Master of Arts (Policy Studies)(Advanced Seminars & Shorter Thesis)

The program allows students to combine coursework with extensive independent research in policy studies. Students will produce a work of original research that reveals an awareness of the latest research and theoretical directions within their chosen sub-discipline of international politics.

The program is taken over 1.5 years (full-time, or longer for part-time), consisting of compulsory seminars on policy design, policy research methods or social policy and social capital, and a thesis of 20,000 words. 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 a 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.

• have an advanced understanding of the major debates in contemporary policy development and analysis;
• have developed a specialised knowledge in one or more areas of policy development and analysis;
• 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 policy studies.

Total points per year 100.

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, however, 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.