Frequently Asked Questions
What are the distinctive features of this course?
What career pathways are possible for those undertaking this program?
Who teaches the Masters Program?
What is the course structure?
What are the requirements for admission?
How do I apply to get into the program?
How do I enrol?
Application Deadline
What fees apply?
How many courses do I need to take in my degree?
How many core courses do I have to do?
Are the electives offered every year?
What courses will be offered next year?
Are there scholarships available for postgraduate by coursework students?
Are there computers available for postgraduate by coursework students? Am I able to print?
If I have already completed the core course on offer this semester and I need to do another core course, what options do I have?
What textbooks do I need to purchase? Are these available in the library?
Who should I contact if I need help in deciding which courses I should take?
Can I study part-time?
Where do I submit my essay?
I want to contact the Program Convenor, what is the best way to do this?
Who should I be talking to about a thesis topic and how can I contact them?
I am enrolled in the Master’s dissertation. Do I attend any classes for the dissertation component?
Thesis Proposal Form
Are there guidelines on how my thesis is laid out? Where can I get it printed etc?
How many copies of my thesis do I need to submit?
What are the distinctive features of this course?
The Master of International Studies Program provides an understanding of some of the key concepts and perspectives on international relations. The course has a particular strength in two key areas of international relations: i) the study of global governance, including some of the key issues in global public policy; including the emerging transnational governance arrangements in areas as diverse as finance, environment, and development; and ii) the study of international security, including the role of the US, intelligence analysis and an overview of traditional and non traditional security. The course has a focus on the Asia- Pacific.
What career pathways are possible for those undertaking this program?
The Master of International Relations is suitable for those seeking:
- advanced study in international relations to understand the complexity of our increasing interconnected world;
- a pathway for doctoral work for students who meet the appropriate academic standards
- careers in the public and private sector in areas of governance, public policy and international security.
It also provides a suite of analytical skills for those seeking employment or work with the burgeoning international non-governmental sector. The course is especially suitable for those seeking to develop their professional careers in areas that demand skills and understanding of governance and international security.
Who teaches the Masters Program?
The program is convened by Prof Kanishka Jayasuriya includes a team of staff with extensive experience in the study of international and comparative politics, who have engaged widely in public debate and discussions of public policy. The program has close links with the Australian Institute of International affairs of which Associate Professor Felix Patrikeeff is currently President of the South Australian branch
What is the course structure?
The course has two compulsory courses: i) Approaches and Methods of International Politics, and ii) The Politics of the Asia Pacific. A range of electives can be picked from the areas of Global Governance and International security. Please note that the structure of this course is currently under review.
What are the requirements for admission?
A completed Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least a credit average; or a completed Graduate Diploma in International Studies with at least a credit average. Some prior undergraduate work in international studies and social sciences will be advantageous but not essential. Alternative entry: the University may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
How do I apply to get into the program?
Domestic students need to apply through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) and International students apply through the International Students Office.
How do I enrol?
Once you have been made an offer from SATAC, the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Office will send you an offer letter, outling your enrolment details.
Application Deadline
The closing date is usually a couple of weeks before the semester begins (mid-year entry is available for this program) For further information, please visit the SATAC website.
What fees apply?
This is no longer a Commonwealth Supported program. Fees for 2011 are as follows:
Graduate Certificate (two courses) $8,000
Graduate Diploma (four courses) $16,000
Masters (four courses plus dissertation) $24,000
How many courses do I need to take in my degree?
This depends on what degree you are doing. The Graduate Certificate consists of two 6-point courses and the Graduate Diploma consists of 4 6-point courses. If you go on to do the Masters component (the Dissertation) this will entail a further enrolment of 12 points (offered both part-time or full-time)
How many core courses do I have to do?
If you are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate, you need only do one core course. If you are enrolled in the Graduate Diploma, you will need to do two.
Are the electives offered every year?
No. The International Studies program has a large number of electives on its books. It is not possible to offer all of these each year. Topics taught also depends on what staff are available to teach in any given year.
What courses will be offered next year?
For information on courses for next year, please go to Course Offerings.
Are there scholarships available for postgraduate by coursework students?
Yes. If you go the Graduate Centre Website, you will find a complete list of postgraduate by coursework degree scholarships.
Are there computers available for postgraduate by coursework students? Am I able to print?
Yes. The School of History & Politics has a computer suite dedicated to postgraduate by coursework & honours students. The lab / room is located in the Napier Building, room 524 and all History & Politics postgraduate by coursework & honours students are allocated a printing & photocopying quota. The lab / room also has storage lockers.
If I have already completed the core course on offer this semester and I need to do another core course, what options do I have?
You will need to speak to the Program Convenor to organise another course.
What textbooks do I need to purchase? Are these available in the library?
Each course has its own reading list. You will need to speak to your course coordinator. All courses have a course guide and these usually detail the required & recommended readings for the course.
Who should I contact if I need help in deciding which courses I should take?
The Program Convenor will be able to offer advice on how to structure your degree.
Where do I submit my essay?
Essays need to be submitted to the School of History & Politics on level 4 of the Napier building. You need to submit an essay coversheet to each assignment that is submitted. There is a date stamp & essay box across from the front counter of the School office.
I want to contact the Program Convenor, what is the best way to do this?
Email contact is usually the best way to contact the Program Convenor. He will have a set consultation time and will be able to make an appointment for you.
Who should I be talking to about a thesis topic and how can I contact them?
The Program Convenor or topic appropriate staff member can then help you with your thesis topic. Students MUST complete a thesis proposal form and submit to the Convenor – Professor Kanishka Jayasuriya (kanishka.jayasuriya@adelaide.edu.au) – as well as to the School of History and Politics (caroline.ralph@adelaide.edu.au). Please note, you will not be able to start your study until your form has been submitted and your topic has been approved.
I am enrolled in the Master’s dissertation. Do I attend any classes for the dissertation component?
The Dissertation component of the degree will have three workshops where we will explore various aspects of thesis research and writing.
Are there guidelines on how my thesis is laid out? Where can I get it printed etc?
Yes, you can find this information on the thesis information webpage.
How many copies of my thesis do I need to submit?
Students are asked to submit two copies of their thesis.
