Bachelor of Arts in Family Sciences, specializing in - Human Rights.

The Human Rights Program aims to equip students with essential skills in conflict resolution, research, and analysis. These competencies enable graduates to become active peacemakers within their communities and qualify them to work in governmental and social institutions, as well as the judiciary. The program also provides graduates with a broad range of career options, such as serving as human rights attorneys, diplomats, or founding members of humanitarian nonprofit organizations. Additionally, it prepares them for roles in relief and social services or in government departments dedicated to human rights.

This program is designed in alignment with the vision of the United Arab Emirates, founded on justice, equality, and respect for individual rights and freedoms. Rooted in the nation’s cultural heritage and a constitution that has upheld these principles for over fifty years, the program reflects the UAE’s commitment to the Centennial Goals of 2071. These goals strive for a more cohesive society, grounded in values of tolerance, solidarity, humility, respect, and national loyalty, while empowering youth and women, promoting happiness and positivity as a way of life, and channeling all human potential toward unity and cooperation. The program supports students’ academic and professional growth within a framework of ethical, legal, and professional awareness, equipping them to fulfill their roles in the human rights field at both individual and community levels

  1. Explain key aspects of human rights and women's rights as established in both international and national legislation.
  2. Identify and address challenges faced by individuals in Gulf, Arab, and global communities.
  3. Describe international human rights concepts and procedures for enforcing these rights.
  4. Contribute knowledge gained in this program to conferences and seminars.
  5. Engage effectively with institutions and organizations related to human rights.
  6. Apply intervention skills to resolve conflicts resulting from human rights violations

3. Credit Hours and Course Types

Credit Hours Course Type
1. General Education Courses 30
(a) Compulsory General Education Courses 30
2. College Courses 36
(a) Compulsory College Courses 30
6 (b) Elective College Courses
3. Human Rights Program Courses
(a) Compulsory Human Rights Courses 60
(b) Elective Human Rights Courses 6
Total Credit Hours 126

1. General Education Courses (30 Credit Hours):

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours Prerequisites
HUM-1613 Islamic Studies 3 None
COM-1153 Composition Arabic 3 None
COM-1113 Academic Writing 1 3 None
LSS-1723 Introduction to Psychology 3 None
LSS-1733 Introduction to Sociology 3 None
HUM-1463 UAE Society 3 None
LSS-1463 Ethics and Citizenship Rights 3 None
ICT-1313 Introduction to Information Technology 3 None
LSS-1473 Logic and Critical Thinking 3 None
LSS-2483 Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability 3 None

2. College Core Courses (36 Credit Hours):

Compulsory College Courses (30 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours Prerequisites
FS-2000 Human Rights 3 None
FS-2010 Family Resource Management 3 None
FS-2020 Child Development and Care 3 None
FS-2030 Family Sociology 3 LSS-1733
FS-2040 Developmental Psychology 3 LSS-1723
FS-2050 Introduction to Family Jurisprudence 3 None
FS-2060 Introduction to Food and Nutrition Sciences 3 None
FS-2070 Family Healthcare 3 None
FS-2110 Introduction to Statistics 3 None
FS-2120 Social Research Methods 3 None

Elective College Courses (6 Credit Hours):

Course Code Course Name Credit Hours Prerequisites
FS-2080 Introduction to Jurisprudence and Principles 3 None
FS-2100 Introduction to the Quran and Sunnah 3 None
HM-2020 Home Interior Design 3 None

Human Rights Program Requirements (60 Credit Hours):

Core Human Rights Courses (54 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours Prerequisite
HR3000 Introduction to Law 3 None
HR3010 Principles of International Law 3 HR 3000
HR3020 International Humanitarian Law 3 HR 3000
HR3030 Constitutional Law 3 HR 3000
HR3040 General Penal Law 3 HR 3000
HR3050 Human Trafficking Law 3 HR 3000
HR3060 Child Rights 3 HR 3000
HR3070 Women’s Rights in Legislation and International Treaties 3 HR 3000
HR3080 Rights of the Accused 3 HR 3000
HR3090 Consumer Rights 3 HR 3000
HR3100 Personal Status Law (1) – Marriage Jurisprudence 3 None
HR4000 Personal Status Law (2) – Divorce and Its Consequences 3 None
HR4010 Personal Status Law (3) – Wills and Inheritance 3 None
HR4020 Rights of People with Special Needs 3 HR 3000
HR4030 Environmental Human Rights 3 HR 3000
HR4040 Labor Law and Social Legislation 3 HR3000
HR4000 Field Training 3 Completion of 75 Credit Hours
HR4010 Graduation Project 3 Completion of 105 Credit Hours

