.E.C.C-102 | Environmental Studies | AECC (Compulsory) | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and Control, Natural Resources and Conservation, Climate Change and Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Ethics and Protection Laws |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.R.P.C-201 | International Human Rights Law and Institutions | Core | 4 | Evolution of International Human Rights Law, UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants on Human Rights, Role of UN Human Rights Bodies, Regional Human Rights Systems |
| H.R.S.E.C-201 | Human Rights and Health | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Right to Health: Concept and Scope, Public Health Issues in India, Healthcare Access and Equity, Health Policies and Programs, Ethical Considerations in Health |
| H.R.G.E-203 | Child Rights | Generic Elective | 4 | Concept and Principles of Child Rights, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), Issues of Child Labour and Child Abuse, Legal and Institutional Protection for Children in India, Policies for Child Development and Welfare |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.R.P.C-202 | Human Rights and Vulnerable Groups | Core | 4 | Concept of Vulnerable Groups, Rights of Minorities and Indigenous People, Rights of Dalits and Other Backward Classes, Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Challenges and Protection Mechanisms for Vulnerable Groups |
| H.R.S.E.C-202 | Human Rights Advocacy | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Fundamentals of Advocacy, Techniques of Campaigning and Lobbying, Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Role of NGOs and Civil Society in Advocacy, Case Studies in Human Rights Advocacy |
| H.R.G.E-204 | Human Rights Education | Generic Elective | 4 | Concept and Importance of Human Rights Education, Methods and Approaches to HR Education, Curriculum Development for HR Education, Role of Teachers and Institutions, Promoting Human Rights Values and Awareness |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.R.P.C-301 | Human Rights and Criminal Justice System | Core | 4 | Human Rights in the Criminal Justice Context, Role of Police and Investigation, Fair Trial and Judicial Process, Prisons and Rights of Prisoners, Victims'''' Rights and Compensation |
| H.R.D.S.E-301 | Human Rights and Media | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Media and its Role in Human Rights, Freedom of Expression and its Limitations, Media Ethics and Responsibility, Hate Speech and Online Misinformation, Reporting Human Rights Issues |
| H.R.D.S.E-303 | Human Rights and Good Governance | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Concept of Good Governance, Transparency and Accountability, Right to Information (RTI), E-governance and Public Service Delivery, Corruption and Human Rights |
| H.R.P.C-303 | Field Work (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Introduction to Research Methodology, Data Collection Techniques, Observation and Interview Skills, Report Writing and Documentation, Field Visit and Case Study Analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.R.P.C-302 | Human Rights and Environmental Protection | Core | 4 | Concept of Environmental Rights, Climate Change and Human Rights, Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental Justice, International Environmental Laws and Agreements |
| H.R.D.S.E-302 | Human Rights and Peace Studies | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Introduction to Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution and Transformation, Principles of Non-Violence, Human Security and Peacebuilding, Role of Human Rights in Achieving Peace |
| H.R.D.S.E-304 | Human Rights and Cyber Crime | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Introduction to Cyber Crime, Digital Rights and Privacy, Data Protection Laws in India, Cyber Security and Human Rights, Legal Frameworks for Cyber Crime |
| H.R.P.C-304 | Project Work (Practical) | Practical | 2 | Project Proposal Development, Literature Review and Research Design, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Presentation, Viva Voce and Defense |
