For submission to: Curriculum and Course Planning Committee. Name of course: Master of International Relations Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences

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Curriculum and Course Planning Committee, SEG, Academic Board

New Course Proposal Template (Version 0.7) Page 1 of 57

New Course Proposal

Template

For submission to:

• Curriculum and Course Planning Committee

And subsequently to: • Senior Executive Group

• Academic Board

Name of course: Master of International Relations

Faculty: Arts and Social Sciences

V 0.7 21 January 2011

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Table of Contents

SECTION 1: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CURRICULUM AND COURSE PLANNING

COMMITTEE ... 3

PART

1:

STRATEGIC

PURPOSE

... 3

PART

2:

MARKET

RESEARCH,

BENCHMARKING

AND

COMPETITOR

ANALYSIS

... 5

PART

1:

PROPOSAL

DETAILS

... 8

PART

2:

COURSE

NAME

AND

CODE

... 8

PART

3:

COURSE

DETAILS

... 8

PART

4:

ENROLMENTS

AND

LOAD

(EFTSL)

... 9

PART

5:

INTER

FACULTY

CONSULTATION

AND

SHARED

TEACHING

... 12

PART

6:

COURSE

ADMINISTRATION

... 12

PART

6:

COMMONWEALTH

GRANT

SCHEME

FUNDING

AND

COURSE

FEES

... 13

PART

7:

ADDITIONAL

COURSE

INFORMATION

... 13

SECTION 3: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ACADEMIC BOARD ... 16

PART

1:

ACADEMIC

PURPOSE

... 16

PART

2:

LEARNING

AND

TEACHING

... 18

PART 3: RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS

... 26

A

PPENDIX

1:

R

ESOLUTIONS OF THE

S

ENATE

(

DEGREES

,

DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES

)

... 27

Resolutions of the Senate

... 27

A

PPENDIX

2

B

:

P

OSTGRADUATE COURSE RESOLUTIONS

... 32

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ... 32

Graduate Certificate in International Relations

... 32

Graduate Diploma in International Relations

... 32

Master of International Relations

... 32

A

PPENDIX

3:

LIBRARY IMPACT STATEMENT

... 34

A

PPENDIX

4:

ITEMS TO BE DETERMINED AFTER COURSE HAS APPROVED BY ACADEMIC BOARD

... 36

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SECTION 1: Requirements for the Curriculum and Course Planning Committee PART 1: STRATEGIC PURPOSE

1.2.1 Purpose of the proposal

The purpose of this proposal is to introduce a new postgraduate coursework program in the discipline of International Relations (IR) to complement the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences existing offerings in the area of politics and our three coursework programs in this area (Master of Public Policy, Master of International Studies and Master of International Security). Despite the Faculty’s significant and growing strength in political science (as demonstrated below), only one of the existing coursework programs (Public Policy) is discipline-based; the Master of International Studies offers the student a more broad-based, non-disciplinary specific program, whereas the Master of International Security offers a highly specialised skill set. A new Master of International Relations (MIR) would tap into the known and increasing global student demand for IR, build on disciplinary strengths and growing expertise in this area, and, by also drawing advantageously on geographical location, place the University in a highly competitive position in the global market.

The program will consist of an embedded sequence of award courses that have been conceived in line with AQF requirements: the Master of International Relations (MIR), a Graduate Diploma in International Relations and a Graduate Certificate in International Relations. The aim of the MIR program is to provide students with a comprehensive and professionally oriented degree in international relations with a focus on specialist knowledge in IR theory, security studies, human rights, and the Asia Pacific. Students enrolled in the Master will also be able to draw on electives in language and from cognate social science and humanities areas (including Asian studies, history, philosophy, law, economics, political economy and sociology). The Master will be designed to provide a pathway to professional employment, but, and this is another key difference with the existing Master of International Studies, it would also contain research options that provide a pathway to the PhD. Students will have the opportunity to pursue international exchange and internships, as the internship program is developed across the Arts and Social Sciences Faculty.

