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Monash University

Master of International Relations

Course code: 3093 ~ Course abbreviation: MIntRel ~ Total credit points required: 72 ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

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.

Course objectives

Students successfully completing this course will have: 1. a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline; 2. an understanding of the world view of the field of study; 3. a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study; 4. a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study; 5. advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal; 6. advanced analytical skills; 7. a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

Minimum pass grade

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

Course structure

Students must complete 72 points, comprising 48 points (four units) at level 4 (including at least two core units) and 24 points at level 5. Units are worth 12 points unless otherwise indicated.

Course requirements

Level 4

Core Units
  • PLM4310 Wars of recognition: Terrorism and political violence
  • PLM4440 Global soul
  • PLM4600 Strategic studies
Electives
  • ITM4030 Ethics in world politics
  • PLM4065 Advanced seminar in international political economy
  • PLM4210 Leaders, politics and publics
  • PLM4290 China: The quest for modernisation
  • PLM4340 Fringe politics and extremist violence: An introduction to terrorism
  • PLM4420 Islam and modernity
  • PLM4430 Political Islam
  • PLM4460 Conflict resolution and Islam in the Middle East
  • PLM4750 Special reading course
  • PLM4930 Southeast Asian politics

Level 5

  • PLM5000 Research dissertation (18,000 words, 24 pts)
  • PLM5070 Foreign aid and world development
  • PLM5520 Perspectives on world politics
  • PLM5620 Research project (9000 words)

    * Part-time students should seek advice about selection of units from the course coordinator.

Exit points

After successful completion of 24 points, students my 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.

Course coordinator

Assoc. Prof. Shahram Akbarzadeh