During their internship students will put their legal and advocacy skills and knowledge to use and gain practical experience of law in action. At the same time students will be critically analysing the operation of law, lawyers and legal policy as well as conducting work in research, policy and community legal education. Through policy, client work, advocacy and law reform projects the program aims to strengthen students’ practical skills in research, writing, advocacy, problem-solving, team work and independent judgment.
The Human Rights Internship Program (LAWS8052) offers postgraduate Human Rights Law & Policy students the opportunity to undertake the placement component of the course with an organisation that has a focus on the protection and promotion of human rights.
Both internships are offered to all commencing and continuing UNSW Law Masters students enrolled in the Master of Law program (9201).
The general internship program LAWS8173 also available to continuing students in the below programs:
- Master of Law (9200)
- Master of International Law & International Relations (9240)
- Master of International Law & Security (9281)
- Master of Criminal Justice & Criminology (9285)
- Master of Dispute Resolution (9235)
- Master of Law, Media and Journalism (9214)
- Master of Business Law (9231).
The Human Rights internship program LAWS8052 also available to continuing students in the below programs:
- Master of Laws (9200)
- Master of Human Rights Law & Policy (9211)
- Master of International Law and International Relations (9240)
- Graduate Diploma in Human Rights Law & Policy (5211).
Note: Students will only be permitted to undertake one internship course as part of their degree.
What does the course involve?
Under the supervision of a member of the Partner Organisation and a supervisor from the Faculty of Law and Justice, students will gain valuable experience in research, analysis, writing and advocacy on aspects of law, policy and practice relating to human rights. Interns are required to undertake the equivalent of one full day each week (for 10 weeks) of work at their partner organisation during the enrolled term. Interns will complete their project in close consultation with their partner organisation. Please note all placements are unpaid. read more
The range of projects in which the intern will be involved will be determined according to the project priorities of the partner organisation. However, in general it is expected that an intern’s duties will consist of a combination of:
- advocacy
- research
- project administrative work
- interviewing clients
- preparing legal materials editing
- preparing and writing background materials & briefing papers
- event coordination
- liaising with other organisations
- and doing relevant work of a substantive nature.
Please note that internship opportunities change each term according to the needs of the organisations at the time.
When does the course run?
All postgraduate internships are offered in all terms. In summer term only self-organised internships are offered.
How do I apply?
Please refer to the information on the main internships page, the UNSW Handbook and Course Outline prior to applying.
More information
Please ensure you read the information on ‘COVID-19 Special Arrangements’ for your course, as well as the updates on COVID-19 impacts on the Experiential Learning Program.