Master of International Relations

The Master of International Relations is offered collaboratively by several Schools in the Faculty of Arts under the umbrella of the Melbourne School of Government. The degree is designed for graduates who are seeking careers in international affairs, in government, diplomacy, international business, non-government organisations (NGOs), international organisations, and the media. It is a program that combines advanced study in the field of international relations, with relevant professional skills development, and an electives program that is specifically designed to promote cross-cultural understanding. The elective program also reflects Australia’s geographic location and the University of Melbourne’s research strengths, notably in Asian and Islamic Studies with an emphasis on Asian and Islamic politics, society and culture. The program will also offer students exchange, internship and language study opportunities. The degree is specifically designed as a pathway to professional employment. There is a thesis option for high achieving students who may wish to progress to a PhD.

Students who complete the Master of International Relations should:

• Understand how to apply key concepts and theories of international relations to global issues and to those more specific to the Asia-Pacific region;
• Acquire good knowledge of key developments in contemporary international relations; and
• Develop practical skills relevant to a career in international affairs, including in international organisations, government, business, media, and nongovernment organisations.

200 point program

Duration: 2 years full-time / 4 years part-time

Coursework Option

• three compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
• one core subject (12.5 points)
• elective subjects (150 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

• three compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
• one core subject (12.5 points)
• POLS90027 International Relations Minor Thesis or HIST90031 International Relations Minor Thesis (37.5 points) or ASIA90010 International Relations Minor Thesis (37.5 points)
• POLS40013 Social Sciences Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• elective subjects (100 points)

100 point program

Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time

Coursework Option

• four core subjects (50 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

• four core subjects (50 points)
• POLS90027 International Relations Minor Thesis (37.5 points) or HIST90031 International Relations Minor Thesis (37.5 points) or ASIA90010 International Relations Minor Thesis (37.5 points)
• POLS40013 Social Sciences Research Seminar (12.5 points)

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (25 points). Students must complete the relevant capstone option for their specialisation:

Capstone Stream 1: International Relations Minor Thesis (HIST90031, POLS90027 or ASIA90010):

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a research question; pathway to the PhD

Capstone Stream 2: POLS90009 International Relations Internship:

Purpose: An opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in social policy practice to solve problems that arise in professional contexts and develop an integrated understanding of research and practice

Capstone Stream 3: POLS90022 International Security and one of the following subjects:

• CRIM90007 Genocide, State Crime and the Law
• CRIM90015 Terror, Law and War
• HIST90026 History, Memory and Violence in Asia
• HIST90027 Middle Eastern Wars: Jihad & Resistance
• POLS90007 US Foreign Policy
• POLS90016 The United Nations: Review and Reform
• POLS90030 Nuclear Weapons and Disarmament
• POLS90034 International Policymaking in Practice
• POLS90035 Great Power Rivalry: Peace & War in 21C

Purpose: An opportunity to deepen understanding in one of three central fields of disciplinary specialization (International Security). Students will be required to tailor an assessed piece of work in the elective subject in ways that reflect their personal interests and draws on the subject matter of the core and linked international security-related elective subjects.

Capstone Stream 4: POLS90023 International Governance and Law and one of the following subjects:

• ASIA90001 Human Rights in Southeast Asia
• CRIM90007 Genocide, State Crime and the Law
• CRIM90015 Terror, Law and War
• POLS90011 The EU and Globalisation
• POLS90012 Trade Policy Politics & Governance
• POLS90016 The United Nations: Review and Reform
• POLS90017 Europe and Asia: Competing Hegemons?
• POLS90034 International Policymaking in Practice
• POLS90037 Corruption in Today's World
• POLS90038 Human Rights

Purpose: An opportunity to deepen understanding in one of three central fields of disciplinary specialization (International Governance and Law). Students will be required to tailor an assessed piece of work in the elective subject in ways that reflect their personal interests and draws on the subject matter of the core and linked international governance-related elective subjects.

Capstone Stream 5: POLS90026 International Political Economy and one of the following subjects:

• INTS90007 Rising China in the Globalised World
• POLS90011 The EU and Globalisation
• POLS90012 Trade Policy Politics & Governance
• POLS90013 Politics and Business in post-Mao China
• POLS90017 Europe and Asia: Competing Hegemons?
• POLS90034 International Policymaking in Practice
• POLS90037 Corruption in Today's World

Purpose: An opportunity to deepen understanding in one of three central fields of disciplinary specialization (International Political Economy). Students will be required to tailor an assessed piece of work in the elective subject in ways that reflect their personal interests and draws on the subject matter of the core and linked political economy-related elective subjects.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• an undergraduate degree with a weighted average mark of at least H2B (70%), or equivalent.

Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and
• relevance of previous studies.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 100 points of credit:

• an honours degree in a cognate discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least H2B (70%), or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least H2B (70%), or equivalent, and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience.

Applicants seeking credit for relevant work experience must document their experience with a brief curriculum vitae detailing the experience, contact details of two referees who can confirm the authenticity and nature of the experience claimed, and a covering letter that explains how the experience is relevant to the program and prepares them for it.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Students who complete the minor thesis may be eligible for entry into the PhD.

MIR graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of the key ideas, actors, institutions and contemporary challenges in international relations through a core program and the opportunity for further specialisation in particular fields of study through a rich selection of electives. Graduates will have acquired the following:

• cross-cultural experiences and understanding;
• an ability to apply academic knowledge to professional contexts;
• an in-depth understanding of Australia’s region;
• an ability to engage with topics of contemporary relevance and concern in international relations;
• analytical tools for critical thinking and problem-solving; and
• enhanced research, writing and general communication skills.

Students who successfully complete the Masters should have acquired skills in:

• leadership and communication;
• critical analysis and creative thinking;
• project management;
• team work and professional networking; and
• research, writing and communication.