The Master of Arts (International Relations) is a 72-unit program offered by the College of Business, Government and Law. It requires two years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).
This course articulates with the 18-unit Graduate Certificate in International Relations and the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in International Relations, and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Candidates who have completed either of these courses are awarded credit for related topics.
Admission requirements
Applicants who do not hold the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations (or approved equivalents) must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. The Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature, and may take into account relevant work experience.
Course aims
The Master of Arts (International Relations) aims to:
- provide a specialised postgraduate program in International Relations for suitably qualified graduates
- provide appropriate professional education for current or prospective employees working in the areas of foreign affairs, defence, international trade and related areas
- provide advanced grounding in the academic debates and research literatures in the field of International Relations and cognate subjects for students who intend to pursue doctoral studies and an academic career
- assist students to further develop skills in comprehension, research, bibliography, analysis, verbal argument and professional writing.
Learning outcomes
Graduates from this course should be able to:
- have a high level appreciation of the broad dimensions and content of the academic field of International Relations
- have a high level understanding of the key theoretical concepts, major historical themes and significant current issues within International Relations
- have an excellent appreciation of outstanding policy issues in International Relations
- have excellent skills in academic research, verbal argument and professional writing.
Program of study
To qualify for The Master of Arts (International Relations), a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.
Year 1
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 1 topics
INTR9051 International Human Rights: Theory and Practice (4.5 units)
INTR9054 The Alliance and the Rise of China (4.5 units)
INTR9063 Debating International Relations (9 units)
INTR9077 Global Inequality (4.5 units)
INTR9078 Governing East Asia in the 21st Century (4.5 units)
INTR9118 From Topic to Thesis (4.5 units)*
Option - Year 1 topics
Plus 4.5 units selected from:
DVST8010 Development Problems, Policies and Programs (4.5 units)
DVST9022 Theory and Evidence in Contemporary Development (4.5 units)
DVST9032 Gender Mainstreaming (4.5 units)
INTR9055 African Politics: Global Issues (4.5 units)
INTR9070 Supervised Study in International Relations (4.5 units)
INTR9076 Food Security (4.5 units)
*Students who come into the MAIR via the GCIR or GDPIR pathway will have taken INTR9064in their first year of study, and will not have completed INTR9118. These students will be required to take INTR9118 and will be given an individualised study plan in order to accommodate this variation.
Year 2
36 units comprising:
Core - Year 2 topics
DVST9038 Environment and Development in Asia (4.5 units)
INTR9060 The Cultural Politics of Religion, Ethnicity and Nationalism (4.5 units)
INTR9064 The Rise of China: Dream or Nightmare (4.5 units)
INTR9073 New Security Agenda (4.5 units)
Plus either:
INTR9918 International Relations Research Thesis (18 units) OR
INTR9918A International Relations Research Thesis (9/18 units) AND
INTR9918B International Relations Research Thesis (9/18 units)
Or:
INTR9913 International Relations Research Paper (9 units), AND
9 units selected from:
INTR9055 African Politics: Global Issues (4.5 units)
INTR9059 Intensive Summer School on Global Citizenship (4.5 units)
INTR9062 Contemporary Issues in Gender and International Development (4.5 units)
INTR9065A Policy Making on a Global Stage (4.5 units)
INTR9070 Supervised Study in International Relations (4.5 units)
INTR9076 Food Security (4.5 units)
DVST9022 Theory and Evidence in Contemporary Development (4.5 units)
DVST9031 Gender Analysis (4.5 units)
DVST9032 Gender Mainstreaming (4.5 units)