Elective Human Rights Courses (6 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours Prerequisite
HR4050 Charitable Associations and Nonprofit Institutions 3 None
HR4060 Jurisprudence of Transactions 3 None
HR4070 Criminology 3 None
HR4080 Legal System for Family and Community Counseling 3 None
HR3150 Family Reform and Guidance 3 None

Course Requirements

Year 1: Semester 1 (15 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 Islamic Studies General Education HUM-1613 3 None
2 Arabic Composition and Report Writing General Education COM-1153 3 None
3 Academic Writing 1 General Education COM-1113 3 None
4 Introduction to Psychology General Education LSS-1723 3 None
5 Introduction to Sociology General Education LSS-1733 3 None

Year 1: Semester 2 (15 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 UAE Society General Education HUM-1633 3 None
2 Ethics and Citizenship Rights General Education LSS-1463 3 None
3 Human Rights College Core FAM-2000 3 None
4 Family Resource Management College Core FAM-2010 3 None
5 Child Education College Core FAM-2020 3 None

Year 2: Semester 1 (18 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 Introduction to Information Technology General Education ICT-1313 3 None
2 Logic and Critical Thinking General Education LSS-1473 3 None
3 Family Sociology College Core FAM-2030 3 LSS-1733
4 Developmental Psychology College Core FAM-2040 3 LSS-1723
5 Introduction to Statistics College Core FAM-2110 3 None
6 Family Sciences Elective (1) College Elective   3 None

Year 2: Semester 2 (18 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability General Education LSS-2483 3 None
2 Introduction to Family Jurisprudence College Core FAM-2050 3 None
3 Introduction to Food and Nutrition College Core FAM-2060 3 None
4 Family Health Care College Core FAM-2070 3 None
5 Social Research Methods College Core FAM-2110 3 None
6 Introduction to Law Major Core HR-3000 3 None

Year 3: Semester 1 (18 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 Personal Status Law 1 – Marriage Jurisprudence Major Core HR-3100 3 None
2 Women’s Rights in Legislation and International Treaties Major Core HR-3070 3 HREQ-3000
3 Child Rights Major Core HR-3060 3 HREQ-3000
4 Consumer Rights Major Core HR-3090 3 HREQ-3000
5 Family Sciences Elective (2) College Elective   3 None

Year 3: Semester 2 (15 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 Principles of International Law Major Core HR-3010 3 HREQ-3000
2 International Humanitarian Law Major Core HR-3020 3 HREQ-3000
3 Constitutional Law Major Core HR-3030 3 HR-3000
4 Personal Status Law 2 – Divorce and Its Consequences Major Core HR-3100 3 None
5 Human Rights Elective (1) Major Elective   3 None
6 Field Training Major Core GRAD-4000 3 Completion of 75 Credit Hours

Year 4: Semester 1 (12 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 Rights of the Accused Major Core HR-3080 3 HR-3000
2 General Penal Law Major Core HR-3040 3 HR-3000
3 Human Trafficking Law Major Core HR-3050 3 HR-3000
4 Human Rights Elective (2) Major Elective   3 None

Year 4: Semester 2 (15 Credit Hours)

# Course Title Type Course Code Credit Hours Prerequisite
1 Environmental Human Rights Major Core HR-4030 3 HR-3000
2 Personal Status Law 3 – Wills and Inheritance Major Core HR-4010 3 HR-3100
3 Labor Law and Social Legislation Major Core HR-4040 3 None
4 Rights of People with Special Needs Major Core HR-4020 3 HR-3000
5 Graduation Project Major Core GRAD-4010 3 Completion of 105 Credit Hours

