Master of International Politics

The Master of International Politics (by Coursework or Coursework and Minor Thesis) provides specialist training for professional qualification purposes, usually to graduates working in the field, but may also be taken for general interest. Students who discontinue the course after completing 50 points may be eligible for a graduate certificate. Students in the two year program who complete 100 points of the masters may be eligible for the award of either a graduate diploma or postgraduate diploma.

Course coordinator:
Assoc Prof Ralph Pettman
School of Political Science, Criminology and Sociology
Email: rpettman@unimelb.edu.au

Students who complete the masters should:

• have an advanced knowledge of the major debates in international politics;

• have a specialized knowledge of one or more disciplinary issue-areas;

• have produced academic work based on original research that reveals an awareness of the latest research and theoretical directions within the chosen disciplinary issue-area.

200 point program:Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time

First 100 points:

• one compulsory subject (25 points)
• six elective subjects (75 points)

Second 100 points: Refer to the 100 point program below.

Total 200 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

150 point program: Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time

• one compulsory subject (25 points)

• two elective subjects (25 points)

Final 100 points: Refer to the 100 point program below.

100 point program: Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time

• one compulsory subject (25 points)
• six elective subjects OR
• three elective subjects (37.5 points) and a thesis (37.5 points)

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria –

For the 200 point program
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects, or equivalent.

For the 150 point program
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least one year of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

For the 100 point program
• an honours degree in a cognate discipline with at least a H2B (70%), or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least two years of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

Please note - "cognate discipline" is broadly defined for entry into this course. In the past applicants who hold a degree in a broad range of areas have been admitted. These areas include law, economics, management and development. If unsure of your eligibility please apply with full documentation of your educational and employment experience.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.


Documented evidence of relevant professional experience:
Applicants seeking admission into 100 and 150 point programs must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:
• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees ;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.
In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability