Glossary

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International Relations - 8233

Program Summary

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Contact: Dr Anthony Billingsley

Campus: Sydney

Career: Postgraduate

Typical Duration: 2 Years

Typical UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC Per Semester: 6

Max UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC For Award: 96

Award(s):

Master of International Relations

View program information for previous years

Program Description

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR STUDENTS COMMENCING IN 2015 ONWARDS.

The program will offer the 72 units of credit (UOC) stream (1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent) and the 48 UOC stream (1 year full-time or part-time equivalent). The 96 UOC stream (2 years full-time or part-time equivalent) will not be offered in 2015.

Studying International Relations (IR) at UNSW will equip you with a strong theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary world politics. The program is designed to introduce you to the main theories and theoretical traditions developed to explain the practices and processes of world politics. You will explore the main theories that have been developed to explain such politics, examining how particular theories organise and shape our view of, and ability to act in, the world. These theoretical insights provide the tools to explain various influences on the behaviour of states and other international actors.

The Master of International Relations (MIR) will extend and deepen your existing skills, knowledge and understanding of world politics as well as teaching advanced skills in research and analytical thinking. The program offers the opportunity to analyse issues such as the global economy and environment, international law and diplomacy, international and regional institutions, the conduct of war and the pursuit of international peace and security. In practical terms, you will study current issues of international concern, including economic uncertainty, environmental threats, humanitarian crises, human rights violations, global poverty and terrorism.

The program emphasises the relationship between theory and practice in world politics; studying for the Master of International Relations will extend your existing knowledge and equip you with advanced skills to analyse world affairs. You will explore the many issues raised by increasing global interconnectivity, and the rapidly changing nature of world politics.

Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes

1. Advanced disciplinary knowledge

Graduates will have acquired an advanced knowledge of International Relations and an ability to apply this in a range of international contexts and environments.

2. Research-based learning

Graduates will have developed an understanding of how new knowledge is produced and deeper knowledge acquired in and for International Relations.

3. Cognitive skills and critical thinking

Graduates will have developed advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills applicable to a range of international environments and practices.

4. Communication and adaptive skills

Graduates will be able to communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences, undertake both independent and collaborative enquiry, apply technical skills and be adaptive learners and practitioners.

5. Global outlook

Graduates will gain an awareness of local and global dimensions of International Relation Studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can be found in a range of challenging and high-profile roles, both in Australia and internationally, including:

Public sector: AusAid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship Affairs in Australia; Ministry of External Affairs (Mexico), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway), Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
Private sector: media organisations, industry and financial services
Non-government organisations in countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Tonga
The program is also a gateway for higher research in International Relations.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements are as follows:

For the 1.5 year (72 UOC) stream

Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience
Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%

For the 1 year (48 UOC) stream

Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%
Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience

Relevant disciplines include: Social Sciences; Humanities; Business; Economics; Law; Public Health; Communications.

Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance to these programs should enquire here: studyarts@unsw.edu.au.

* It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.

Program Structure

MIR 1.5 year (72 UOC) stream

Core Courses (30 UOC)
Prescribed Research Courses (6 - 18 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (24 - 36 UOC)

MIR 1 year (48 UOC) stream

Core Courses (18 UOC)
Prescribed Research Courses (6 - 18 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (12 - 24 UOC)

ARTS5503 Academic Writing (6 UOC)
This course can be taken as an additional course for students wishing to develop their academic writing skills. It will not count towards the program requirements. Click here for further details about the course.