1.2.2 Justification for proposal Background

International relations (IR) has been identified as a key area in the University of Sydney’s strategic plan. In addition, it is one of the areas of strongest student demand around the globe, particularly at Masters’ level. Furthermore, over the past three years the Faculty has engaged in a major restructuring and reinvestment in political science, resulting in major new appointments in IR and related disciplines, as well as the creation of a new Department through the re-alignment of GIR and CISS (following on from the Review of the School of Social Sciences in October 2011). Sydney now boasts one of the largest and best concentrations of experts in international relations and security studies in the Sydney region and is already competing with ANU and UQ for national prominence. In the 2012 ERA, the nation-wide, peer-reviewed assessment of research quality by the Australian Research Council for the 2005-2011 period, the discipline of political science at the University of Sydney was awarded the highest possible rating of 5, indicating "well above world standard".

Initial market research has confirmed the substantial opportunities for an IR degree at Sydney among both domestic and international student populations. It is important to realise that in the leading political science departments in the UK and USA, with which we are most familiar and aim to compete against, the MIR is a core program that makes a substantial contribution to School and Faculty revenue. Currently, only Macquarie and UNSW offer comparable degrees in the Sydney region and they lack our research and teaching strengths in some of the key areas of IR. The University of Melbourne is offering a newly revamped MA in International Relations in 2012. In our view, a new Master of International Relations will help raise the profile of international relations at Sydney and allow the Faculty to maximize the benefits of both the recent recruitment of new staff and the decision to create an expanded Department covering all major areas of political science.

Relevance to students, employers and professional organisations

The Department of Government and International Relations (GIR) currently runs a successful Master of International Studies (MINTS) but there are important and well-understood differences between ‘international studies’ and ‘international relations’ in the postgraduate marketplace. The former refers to a much broader array of subject areas other than IR and encompasses, among other things, public policy, comparative politics, international history and law and development studies. At the current time the MINTS

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degree has a minimal core and attracts a wide range of students looking for a broad training in international studies, broadly conceived. It does not attract the increasing number of students looking to study IR as a distinct object of enquiry. If we were successful in mounting a new MIR, we would review enrolments in MINTS over a 3 year period to gauge whether both degrees were sustainable, with a view to either winding down the MINTS or revamping it by removing it from the domain of political science and making it more explicitly a Division/Faculty led interdisciplinary degree.

The Centre for International Security Studies (CISS) currently offers a Master in International Security. This is a specialised degree aimed at a very specific audience of students seeking training in security studies, particularly non-traditional security issues. We are confident that a Master of International Relations and a Master of International Security are not only sustainable but also compatible and enable Sydney to offer a very attractive suite of academically and professionally rigorous masters courses in these growing subfields of political science. In this fashion Sydney will be following the tried and trusted formula of many large and successful political science departments in North America and Europe in offering a suite of courses appealing to different market segments. These include the broad generalist looking for an introduction to international issues, the student looking for a thorough grounding in the sub-field of IR, to the specialist seeking training in the specifics of security studies.

Strategic Fit

The proposal for a new MIR is part of a major strategic reorientation of political science at Sydney University, which has involved a major review of the School of Social and Political Sciences, the creation of an expanded Department of Government and International Relations and a major investment in some 15 new appointments over the past 3 years. We are now moving to refresh and revise our undergraduate and postgraduate offerings in the social sciences more generally. Recent appointments in GIR and CISS, as well as the high number of staff working in related areas in cognate disciplines across the University of Sydney now mean that there is a critical mass of scholars working in this vital area. The quality of the recent appointments also means we boast one of the strongest groups of IR scholars in Australia. We have also recently attracted to Sydney the third most highly rated IR journal in the world (by impact factor) – The European Journal of International Relations – edited by Professor Colin Wight.

IR is one of the largest and fastest growing subfields in contemporary political science, as well as being one of the most highly visible in terms of public commentary and contribution to contemporary debates around foreign policy and contemporary issues to do with globalization, security and development. It is an explicit objective of the Faculty to develop new postgraduate programs in areas of research strength that provide students with the opportunity for rigorous academic training and professional development. More generally, the Faculty’s Strategic Plan 2011-15 makes clear that lifting the profile of the social sciences is a key strategic goal over the next 5 years, and taking advantage of the emerging critical mass of scholars working in this area will be a key element of realizing that goal. The introduction of an MIR also directly relates to Strategy Five of the University White Paper, particularly in terms of helping students develop as ‘global citizens’. Moreover, such ‘global citizens’ are a vital resource in terms of ensuring Australian industries and services have access to a skilled workforce with the understanding of the global political, economic and cultural context of contemporary international relations necessary to compete in global markets.

