This 15,000 word thesis course is offered as part of the requirements for the completion of the MA (International Relations) and the Master of International Laws and International Relations (MILIR) degree programs at UNSW. It is an elective course which is normally only available to students who have achieved a Distinction (75%) in four courses, at least one of which must be either POLS5120 Global Politics: The Globalisation of World Politics or POLS5122 The International Political Economy. It may only be undertaken with the permission of the MA Coordinator or the MILIR Coordinator respectively. Application forms to undertake this course are available from the School Office and must be lodged for consideration 3-4 weeks before the start of the semester in which you will enrol in the research project. MILIR students may enrol in either LAWS8423 (Research Thesis) or POLS5113 (Thesis), but not both.


The aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to complete a research thesis. As a research course it is designed to improve students’ research skills in order to improve their prospects of acceptance into research degree programs at UNSW and other universities. Furthermore, the Research Project is designed to enhance students’ opportunities for a career change, a promotion within their career, or to work in a particular area of interest.