Master of International Studies

The structure and content of the MIS reflects current and cutting-edge theoretical and thematic approaches to International Studies. Graduates of the Master of International Studies should be equipped with the skills to analyse and assess theoretical and thematic approaches to International Studies in relation to issues of governance and conflict, globalization, migration and media, regional imperatives and priorities, and cultures and societies.

• understand the roles of international organizations and institutions, and their inter-action with national and regional institutions, cultures and societies;
• critically appreciate how the processes of key concepts, including internationalism, globalisation and transnationalism, have shaped the contemporary world;
• understand the theory and method of comparative and cross-disciplinary approaches to a range of issues in international studies;
• understand, through detailed examination of selective case studies, how key concepts and approaches in international studies may be applied to processes, 'problems' and cultures.

Duration: 2 year full-time / up to 4 years part-time

First 100 points:

• compulsory subjects (25 points)
• elective subjects (75 points)

or

• compulsory subjects (25 points)
• International Studies Thesis (25 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

Second 100 points:

• elective subjects (100 points)

150 point program

Duration: 1.5 year full-time / up to 3 years part-time

• compulsory subjects (25 points)
• elective subjects (25 points) or
• International StudiesThesis (25) points
• elective subjects (100 points)

100 point program

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

• compulsory subjects (25 points)
• elective subjects (75 points)

OR

• compulsory subjects (25 points)
• International Studies Thesis (25 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

OR

• International Studies Thesis (25 points)
• elective subjects (75 points)

Compulsory Subjects

Elective subjects (first 100 points)

Note: Students may enrol in up to 25 points of language study in place of electives as approved by the course coordinator. Language study must be taken within the first 50 points of the 150-point program and within the first 100 points of the 200 point program. All students must complete at least 100 points at level five.

Thesis

Elective subjects (second 100 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 policy studies 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; or
• a Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies with a grade average of at least a H2B (70%), or equivalent.

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.

Students who complete this course with the thesis option may be eligible for admission to:-

Students who complete this degree should:

• Demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
• Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex changing social contexts;
• Act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force;
• Communicate effectively;
• Commit to continuous learning;
• Be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies, such as the computer and other information technology systems, for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data.