The growth of staff numbers in IR within the Faculty is directly related to student demand for units in international relations. For example, the ‘Foundations of IR’ postgraduate unit of study has consistently attracted 60+ postgraduate coursework students each year over the past 5 years, including a large number of international students. It is important for The University Sydney to realize its potential in this area and to become the destination of first choice in Australia for both domestic and international students in international relations if the Faculty is to achieve its strategic aims. Moreover, it is clear that both domestic and international competitor universities are already gaining a foothold in this market, despite having less prominent academic staff and research strengths in the area.

1.2.3 Summary of internal consultation with other faculties (see Appendix 6)

Consultees Date of

consultation

Method of consultation

Type of supporting evidence provided

Professor Duncan Ivison, Dean, FASS

Simon Tormey (Head, School of Social and Political Sciences) Kathryn Crameri (former Chair,

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Postgraduate Coursework Committee, FASS)

Department of Government and International Relations 13 December 2011 Departmental Strategic Management Group Minutes

Department of Government and International Relations

20 February 2012

Departmental away day

Email 21 Feb from Chair Department re outcomes of the away day

Department of Government and International Relations 7 March 2012 Departmental Strategic Management Group Minutes

15 March 2012 Departmental

Board

Minutes

19 April 2012 Departmental

Board

Minutes

26 July 2012 Departmental

Board

Minutes

4 October 2012 Departmental

Board

Minutes

Department of Government and International Relations 25 October 2012 Departmental Board Minutes

The Law School March / May

2012, Feb 2013

Emails Copies of email correspondence

PART 2: MARKET RESEARCH, BENCHMARKING AND COMPETITOR ANALYSIS

Postgraduate coursework is a vital component of the Faculty’s academic programs and a crucial source of revenue. It provides pathways both to professional development as well as to further academic study, including the PhD. Growth in overall postgraduate coursework numbers in the Faculty has been impressive over the past 5 years, with revenue from domestic students having tripled between 2006-2011 and international enrolments growing by more than 150%. Growth has been particularly strong in the social sciences and in the more professionally oriented programs – including Development Studies, Human Rights, Media, Communications, Public Policy and International Studies.

The Faculty recently commissioned the company Pollinate to conduct qualitative market research focusing on the motivational drivers for prospective postgraduate coursework students, both domestic and international, and the evidence strongly suggests that among the key factors students look to are institutional reputation - an area in which the Faculty does particularly well - but also a combination of intellectual rigour with industry relevance. They favour programs that offer both the opportunity to develop skills that will lead to professional development and career enhancement, as well as the opportunity to be intellectually challenged and pathways to further research. They also look for a program that offers them direction in their studies (degree structure and foundational studies), as well as the flexibility to choose their own path around a core (defined electives within articulated pathways leading to a specialisation).

The new MIR is well designed to meet and take advantage of these demands and opportunities. The MIR draws upon the University’s national and international reputation for academic excellence in the area of international relations. The MIR course design includes required core units of study that provide students with a solid grounding in the discipline of international relations, while also allowing students the flexibility to chose their own areas of specialisation through the offer of a minor as part of their program. The MIR course provides students with knowledge and skills applicable for a wide range of professions in the realm of international affairs, as well as the option to pursue further research as a PhD student.

The Marketing Team will work with the Faculty to devise a launch of all new Masters programs in line with its broader curriculum review. With regard to MIR more specifically the Marketing and Student Recruitment teams will put in place a targeted plan as follows:

• Work with the Degree Coordinator to identify audiences and market segments both domestic and international and to decide on appropriate channels for promotion, target specific stakeholders for engagement that may include international agents and industry and government bodies.

• Provide strategic marketing and recruitment advice based on previous market research, experience of related market segments and an understanding of competitor positioning.

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• Coordinate the promotion of the MIR at various domestic and international recruitment events including postgraduate recruitment expos. Other University wide promotional opportunities will be leveraged such as the postgraduate roundtable events (panel discussions) that highlight specific industries and career pathways. Internationally, the new/revised program will be highlighted during all recruitment activities with prospective students, parents and agents.

• Identify opportunities to advertise the MIR locally and internationally, in mainstream and sector publications, in both online and print formats delivering accurate and interesting online and print promotional material for targeted audiences. This will include a new website in Sydney Courses that will link to both the faculty and university website.

• Implement communications campaigns including domestic and international ‘made-offer’ communications targeting students with firm or conditional offers to actively increase the conversion of offers to enrolments.

