Program Objectives
The program aims to produce competent professionals, practitioners and researchers who can work to promote human rights and democracy, especially in the context of the Asia-Pacific region. Graduates will learn to acquire knowledge independently, a skill necessary for the advancement of academic studies and promotion of human rights in society. The program is multidisciplinary in nature, with
a focus in social sciences-based enquiry.
By the end of the programme, students will:
- Have advanced and applied knowledge of core concepts, theories, principles of human rights and democratization and the political, social and cultural context to democracy and rights (Knowledge)
- Have competence in analyzing human rights and democratization issues and proposing innovative solutions that address structural causes of the problems (Skills)
- Apply information technology in research, policy, and advocacy and then effectively communicate research and advocacy findings (Skills)
- Adhere to human rights and democratic principles, moral and ethical values and uphold related professional and ethical standards (Ethics);
- Have consciousness of working with a diversity of stakeholders in promoting and protecting human rights using skills based on human rights and democratic principles (Character)
1) Required Courses: 18 Credits
| Course | Credit |
|---|---|
| HPRD 541 Human Rights and Democratization Research | 3 |
| HPRD 556 Human Rights Norms and Mechanisms | 3 |
| HPRD 563 Human Rights and Democratization Practicum | 3 |
| HPRD 564 Practical Skills in Human Rights Protection and Promotion | 3 |
| HPRD 565 Theories of Human Rights and Democratization | 3 |
| HPRD 566 Seminar on Human Rights and Democratization | 3 |
2) Elective Courses: 6 Credits
| Course | Credit |
|---|---|
| HPRD 557 Critical and Emerging Human Rights Issues in Nepal, HRPD 558 in Sri Lanka, HRPD 559 in Indonesia, or HRPD 560 in the Philippines | 3 |
| HPRD 561 South Asia or 562 Southeast Asia National and Regional Human Rights Norms and Mechanisms | 3 |
In addition to elective courses mentioned above, a student may register in other courses in international programs offered by other faculties equivalent to graduate studies at Mahidol University or at partner institutions according to the student’s interest with the approval of the curriculum committee or the advisor.
3) Thesis
| Course | Credit |
|---|---|
| HPRD 698 Thesis | 12 |
Broad Research Themes
The existing research topics and programs that students can participate and seek guidance from lecturers are classified into three broad themes: Democratic Development, Peacebuilding and Human Rights Protection for Marginalized Groups. Students are to propose and select research topic based on his/ her own interest within these three themes of expertise of the Program.
| Democratic Development | Peacebuilding | Human Rights Protection for Marginalized Groups |
|---|---|---|
| – Social movements – Academic freedom in Thailand and Asian contexts – Freedom of expression and cybersecurity – Human rights and peace education – Political participation of minority groups | – Transitional justice and reconciliation – Cross-community peacebuilding in the deep south of Thailand – Intra- and inter-religious dialogue – Buddhist participation in the peace process for the deep south of Thailand – Art for peace | – Migrant workers’ rights and challenges – Refugee protection – LGBTQI+ rights and participation – Rights of the child – Freedom of thought, conscience, and religions of minority groups -Cultural rights of minority groups |
The student will select her/his major adviser from the partner institution and a co-adviser from APMA/IHRP in Mahidol.
The thesis proposal is defended before a university-approved panel at the beginning of the second semester. After the proposal is approved, students are required to participate in a two-day research ethics training workshop, after which they will be awarded a certificate.
Each student is required to submit an original thesis on an approved topic. The thesis length is between 14,000-18,000 words.
The dissertation is an important part of the APMA programme. The program recommends students to select primary research methodologies or or a fresh approach to an existing debate in human rights and democratization. The aim of the thesis is to develop the student’s skills in research and academic writing while producing an original piece of research.
Students are expected to defend their theses in the last semester.
Other Requirements for Graduation
To be able to graduate, Mahidol University requires students to present original research in an international student conference, in collaboration with other universities. The proceedings are published in a peer-reviewed publication. This research may be the student’s master’s thesis, a portion of it, or another separate topic.
Please note that there may be other graduation requirements introduced by the University, depending on the relevant curriculum of the APMA admission cohort. Please consult the APMA program coordinator or officer for specific details.