Master of Arts (International Relations)

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
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of Study
  

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.

Core - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

INTR9051  International Human Rights: Theory and Practice  (4.5 units)
INTR9054  The Alliance and the Re-Emergence 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)
POAD9058  Research Design (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics

Plus 4.5 units selected from:

GEOG8012 Development Problems and Solutions  (4.5 units) 
GEOG9022 Debates in International Development (4.5 units)
DVST9032  Gender Mainstreaming  (4.5 units)
GEOG8712 Asian Regional Development GE
INTR9055  African Politics: Global Issues  (4.5 units)
INTR9070  Supervised Study in International Relations  (4.5 units)
INTR9076  Food Security  (4.5 units)
POAD8007 Policy Analysis: Frameworks, Approaches and Values (4.5 units)
POAD8014 Public Policy (4.5 units)
POAD8138 Governance and Public Policy (4.5 units) 

Core - Year 2 topics

36 units comprising:

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:

BUSN9231 Global Business Context: An Asian Pacific Focus 
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)
GEOG9022 Debates in International Development (4.5 units)
DVST9031  Gender Analysis  (4.5 units)
DVST9032  Gender Mainstreaming  (4.5 units)
POAD9015 Economics and Public Policy  (4.5 units)
POAD9129 Environmental Policy & Governance  (4.5 units)
POAD9135 Project Governance  (4.5 units)
POLI9004 The Politics of Climate Change  (4.5 units)

Or any Year one 1 elective option topic not yet undertaken.