FS-2000 Human Rights (3-0-3)

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand human rights at both international and national levels. It explores the historical development and philosophical foundations of human rights, as well as the evolution of international human rights law within the framework of the United Nations. The course focuses on analytical methodologies and discussions on contemporary challenges in the field. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to analyze legal texts related to human rights within local and international legislative contexts.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2010 Family Resource Management (3-0-3)

This course provides students with fundamental concepts of family resource management, including its types, characteristics, and applications within the family context. It covers the basics of financial management, its various sources, and its impact on the family. The course employs lectures, group discussions, interactive workshops, and practical exercises to enable students to prepare family budgets and manage economic affairs effectively. It emphasizes the application of administrative processes within the family as a social institution and aims to develop planning, organizational, and decision-making skills in accordance with gender roles.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2020 Child Development and Care (3-0-3)

This course equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical approaches essential for child care and upbringing. It covers the scientific and conceptual foundations of child development from social, psychological, educational, and Islamic perspectives. The course introduces key concepts for child care in early childhood settings, addressing physical, psychological, mental, and social dimensions. Students learn to apply information-gathering techniques and assess child development in various domains. Through interactive lectures, case studies, and practical workshops, students gain the ability to understand the principles of child upbringing and accurately evaluate growth across different developmental dimensions.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2030 Family Sociology (3-0-3)

This course examines the family as a fundamental social institution within society. It explores theoretical perspectives on the family, including various definitions, family structures, and their roles in socialization processes and adaptation to societal changes. Through discussions, research projects, and field visits to social institutions, the course addresses contemporary challenges faced by families in modern societies. By the end of the course, students are expected to professionally approach and address family-related issues in their personal and professional lives.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Sociology (LSS-1733)

FS-2040 Developmental Psychology (3-0-3)

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of developmental principles across the human lifespan, focusing on the characteristics, demands, and underlying causes of growth at various stages. It examines foundational theories explaining developmental processes from childhood to old age. The course employs interactive methodologies such as case studies, psychological analyses, discussions, and practical applications to foster a deep understanding of psychological and social changes throughout life. By the end of the course, students are expected to apply this understanding to enhance quality of life through informed behavior guidance.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology (LSS-1723)

FS-2110 Introduction to Statistics (3-0-3)

This course equips students with a strong foundation in statistical principles, focusing on descriptive, inferential, and analytical statistical concepts relevant to family studies and social research. The course combines theoretical instruction with practical application, utilizing statistical software packages to facilitate data entry and analysis. By the end of the course, students are expected to develop the ability to critically interpret statistical results and make informed, evidence-based decisions.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2050 Introduction to Family Jurisprudence (3-0-3)

This course introduces students to key concepts and terminologies in Islamic family jurisprudence derived from religious sources. It traces the historical development of Islamic jurisprudence over the ages and its progression through various stages. The course highlights the contributions of major juristic schools, particularly in the family domain, and examines the role of Islamic jurisprudence and legislative frameworks in regulating family relationships. Students engage in critical discussions, interactive lectures, and case studies to analyze family issues from an Islamic jurisprudential perspective. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand fundamental jurisprudential concepts, analyze the role of Islamic jurisprudence in organizing family relations, and critically evaluate family issues from an Islamic perspective.

Prerequisites: None

FS-2060 Introduction to Food and Nutrition (3-0-3)
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in food science and nutrition, including the composition, functions, and key sources of nutrients, as well as their relationship with human health. The course emphasizes the principles of planning balanced and healthy meals, food preservation methods, and factors affecting food safety. Students will learn to apply standards for preparing healthy meals based on age and health requirements. Through interactive lectures, workshops, and practical exercises, students will gain the ability to design balanced and healthy meal plans, analyze factors affecting food safety, and implement standards that meet the nutritional needs of various groups.
Prerequisites: None

FS-2070 Family Healthcare (3-0-3)

