The Master of Arts (International Relations) is a 72-unit program offered by The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. 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 Faculty Board 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
Every student must have their program of study approved by the Program Approver.
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.
First Year (Graduate Diploma Year)
36 units comprised as follows:
Core - Year 1 topics
INTR9071 International Relations: History, Theory, Debates (4.5 units)
Plus 9 units selected from the following:
INTR2001 Peace and War (4.5 units)
INTR2002 The Modern International System (4.5 units)
INTR2003 Political Economy of the Asia-Pacific Region (4.5 units)
INTR2006 Debating Human Rights (4.5 units)
Elective - Year 1 topics
Select 22.5 units from the following:
INTR9051 International Human Rights: Theory and Practice (4.5 units)
INTR9055 African Politics: Global Issues (4.5 units)
INTR9060 The Cultural Politics of Religion, Ethnicity and Nationalism (4.5 units)
INTR9061 Governance and the new Political Economy of East Asia (4.5 units)
INTR9062 Contemporary Issues in Gender and Development (4.5 units)
INTR9064 China and the Global Financial Crisis (4.5 units)
INTR9066 Empires and International Relations (4.5 units)
INTR9067 Global Security in the Information Age: Issues and Debates (4.5 units)
INTR9070 Supervised Study in International Relations (4.5 units)
INTR9072 Bibliographic Studies in International Relations (9 units)
Second Year (MA Year)
36 units comprised as follows:
Core - Year 2 topics
INTR9063 Debating International Relations (9 units)
Compulsory Research Paper/Thesis
Select either:
INTR9913 International Relations Research Paper (9 units), OR
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)
Students must make up the remaining units (for a total of 36 units) from the following:
Elective - Year 2 topics
INTR9051 International Human Rights: Theory and Practice (4.5 units)
INTR9053 Japan in a Globalised World (4.5 units)
INTR9055 African Politics: Global Issues (4.5 units)
INTR9059 Intensive Summer School on Global Citizenship (4.5 units)
INTR9060 The Cultural Politics of Religion, Ethnicity and Nationalism (4.5 units)
INTR9061 Governance and the new Political Economy of East Asia (4.5 units)
INTR9062 Contemporary Issues in Gender and Development (4.5 units)
INTR9064 China and the Global Financial Crisis (4.5 units)
INTR9065 Advanced Studies in International Relations (4.5 units)
INTR9066 Empires and International Relations (4.5 units)
INTR9067 Global Security in the Information Age: Issues and Debates (4.5 units)