Postgraduate handbook 2005 - Arts

Master of International Relations
(1.5-year program)

Course code: 3093 + Mid-year entry available + 18 months full-time, 3 years part-time + On-campus (Clayton)
Course coordinator: Richard Devetak

Course description

The course explores the nature of the international political system and some of the key issues in contemporary international relations. Individual units deal with a range of topics including international security, regional politics, and theory.

Entry requirements

A bachelors degree with at least a credit average in the final year, or a bachelors pass degree with demonstrable professional experience at senior level in a relevant area. Such applicants will need to supply a CV, a 1000-word statement and the names of two professional referees.

Course structure

Students must complete 72 points, comprising 48 points (four units) at fourth-year level (including at least two core units) and 24 points at fifth-year level. For full-time students commencing in first semester, the following structure applies:

Fourth-year level

First semester

Either of the following core units:

• PLM4480 Culture, norms and ideas in international politics

and

• PLM4600 Strategic studies: a critical introduction

or one of the above core units and an elective selected from:

• PLM4930 South East Asian politics
• PLM4290 China: the quest for modernisation
• PLM4340 Fringe politics and extremist violence: an introduction to terrorism

Second semester

Either of the following core units:

• PLM4310 Wars of recognition: terrorism and political violence (12 points)

and

• PLM4440 Global soul: consumers, citizens and rebels (12 points)

or one of the above core units and the following elective:

• PLM4430 Political Islam (12 points)

Fifth-year level

Either:

• PLM5520 Perspectives on world politics (12 points)

and

• PLM5620 Research project (9000 words, 12 points)

or

• PLM5000 Research dissertation in international relations (18,000 words, 24 points)

Minimum pass grade

To graduate with the Master of International Relations, students must gain a credit (60 C) or above in core units and a minimum credit average overall.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students may apply to exit the program with a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, or after successful completion of 48 points with a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations.

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