Course details

Summary

Drawing on UC's teaching and research strengths, graduates can now obtain a master's-level capstone qualification in the popular area of international relations and diplomacy. This degree will offer students an innovative, interdisciplinary programme of taught courses with a strong professional emphasis.

Qualification structure

The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRAD) comprises 180 points as follows:

• 30 point compulsory course
• 90 points of elective courses, chosen from a variety of options
• 60 point research dissertation.

Subjects and courses

All students must complete:

the compulsory 30-point course POLS441 Principles and Practice of International Relations and Diplomacy.

90 points of elective courses:

- 60 points chosen from Schedule A (400-level Political Science and International Relations courses)

- 30 points chosen from Schedule B (400-level courses from different disciplines such as European and European Union Studies, History, International Law and Politics, Internships, Pacific Studies)

60-point research dissertation - POLS688 Dissertation (15-20,000 words).

Further study

Doctor of Philosophy

Career opportunities

The MIRAD caters perfectly for students interested in careers in foreign affairs or inter-state coordination.

While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not specific tertiary pathways, applicants can find it advantageous to have a postgraduate degree in an analytical subject such as law, political science, international relations, economics or science.

Graduates will leave UC having:

• advanced knowledge of current research in international relations
• advanced knowledge of current professional practice in diplomacy and related fields
• the ability to understand theoretical and practical problems in international relations and diplomacy
• proven expertise in research processes (eg, formulating a research question, data collection and analysis, case study analysis and hypothesis testing)
• engaged with senior university staff and senior figures in politics and policy.

Entry criteria

A candidate will:

a) Either:

• have qualified for a bachelor's degree in any subject, normally with at least a B average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject; or
• have qualified for a bachelor's degree and completed a qualifying course with at least a B average in 60 points of 300-level courses; or
• have qualified for a bachelor's degree and provided evidence of relevant professional or other work experience; or
• have been admitted ad eundem statum as fulfilling these requirements.

and

• b) Been approved as a candidate by the Programme Director and the Dean of Arts.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.