International Relations - POLSBS8225
Stream Summary
Faculty: Faculty of Arts&Social Science
School: School of Social Sciences
Contact: soss@unsw.edu.au
Program: 8225 - Arts
Award(s):
Master of Arts (Specialisation)
View stream information for previous years
Stream Outline
The International Relations program is designed to provide an advanced understanding of contemporary world politics. The program emphasises the relationship between theory and practice. It provides an introduction to the main theories and theoretical traditions developed to explain international relations, and examines how particular theories organise and shape our view of the world. The program explains various influences on the behaviour of states and other international actors, and it analyses issues such as war and peace; the global economy; international organisations; and international law and diplomacy. Practically it looks at current issues of international concern such as global environmental problems; human rights; and global poverty. A number of electives examine international relations broadly, while others concentrate on specific issues, regions or countries.
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
Stream Structure
Students must complete 48 units of credit of approved courses.
Compulsory Courses
The Master of Arts in International Relations requires the completion of two compulsory courses (12 units of credit):
- POLS5120 Global Politics (6 UOC)
- POLS5122 IPE (6 UOC)
Prescribed Electives
Six courses (36 units of credit) to be chosen from the list of elective courses approved by the MA Convenor.
Not all of these may be offered in any one year and new or alternative courses may be offered. Please consult the MA Convenor.
Not all of these may be offered in any one year and new or alternative courses may be offered. Please consult the MA Convenor.
- COMD0506 Special Program (6 UOC)
- COMD5001 Internat. Development Policy (6 UOC)
- POLS5102 Australia in the World (6 UOC)
- POLS5103 Law, War and Justice (6 UOC)
- POLS5113 Thesis (12 UOC)
- POLS5121 International Organisations (6 UOC)
- POLS5125 Politics of International Law (6 UOC)
- POLS5127 China & Asia-Pacific Security (6 UOC)
- POLS5129 Foreign Policies Great Powers (6 UOC)
- POLS5130 International Peace & Security (6 UOC)
- POLS5131 Terrorism (6 UOC)
- POLS5132 Gender in Global Politics (6 UOC)
- POLS5133 Global Civil Society (6 UOC)
- POLS5158 Global Free Market (6 UOC)
- POLS5160 Middle East & Global Politics (6 UOC)
- POLS5161 Developing Countries & IR (6 UOC)
- SLSP5017 Policy and Advocacy (6 UOC)
- SOCW7852 Politics of International Aid (6 UOC)
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in International Relations is based on the applicant holding a recognised Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with performance at credit level or better.