• Coordinate Postgraduate Welcome events at the commencement of each semester for incoming postgraduate students. These events foster good will with incoming postgraduate students to general positive word of mouth flow-on marketing (with friends and family).

• Media and Public Relations will engage in internal and external media and public relations as a vehicle for the promotion of the course and staff involved in delivering the program.

1.2.2 Benchmarking, market research and analysis

Looking to our leading international competitors, in 2011 the LSE admitted 100 students to their MSc in IR, 70 into to their MSc in International Political economy, and 25 into the MSc in IR theory. The Department of International Politics, University of Aberystwyth, another leading international IR department, admitted 81 students to their MSc in IR.

In Australia, UQ admits on average 70 to their MIR and 20 to the advanced MIR, which is their pathway to a PhD. Both ANU and Macquarie offer International Relations at postgraduate level, with strong market demand. At the time of preparing the EOI, ANU had attracted 47 UAC preferences to their MIR, while Macquarie had 69 prospective students applying for the program.

These sets of domestic and international figures indicate the strength of the postgraduate student demand for degrees specifically grounded in the discipline of International Relations. This is the demand that the University of Sydney has previously left to our competitors. Creating a first class MIR at Sydney would enable the University of Sydney to take advantage, first, vis-à-vis our state-wide competitors (UNSW and Macquarie), of our reputation as the top university in NSW in Politics, where we achieved the highest ranking in the latest ERA ranking (a score of 5, placing us alongside the ANU). Second, vis-à-vis our national competitor (ANU especially), we have the natural advantage of geographical location, which allows us to tap effectively into the international student market since, with an equivalent high quality degree, most international students would choose Sydney over Canberra. Our third advantage over our competitors is the international reputation of our staff, born of the effort to significantly develop the profile of IR at Sydney (as described in section 1.2.2), and which the Pollinate research results has shown to be a significant draw for students. Lastly, while Sydney has expanded in IR, the ANU has suffered from significant staff losses and a restructuring of the IR department, creating a unique window of opportunity for the launching of our own masters.

Besides student demand, the substantive differences and draws that our MIR would offer prospective students over our competitors are: 1) a much more structured degree than either the UNSW or Macquarie programs (which both offer a loose set of cores units, whereas the Sydney MIR would offer a three-tiered structure of compulsory cores, core electives and electives); 2) the possibility of doing a minor specialism, and in particular a language, which none of our competitors offer. This would also make us highly competitive internationally, taking advantage of our geographical location close to Asia, given the draw of Asian languages for European and US student postgraduate student bodies; 3) the choice to build their own capstone experiences, and orientate it towards either research or applied, policy-relevant work.

Domestic Competitors

Institute Name of Course domestic competitor

offers

International Fees/EFTSL

Macquarie Master of International Relations 20192 28704

Monash University Master of International Relations 15630 26500

La Trobe University Master of International Relations 13770 22750

Australian National University

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Curtin University of Technology

Master of International Relations and National Security

15400 24600

Griffith University Master of International Relations 17200 17920

University of Melbourne

Master of International Relations 20832 27104

UNSW Master of Arts (International Relations) 19440 25920

University of Western Australia

Master of International Relations 11506 25760

International Competitors

Institution Name of course

2012-13 rate 2013-14 rate Currency Conversion Rate 12/02/13 AUD equivalent 2012-13 2013-14 London School of Economics MSc International Relations 17,712 18,432 GBP 0.6547 $27,054 $28,153 Department of International Politics, University of Aberystwyth MScEcon International Relations 11,500 11,750 GBP 0.6547 $17,565 $17,947

Oxford University MPhil

International Relations

16,200 17,010 GBP 0.6547 $24,744 $25,981

University of Chicago Master of International Relations** 44,568 USD 1.0251 $43,477 Georgetown University Master of Science in Foreign Service 40,320 USD 1.0251 $39,333

New York University Master of International Relations

34,458 USD 1.0251 $33,614

Yale University Master of Arts in

International Relations

35,500 USD 1.0251 $34,631

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SECTION 2: Course Proposal Details PART 1: PROPOSAL DETAILS

New Course Name: Master of International Relations

Starting Year: 2014 Starting Semester: 1

School / Department: School of Social and Political Sciences

Managing Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Contact Name: Dr. James Reilly

Phone: 9036 9329

Email: james.reilly@sydney.edu.au

TRIM File Number: 2012/16760

PART 2: COURSE NAME AND CODE Name of Award that will be conferred upon completion of course

Master of International Relations

Graduate Dipoma in International Relations Graduate Certificate in International Relations

Abbreviated name MIR

GradDipIR GradCertIR

Is the qualification compliant, in terms of title, level, outcomes, and in other matters, with the Australian

Qualifications Framework? State the AQF level at which the qualification is placed

Yes

Is the new course the result of new resolutions for an existing course?