This course aims to familiarize students with the principles and foundations of healthcare, focusing on safety standards and practices in promoting a healthy living environment. It covers the essentials of comprehensive care, quality, and safety in delivering healthcare services, and improving the overall quality of healthcare. The course utilizes diverse teaching strategies, educational activities, and practical applications, including field visits. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to apply these principles effectively across different healthcare contexts.
Prerequisites: None

FS-2120 Social Research Methods (3-0-3)

This course equips students with essential tools and skills for conducting high-quality social research. It covers the process of selecting research topics, formulating research questions in accordance with scientific methodologies, and gathering data from diverse sources. Students will learn to analyze data using specialized statistical software. The course incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including the analysis of research papers and practical exercises. By the end of the course, students are expected to develop an understanding of social phenomena and contribute to solving social problems through the production of new knowledge.

Prerequisites: None

  • Introduction to Law – HR 3000
    This course introduces students to the fundamental theories of law and rights, focusing on the characteristics of legal norms and their relation to other rules. It covers the process of legislation and its implementation in the state, with instructional methods that include analysis of legal texts and understanding the role of authorities in legislation and drafting.
    Prerequisite: None
  • Personal Status Law 1 – Marriage Jurisprudence – HR 3100
    This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of family law in relation to marriage from both legal and jurisprudential perspectives. Topics include engagement, marriage, its conditions, and the rights accorded to spouses under UAE Personal Status Law. Students will analyze legislative frameworks, real case studies, and issues in personal status law to develop protective measures for family rights.
    Prerequisite: None
  • Women’s Rights in Legislation and International Treaties – HR 3070
    This course offers a thorough analysis of women's rights in both international and national contexts, examining legal texts and international agreements promoting gender equality and combating discrimination, such as CEDAW. Students will explore challenges to implementation, analyze case studies, and engage in practical workshops to create innovative solutions for advancing women's rights.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Child Rights – HR 3060
    Focused on constitutional and international legislative protections for child rights, this course examines laws safeguarding children from exploitation and the policies in place to ensure their participation in society according to age. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of these policies and legal texts.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Consumer Rights – HR 3090
    This course studies the legal framework surrounding consumer rights related to goods and services, reviewing Islamic jurisprudence and relevant international and national laws. It also addresses challenges in consumer protection and analyzes legislative measures supporting responsible consumption.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Principles of International Law – HR 3010
    This course covers the fundamentals of international public law, its historical development, and the distinguishing features of its rules. It includes studies on the sources and branches of international law and the role of treaties in resolving conflicts and protecting human rights.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • International Humanitarian Law – HR 3020
    This course provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and rules governing conduct during armed conflicts, focusing on protections for those affected. Students will analyze the scope and application of humanitarian law through case studies, group discussions, and a simulated international court experience.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Constitutional Law – HR 3030
    Constitutional Law introduces students to the foundations of constitutional rules in the UAE, including the governance structure and the separation of powers. The course encourages analysis of national, regional, and international practices related to constitutional rights and responsibilities.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Personal Status Law 2 – Divorce and Its Consequences – HR 4000
    This course provides a comprehensive study of divorce and separation laws and the rights granted to spouses. It covers the role of Islamic law in promoting family stability and resolving marital disputes and highlights national strategies for family awareness.
    Prerequisite: None
  • Field Training – GRAD 4000
    Students engage in 120 hours of field training over 10 weeks in social institutions, where they apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, such as assessing family issues and planning interventions. This supervised training prepares students for real-world social and family challenges.
    Prerequisite: Completion of 75 Credit Hours
  • Rights of the Accused – HR 3080
    This course examines the rights of the accused as provided in the UAE Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Law, and international conventions. Students analyze each stage of criminal proceedings, including investigation, trial, and sentencing, to understand the safeguards in place for the accused.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • General Penal Law – HR 3040
    Focusing on the nature and elements of criminal offenses, this course covers general theories of crime and punishment, liability, and the enforcement of judicial decisions. Through case analysis and applied studies, students gain a comprehensive understanding of penal law.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Human Trafficking Law – HR 3050
    This course covers UAE laws and international conventions against human trafficking, distinguishing it from similar crimes and analyzing strategies for its prevention. Through case studies, students evaluate regional and local approaches to combating trafficking.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Environmental Human Rights – HR 4030
    This course introduces students to environmental law by examining local and international environmental regulations and their enforcement agencies. Students analyze legal texts, understand governmental roles in environmental protection, and assess penalties for environmental violations.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Personal Status Law 3 – Wills and Inheritance – HR 4010
    This course provides an in-depth study of inheritance law, covering the pillars, causes, and conditions of inheritance, as well as the laws governing wills. Students analyze Islamic jurisprudence on these matters, applying it to both legal and practical contexts.
    Prerequisite: HR 3100
  • Labor Law and Social Legislation – HR 4040
    This course offers an in-depth examination of labor law, focusing on the responsibilities and rights of workers and employers. Students learn to draft legally compliant contracts and distinguish them from other contract types, with emphasis on the specific obligations within the private sector.
    Prerequisite: None
  • Rights of People with Special Needs – HR 4020
    This course introduces students to the rights of persons with disabilities according to both international conventions and UAE legislation. It explores the evaluation of related laws and policies, discussing challenges and solutions to support these rights in alignment with human rights frameworks.
    Prerequisite: HR 3000
  • Graduation Project – GRAD 4010
    The graduation project allows students to apply their accumulated knowledge and research skills to a selected topic in family sciences, producing a research report and presenting it to an academic panel. The course includes individualized supervision and practical workshops to support students’ research processes.
    Prerequisite: Completion of 105 Credit Hours

