Objectives
Deakin's Master of Arts (International Relations) aims to produce graduates who are able to demonstrate high-level skills of theoretical and empirical analysis and interpretation of global issues and events. In addition the course will give you a substantial understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations. The program is designed for those working in areas such as the public service, private sector corporations, small businesses and non-government organisations who want to develop systematic understanding of the international forces shaping their environment, and enhance their skills in analysis and interpretation. The program provides the opportunity to examine key issues of both historical and contemporary issues as well as developments in world politics. Students develop skills in policy analysis, systematic understanding of the threats to peace and security, and global forces shaping political, social and economic life. Specialisations are available in Asia-Pacific Regional Politics, Conflict and Security, International History and Human Rights and International Law. Links with other social science and humanities studies at Deakin offer relevant electives to augment specialisations, such as genocide history, gender and development, and global media units. The program also offers optional postgraduate internships, allowing you an opportunity to gain experience overseas.
Course description
Off campus studies
International students can only undertake off-campus study while living overseas. Due to visa regulations, off-campus units are not available to international students studying in Australia, unless it is in addition to their full-time on-campus study mode.
Fees and charges
Fee paying place - International (IFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2009 can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities for international relations graduates exist in all levels of government, private sector corporations and small business, non-government organisations, the media, consultancy, the defence forces, foreign affairs departments, immigration departments, management consultancies, multicultural associations, education, health, politics and research.
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Master of Arts (International Relations), a student must successfully complete 12 credit points of study comprising:
* 2 credit points of compulsory core units; and
* 10 credit points of electives selected from the specified list of units listed below
A 2-credit-point research project (10 000 words) is an option in the final trimester of study for those students with a credit or higher average in their coursework units.
Specialisations
Asia-Pacific Regional Politics
Conflict and Security
Human Rights and International Law
International History
Note: not all units in these specialisations are offered at Melbourne campus at Burwood or off campus.
Course structure
Core units
Trimester 1
AIR747 Contemporary International Politics
Trimester 2
AIR742 Theories of International Relations
Electives from International Relations
Trimester 1
AIR716 Gender, War and Peace
AIR719 The United Nations and International Law
AIR726 Human Rights in the International System
AIR728 International Political Economy
AIR732 Terrorism in International Politics
AIR750 European Security Issues
Trimester 2
AIR702 Strategic Issues in South Asia
AIR706 Political Economy of the Asia Pacific **
AIR707 Global Governance
AIR729 Refugees in Global Politics
AIR745 International Relations of the Middle East
AIR748 Contemporary Security and Strategy
AIR749 Security in the Asia-Pacific Region
AIR751 International Humanitarian Law
Trimester 1 or trimester 2
AIR718 Research Project (International Relations) (2 credit points)
AIR752 International Relations Dissertation (4 credit points)
AIR780 Research Project (International Relations) A
AIR781 Research Project (International Relations) B
AIR782 International Relations Dissertation A (2 credit points)
AIR783 International Relations Dissertation B (2 credit points)
Trimester 2 or trimester 3
AIR712 Australia in the World
Trimester 1, trimester 2 or trimester 3
AIR790 International Relations Internship (2 credit points) *
AIR791 International Relations Internship (4 credit points) *
* Students must seek advice about internship procedures from the Unit Chair prior to enrolling in this unit.
** Not offered until 2010
Additional elective units
ACM701 Global Media and War
AID742 Political Development in South East Asia
AIH701 After the Vietnam War
AIH753 Genocide
AIH759 The Cold War: An International History
AIH760 The Contemporary South Pacific: Governance and Crisis
AIP776 Contemporary Perspectives on European Integration
ALC705 Organisational Communication: Culture, Diversity, Technology and Change
ALC706 Culture, Communication and Globalisation: Critical Practices in/and Local Cultures
MPE707 International Banking and Finance
MPE711 Global Trade and Markets
MPE781 Economics for Managers
MPM735 International Business Management
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicants previous academic record. The minimum requirements are successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination, or approved professional or industrial experience. International students must also meet the English language requirements.
Admission requirements - specific
Applicants should hold a pass degree with a major in a relevant discipline, from an approved tertiary institution; or an equivalent qualification and relevant work experienced of one year is preferred
Advanced standing - general
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for advanced standing. You will need to provide your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your advanced standing.
Your advanced standing is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
* Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now.
* Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office.
* Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.
Tracking your application:
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.
* If you applied online, log back into the Applicant Portal using your username and password.
* If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
* If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact that office.
Alternate exits
Graduate Certificate of International Relations (A513)
Graduate Diploma of International Relations (A613)
