PG Diploma in Human Rights is a 1-year course divided into 2 semesters. This mixed-disciplinary course will give a complete picture of the concept of human rights, laws, international conventions, and humanitarian laws. It discusses subjects such as the history of human rights, constitutional protection, women's as well as children's rights, rights of disadvantaged groups in society, and the role of national and international organizations like NHRC and UNHRC. The course will also tie in advocacy training, methods of research, social justice, and modern topics such as climate justice and digital rights.
Candidates who want to be admitted into the PG Diploma in Human Rights are required to have a Bachelor's degree in any field of study with a minimum aggregate of 50% from a recognized university. A student can be admitted to the university mostly based on merit, but there are chances for universities to conduct a personal interview or an entrance test. Particularly, those professionals with law, social work, political science, and education backgrounds are welcome to apply.
The PG Diploma in Human Rights fees range from INR 10,000 – 60,000, depending on the institution type. Some of the colleges that offer the course are The Indian Institute of Human Rights, Indian Institute of Human Rights, Jamia Millia Islamia, IGNOU, NLSIU Bengaluru and Annamalai University.
After completing the PGD in Human Rights, students will be able to pursue some of the famous job profiles like Human Rights Officer, Policy Analyst, Social Worker, Legal Assistant, Researcher, and Advocacy Coordinator. The average salary after earning a PGD in Human Rights ranges from INR 4 LPA – 7 LPA.
Table of Contents
- PG Diploma in Human Rights Highlights
- What is a PG Diploma in Human Rights?
- Why Study a PG Diploma in Human Rights?
- Who Should Study a PG Diploma in Human Rights?
- PG Diploma in Human Rights Eligibility Criteria
- PG Diploma in Human Rights Colleges in India
- PG Diploma in Human Rights Admission Process 2025
- PG Diploma in Human Rights Syllabus
- PG Diploma in Human Rights: Job Opportunities in India
- PG Diploma in Human Rights FAQs
PG Diploma in Human Rights Highlights
Given below are the basic key highlights for the PG Diploma in Human Rights:
What is a PG Diploma in Human Rights?
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Human Rights is a one-year interdisciplinary postgraduate program that aims to inculcate in-depth knowledge of the principles of human rights, ideas of laws, and morality at the domestic and international fronts. The program suits students, professionals, activists, and legal practitioners who are very much interested in social justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental rights of all individuals.
One learns in detail about the history of human rights evolution, constitutional and legal protection, international conventions like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the operation of institutions like the United Nations and the National Human Rights Commission.
Why Study a PG Diploma in Human Rights?
Human Rights are the core value of a fair and equal world, which reflects the dignity, liberty, and security that a person should be capable of enjoying. The course is not a simple studying program in Human Rights, but a social outlet that gives the socially aware an opportunity to develop ideas of justice, equality, and activism. Through this program, you have a powerful voice at the national and international levels of discussions on the dignity of human beings and civil freedoms.
These are some of the reasons why you should undertake a PG Diploma in Human Rights:
- A multidimensional insight into social justice: You realize how societies defend or infringe upon human rights through taking a course in national and international human rights law, grassroots activism, understanding constitutional provisions on rights, and ethical theories.
- Make a difference in the world: You can not only explore theories of human rights, but also learn how to make them work in the real world through case studies, policy analysis, legal frameworks, and fieldwork, all of which will prepare you to work in NGOs, law, and global human rights organizations.
- Be able to acquire good communication skills as well as research skills: Such a curriculum also equips you with skills to write reports, conduct an audit on social issues, and voice the underprivileged in the court, media, and policy forums.
- Discover international significance and cultural impact: The course will enable you to tackle global developments on refugee rights, gender equality, environmental justice, and digital freedom, among many other globally relevant topics.
Who Should Study a PG Diploma in Human Rights?
Listed below are some of the key profiles of individuals who are well-suited to pursue a PG Diploma in Human Rights. Let’s take a closer look:
- The students who are interested in social justice, equality, and civil liberties, and would like to actively engage in the process of their protection and promotion locally or globally.
- Law, political science, social work, sociology, and public administration graduates who would like to develop a stronger sense of the human rights agenda through formal training.