No

PART 3: COURSE DETAILS

Level of award Masters AQF Level 9

Type of Award Advanced Learning

Honours Offered? N/A

Expected normal length of candidature, both full-time and part-time?

Full-time 1.5 years (minimum) 2 years (maximum)

Part-time 3 years (minimum) 6 years (maximum)

Minimum Credit points 96 credit points (72 or 48 with a reduced volume of learning)

Mode of Delivery Face-to-face teaching Yes

Will international students be able to study the proposed course in ‘face-to-face’ mode for at least 75% of the time each semester?

Yes

Distance education No

Offshore delivery No

Clinical Placement Does the course involve clinical or

industrial placement/experience?

No

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PART 4: ENROLMENTS AND LOAD (EFTSL) Low projections

Estimated first semester commencing enrolments for the next three years of the award course The University operates within a target for Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) load. Any new course proposals which include intakes of CSP students must be discussed with the Planning and Information Office at an early stage in the development of the proposal.

Student Type Year One Year Two Year Three Max Quota

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) 0 0 0 NA

Domestic fee paying (PG only) 14 16 18 NA

International fee-paying (full time only) 10 11 12 NA

International fee-paying (Offshore, can be part time)

- - - -

Research Training Scheme - - - -

Total 24 27 30 NA

Estimated second semester commencing enrolments for the next three years of the award course (if applicable)

- - - -

Total 18 18 20 NA

Commencement

No restrictions for semester two enrolments

Estimated first semester commencing load (EFTSL) for the next three years of the award course

Student Type Year One Year Two Year Three Min EFTSL

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) 0 0 0

Domestic fee paying (PG only) 8 9 9

International fee-paying (full time only) 10 11 12

- - -

Total 18 20 21

Estimated total load (EFTSL) for the next three years of the award course

- - -

Research Training Scheme - - -

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Medium projections

- - - -

Total 35 40 45 NA

- - - -

Total 20 22 24 NA

Commencement

- - -

Total 26 30 33

- - -

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High projections

- - - -

Total 41 49 58 NA

- - - -

Total 23 28 34 NA

Commencement

- - -

Total 30 36 43

- - -

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PART 5: INTER FACULTY CONSULTATION AND SHARED TEACHING

Managing Faculty Arts and Social Sciences

Collaborating faculties N/A

Inter Faculty

Consultation N/A

External partners None

Has the Director Student Centre been consulted? No

PART 6: COURSE ADMINISTRATION

Provide information on how this course articulates, if at all, towards other related courses.

Code Course Name Credit given in

articulating course

Master of International Relations 96 credit points

Graduate Diploma in International Relations 48 credit points

Graduate Certificate in International Relations 24 credit points

Units of study offered in proposed award course: (a) Existing units of study

UoS Code UoS Name Core/ Elective Session

offered

Course year offered

GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations Core 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International

Relations

Core 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6116 International Organisations Core*/Core elective 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6119 International Security Core** / Core elective 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6123 Globalisation and Governance Core** / Core elective 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6340 Dissertation, Part 1 Core Capstone *** 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6341 Dissertation, Part 2 Core Capstone *** 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6139 Research Design Core Capstone *** 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6117 International Politics of Human Rights Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6121 Northeast Asian Politics Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6136 Asia Pacific Politics Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6135 Global Environmental Politics Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

GOVT6220 The State, Secession and War Core Elective 1 or 2 biennial

GOVT6304 Development and World Politics Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

CISS6001 New Security Challenges Core Elective 1 or 2 biennial

CISS6002 Strategy & Security in the Asia-Pacific Core Elective 1 or 2 biennial

CISS6005 Ethics, Law and War Core Elective 1 or 2 biennial

CISS6006 State Building and Fragile States Core Elective 1 or 2 biennial

CISS6012 Civil-Military Relations Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

CISS6013 Middle East Conflict and Security Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

CISS6014 Human Security Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

CISS6015 Alliances and Coalition Warfare Core Elective 1 or 2 annual

ADDITIONAL UNITS FOR MINOR OPTIONS SEE BELOW

* These are ‘core’ for the 18-month track ** These are ‘core’ for the 24-month track *** These are ‘core’ for the dissertation track

NOTE: Students who wish to obtain a minor as part of their MIR degree must take 3-4 units from a disciplinary pool, such as international law, economics, history, or a foreign language. We have not listed all the potential units that could be included as electives for a student’s minor since the list is expansive.