NGOs and Public Benefit Associations - HR 4050
This course highlights the role of nonprofit organizations and associations in society and explains the differences between these entities and other legal entities. It provides an in-depth understanding of how these associations contribute to political, social, and cultural empowerment within the UAE. Through analyzing legislative texts related to the operation of public benefit associations and exploring innovative strategies to enhance their role in sustainable development, students will gain the ability to identify operational mechanisms and analyze the legislative system governing these associations by the course's end.

Criminology - HR 4070
This course focuses on criminology and its intersection with legal and social sciences by examining the basis for punitive measures in legal frameworks. It covers theoretical and practical foundations of contemporary theories that explain the motivations behind criminal behavior. By analyzing relevant texts and theories within the scope of criminal investigation, students will be able to identify and contextualize theories explaining criminal and punitive behavior within criminal legislation by the end of the course.

Legal Framework of Family and Community Counseling - HR 4080
This course introduces students to legal rules, characteristics, and legislative hierarchies in the UAE, specifically focusing on family and family counseling. It covers treaties and agreements related to family and child welfare and provides knowledge on the counselor’s rights and legal responsibilities in professional practices. By exploring the role and authority of counseling committees within the legal framework and regulations governing counseling processes, students will develop the ability to analyze and interpret family-related legal systems and cases. The course emphasizes promoting counseling awareness within a sound legal framework, preparing students to frame and solve family issues from a legal perspective.

Family Counseling and Guidance - HR 3150
This course introduces students to the concept of family counseling and guidance, its foundations in Islamic texts and legal regulations, and the differences between rules of reform, arbitration, and mediation under UAE regulations. Through case studies and analysis of family counseling centers’ operational mechanisms, students will understand the legislative implications of family counseling and guidance. By the end of the course, students will be able to design a family counseling program to address specific family issues within existing legal frameworks.

Jurisprudence of Transactions - HR 4060
This course familiarizes students with Islamic jurisprudential rulings related to transactions, emphasizing the comprehensive application of these rulings across various aspects of life. It examines contract eligibility requirements and obligations for each party, explaining mutual commitments. Through analyzing contemporary transactions such as partnership contracts, lease-to-own arrangements, and banking transactions, students will gain a holistic understanding of jurisprudential principles in transactions. By course completion, students will be equipped to analyze modern financial transactions within the parameters of Islamic law.

  1. Work in organizations concerned with human rights, women’s rights, and child protection.
  2. Work in various civil society organizations.
  3. Human rights departments (Ministry of Interior).
  4. Conflict resolution and guidance committees.
  5. NGOs specializing in human rights protection.
  6. Government departments focused on human rights.
  7. Diplomatic roles in international forums related to human rights.