M.A.International Politics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)

The masters program allows students to combine coursework with extensive independent research in International Politics. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. Candidates may advance to the Doctor of Philosophy degree after successful completion of the masters or may apply to convert to the PhD at an earlier stage. An honours grade of at least H2B (70%) average must be attained in the respective thesis and advanced seminar components of the course to qualify for the award of the masters degree.

Students who complete the masters will:

• have an advanced understanding of the major debates in both comparative politics (ie. comparing between countries) and international relations (ie. political, economic, cultural and security relations between states and non-state actors) since 1945;
• have developed a specialised knowledge in one or more areas of either comparative politics or international relations;
• have produced a shorter thesis based on original research that reveals an awareness of the latest research and theoretical directions within their chosen sub-discipline of political science.

• Thesis 20,000-22,000 words
• 1 compulsory subject

With the approval of the course coordinator, students who have significant background in international relations or comparative politics may choose to replace the compulsory unit with an elective unit.

A four year BA (Honours) degree with a research component or equivalent in the appropriate area of study or closely related area. The grade for the honours thesis component must be at least equivalent to an H2A (75%) at The University of Melbourne and the overall honours result must be at least equivalent to an H2B (70%).

Applicants must include with their application a 2,000 to 2,500 word thesis proposal and a writing sample (this may be an essay from your previous degree, a chapter from your Honours or Masters thesis or a published article). The primary basis for selection is academic merit. Consideration will also be given to the quality of the thesis proposal, research potential, and the availability of an appropriate supervisor. Academic references may be required to assess the applicant's eligibility.