- It is appropriate for those professionals in the fields of NGO, legal aid, journalism, or international development who wish to sharpen their advocacy, legal, and policy-related abilities to further human rights causes.
- Candidates who are interested in working with vulnerable groups of people, such as the marginalized, common groups, women, children, refugees, and other unsheltered characters of society, either at the grassroots or at the institutional level.
- Anyone studying to become a civil servant or to work in the civil service in a field impacting human rights, or human rights in a country where legal literacy becomes a critical element in the context of rule and morality.
PG Diploma in Human Rights Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission to the PG Diploma in Human Rights course are outlined below. Please note that specific criteria may vary slightly across institutions:
- A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, or Social Sciences) from a recognized university or institution.
- A minimum aggregate score of 50% marks in the qualifying undergraduate degree (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates).
- Preference may be given to candidates with academic backgrounds in Law, Political Science, Sociology, Social Work, or Public Administration.
- Final-year undergraduate students awaiting their results are also eligible to apply on a provisional basis, subject to submission of proof of completion before admission confirmation.
PG Diploma in Human Rights Colleges in India
Provided below is the list of some of the top PG Diploma in Human Rights colleges in India. Students must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for these programs.
PG Diploma in Human Rights Admission Process 2025
PG Diploma in Human Rights admission in general is based on merit or open institution-based entrance tests. For your reference, given below is the step-by-step admission procedure for the PG Diploma in Human Rights.
Step 1: Go to the official admission portal of Jamia Millia Islamia (www.jmi.ac.in) and online registration. Complete the application form by providing personal, academic, and communication information.
Step 2: Attach the documents that are needed, like educational degrees, a picture, and an identity. The application fee can be paid online.
Step 3: In case the university carries out an entrance exam (as it is sometimes done), take the exam on the date stated. Better be ready in subjects that touch on human rights, the Indian constitution, current affairs, and a simple knowledge of social sciences.
Step 4: After announcing some results, shortlisted candidates are invited to get counseled or verify their documents.
Step 5: Once the verification is done, pay the admission/first semester fee and book the seat. The admission confirmation with the details of orientation and start of the class will be sent via email.
Required Documents:
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
- Graduation Mark Sheet (UG Degree)
- Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Conduct/Character Certificate
- Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card or Photo ID
- Passport-size photographs
- Migration Certificate (if from another university)
PG Diploma in Human Rights Syllabus
The PG Diploma in Human Rights is typically a 1-year program divided into 2 semesters. Given below is the syllabus followed by IGNOU and similar UGC-approved institutions for your reference:
PG Diploma in Human Rights: Job Opportunities in India
After completing the PG Diploma in Human Rights, students can explore various career paths. Below are some prominent job roles, top recruiters/fields, required experience, and average salary details in India.
PG Diploma in Human Rights FAQs
Can one use a PG Diploma in Human Rights to seek jobs in the Government or international organizations?
Absolutely. A PG Diploma in Human Rights provides the student with advanced knowledge that is needed to make a career in governmental as well as non-governmental organizations or UN agencies in international organizations. It gives an insight into legal systems, international laws, and human rights approaches that are commonly targeted in competitive state exams and applicable in policy-making tasks. The graduates will be qualified to take up positions that entail advocacy, legal consultations, and policy analyses within the areas of human rights.
What post-secondary education can be achieved following the PG Diploma in Human Rights?
Graduates are employed with postgraduate degrees such as LLM in Human Rights Law, MA in International Relations, or MSc in Social Policy. Research-oriented students can choose to pursue an MPhil or even a Ph.D. in human rights, social justice, or development studies. There are also reasons why a diploma holder might want to further his skills and become marketable by taking up courses on public administration, social work, or even law, so he would have a wider job selection.
How can students learn the current topics of digital rights and online advocacy through the course?
Digital rights, cyber law, and online activism are usually a part of the syllabus of modern human rights programs. The students are taught about data protection, freedom of speech on an online platform, and the use of social media as an advocacy tool. These are the skills that will equip them to pursue new opportunities in digital policy, online advocacy, and employment with technology companies or internet rights organizations involved in internet governance and digital inclusion.