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(b) New and/or exclusive units of study

Exclusive UoS Name Core/

Electiv e Faculty Australian Standard Classification Education (ASCED) Code Session & campus offered Credit points

New GOVTXXXX Key

Readings in IR

Elective FASS 90101 Camperdown 6

Notes:

1. UoS Code will be allocated by the Student Centre when the new unit of study is created in the Student System.

2. A full list of ASCED Codes can be found on the Planning and Information Office website at: www.planning.usyd.edu.au/information/other_links.php

PART 6: COMMONWEALTH GRANT SCHEME FUNDING AND COURSE FEES

Faculties are expected to conduct market research and analysis of costing and pricing as part of their fee review and fee-setting process. Included in this process is the need to consult and discuss proposed fees for domestic and international students with the Planning and Information Office (PIO) prior to finalising the course fees.

1.6.1 Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CSP) Funding per 1 EFTSL

Estimated amount of Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding for the year the course is introduced. Current CGS and HECS rates can be found at: [website here]

CGS Student Contribution amount (HECS) Total

No CSP

1.6.2 Proposed Course Fees per 1 EFTSL

International fees are recommended to be higher than domestic fess at a rate of 1.2 to 1.5 (in line with faculty objectives)

Domestic fee-paying International fee-paying

$19,680 $32,400

1.6.3 Incidental (ancillary) fees

The CRICOS register requires an indication of any compulsory costs other than tuition fees (e.g. bench fees.) Will the proposed course incur any compulsory costs other than tuition fees and compulsory subscriptions? If yes, please indicate the amount.

Yes

Description Cost

$

PART 7: ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

Please complete the following information which is required for input of course data in the Student System and the University’s “UG/PG Course Database” which will be used for internal and external publications and marketing purposes.

1.7.1 Admission pathway: UAC Direct Flexible Entry (Yes/ No)

1.7.3 Areas of study:

International Relations (IR)

1.7.4 Assumed knowledge:

Bachelor of Arts with a major in international relations, political science, or other major with equivalent skills and knowledge base.

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1.7.5 Minimum education requirements: Bachelor’s degree (Pass)

1.7.6 ATAR (for UG only):

1.7.7 Additional admission selection criteria (e.g. GAMSAT, portfolio, interview, etc.): n/a

Will flexible entry be available (for UG only)? Yes No

1.7.8 If the course is offered to international students please complete the following:

ATAR International (for international students only): (Undergraduate courses only) Other international student entry requirements: see English Language requirements

1.7.9 English language requirements

Will the minimum English language requirement for the proposed course differ from the usual requirements (i.e. overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band)?

Yes

IELTS score of 7 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band

1.7.11 If the proposal is for a Postgraduate award course, please indicate the application closing date:

For domestic students, closing date for applications is as per Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences dates advertised Faculty on website, normally extended to end of November for semester 1 and end of May for semester 2

For international students, closing date for applications is as per Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences dates advertised Faculty on website, normally extended until end of January for semester 1 and end of May for semester 2

1.7.12 Short degree description (e.g. for the UAC Guide):

The Master of International Relations is designed to provide students with an intellectually rigorous Masters program embedded within the academic discipline of international relations (IR), but which will also allow students to select areas of specialism, including outside the Department. This is a comprehensive and professionally oriented degree with a focus on specialist knowledge in international relations theory, security studies, human rights, and the Asia Pacific. It is suitable for students seeking to embark upon a career in international relations or seeking professional advancement, as well as students considering entering into a PhD program upon completion.

1.7.13 Full degree description (e.g. for Faculty handbook):

The Master of International Relations is designed to provide students with an intellectually rigorous Masters program embedded within the academic discipline of international relations, but which will also allow students to select areas of specialism. Students enrolled in the Masters will also be able to draw on electives in language and from cognate social science and humanities areas (including Asian studies, history, philosophy, law, economics, political economy and sociology). The Master of International Relations is designed to provide a pathway to professional employment in a wide array of professions, including international business, consulting, government, international organisations, and journalism. It also provides an opportunity for professionals in these sectors to gain advanced training to support career advancement. The degree also includes research options that provide a pathway to the PhD program in international relations.

AHEGS Statement

Completion of the Master of International Relations would normally qualify a student for employment in a range of professions that require understanding international politics, including international business, consulting, government, non-governmental organizations international organisations, and journalism.

• Details: The Master of International Relations is a postgraduate coursework qualification, taught in English. Admission is normally on the basis of a completed bachelor's degree with a major in Government and International Relations, Political Science, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, or other major with equivalent skills and knowledge base in a relevant field.

• Features: Students are required to take core units in international relations and conduct an independent research project for at least one semester.

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The course offers students three possible pathways: a 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month track. The 12-month track includes 8 units of study and a capstone unit designed to build research capacity. This track is generally oriented toward students seeking professional employment. Students in the 18-month and 24-month pathways would also be eligible to complete a minor by completing 3-4 units within a single cognate field, such as International Law, Economics, or a language.

Completing the extended dissertation track (including a research methods unit and two units on a dissertation) would prepare students to enroll in a PhD in International Relations. This path is generally suitable for students on the 18-month and 24-month tracks.

Entry to a 12 month/8 unit of study Masters will normally be granted to applicants with an Honours Degree in the Social Sciences, Law and/or Humanities.

Entry to an 18 month/12 unit of study Masters will normally be granted to applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree or a major (minimum 65% average, or equivalent) in the Social Sciences, Law and/or Humanities.

Entry to an 24 month/16 unit of study Masters will normally be granted to applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree (minimum 65% average, or equivalent) in disciplines outside of the Social Sciences, Law and/or Humanities.

Students may upgrade to a 12 month Masters from a Graduate Certificate on successful completion of the course requirements and upon achievement of a Credit average (65%) or higher.

Students may upgrade to a 12 month Masters from a Graduate Diploma on successful completion of the requirements for the Graduate Certificate and upon achievement of a Credit average (65%) or higher. If these requirements are not met, students may upgrade if they successfully complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma and with a Credit average (65%) or higher.

• Pathway to further study: Completion of the Master of International Relations with an overall average mark of 80% or above and an average mark of 80% or above for the dissertation would normally qualify a graduate to apply for entry to a PhD in the Australian system and for consideration for a postgraduate scholarship.

• Course accreditation: None

Research training content: Students in all three tracks would be required to complete a capstone unit designed to build independent research capacity. This capstone could be either a semester-long Research Project unit (GOVT 6127), requiring a final paper of 5,000 words; or else a year-long (2 unit) Dissertation project, requiring submission of a dissertation of 12,000 words. Students doing a dissertation would also be required to take Research Design (GOVT 6139).

1.7.14 Location/campus for student attendance: Camperdown & Darlington

1.7.16 Are students enrolling in the proposed award course subject to:

Criminal Record Check Yes No

Prohibited Employment Declaration Yes No

Health Records & Privacy Yes No

Information Declaration

1.7.17 Prohibitions

Please indicate any prohibitions for the proposed new course or changes to prohibitions for proposed amendments to an existing award course. (e.g. is there a limit on the number of credit points that can be taken in a single semester or for the course, any prerequisites or corequisites)

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Section 3: Requirements for the Academic Board PART 1: ACADEMIC PURPOSE

3.1.1 Academic Rationale

The course will provide advanced and specialist postgraduate knowledge and training in the field of International Relations (IR). It combines a breath of understanding with a specific disciplinary approach to the study of International Relations. The course is designed to prepare students seeking entry to the University’s doctoral program in the area of International Relations and those with a professional orientation. It is envisaged that most students will take the course as a means of increasing their knowledge and skills base for the non-academic job market. Those students interested in the pathway into the PhD will be required to take specialist modules aimed at ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills.

3.1.2 Academic Aims and Objectives

The teaching and learning objectives of the Master of International Relations (MIR) are critical, theoretical, empirical, historical and practical. They will encourage students to combine theoretical concepts to specific issues and challenges in international affairs today. Graduates will develop specialist knowledge and understanding of major developments and issues in specific fields in international relations, particularly in the realms of international security, international organisations, foreign policy, international economy, and globalisation. Graduates will be trained in conducting independent scholarly research in international relations through a combination of in-class study, and personal research projects under the supervision of an individual staff member. The course features a strong emphasis upon grounding students in the core concepts of international relations theory, reaching back into classical philosophy through cutting-edge approaches in critical theory. Students also have the opportunity to structure their own program to focus on an area of particular interest through the minor option (available on the 18 and 24-month pathways). These minors will enable students to demonstrate to potential employers their specialised expertise, such as in Asian or European languages. Students seeking to continue on to the PhD will gain the skills and specialized knowledge essential for the PhD research.

More specifically, objectives of the course are to provide students with:

 Training in international relations (IR) theory, both concepts and applications;

 A thorough understanding of the different approaches and core concepts in IR theory;  An understanding of how IR theory can be applied to a range of issues in world politics;

 A familiarity with key issues and concepts within international security, international political economy, and international organisations;

 An awareness of international relations across different regions of the world;

 In-depth knowledge of a specific sub-area (the student’s minor) and its relationship with international relations;

 An ability to critically read and analyze a range of texts on international relations;

 Advanced skills in designing, implementing, and writing a substantial independent research project on an original topic.

3.1.3 Statement of Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Masters course will have a thorough grounding in the concepts and practical applications of international relations theories. They will be familiar with the core concepts in international relations, and understand how to apply these concepts in studying critical issues in world affairs today. They will have highly developed critical and analytical skills, and the capacity to conduct independent research on international affairs.

The Master of International Relations achieves the following AQF level 9 learning outcomes and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Contextualised Graduate Attributes with reference to the specific skills and body of knowledge that will be gained during the course. The following table is based on the numbered, Contextualised Graduate Attributes document provided by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (this is copied below the table for ease of reference under “statement of generic attributes):

Level 9 outcome Most relevant faculty graduate attributes (see table below)

Course specific skills and knowledge

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Understand recent disciplinary or practice developments

1a 1b 4a 4d Demonstrate that:

• They understand and engage with recent disciplinary developments, including new theoretical concepts and new issues within international relations

Know about the applicable research principles and methods

1 2 4c Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and

methods specific to international relations, including:

 Ability to identify and evaluate new knowledge through critical reading and analysis;

 Ability to understand and engage in original research (including with primary sources) on international affairs.

Can reflect critically on theoretical knowledge

2c 2d 3c 4 Demonstrate that they can:

 Think independently, analytically and

creatively in relation to academic scholarship and current affairs;

 Critically evaluate the sources, values, validity and accuracy of scholarly and policy analysis. Have the skills to

investigate, analyse, and synthesise complex information and problems and apply it to different bodies of knowledge

1 2 3 4 Demonstrate that they can:

• Critically evaluate others’ research outputs, including their research design, methods, and conclusions;

• Identify how new or established concepts can be applied in novel fashion.

Can evaluate complex ideas

1d 1e 2c 3c 4d Demonstrate that they can:

• Understand, synthesise, and apply a complex theoretical argument or concept in international relations;

• Develop and present a critical analysis of well-established scholarly work in IR;

• Identify links and contradictions across a wider body of IR scholarship

Have the communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret findings and conclusions to specialist and non

specialist audiences

1c 3e 5 Demonstrate that they can:

• Summarise and explain complex concepts or situations to a general audience;

• Identify linkages between theoretical concepts and policy applications;

• Use real-world cases to test theories; and apply theories to different cases.

Can plan and execute a research-based project, capstone experience and/or piece of scholarship

1 2 3 4 5 Demonstrate that:

• Design a new and original research project; • Conduct independent research (possibly

including field research or using primary sources);

• Present their research findings in an accessible and persuasive fashion in both written and oral formats.

3.1.4 Statement of Generic Attributes

1) Research and Inquiry. Graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will be able to create new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry.

a) Possess a body of knowledge relevant to their fields of study, and a firm grasp of the principles, practices, and boundaries of their discipline;

b) Be able to acquire and evaluate new knowledge through independent research; c) Be able to identify, define, investigate, and solve problems;

d) Think independently, analytically and creatively; and

e) Exercise critical judgment and critical thinking to create new modes of understanding.

2) Information Literacy. Graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will be able to use information effectively in a range of contexts.

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b) Use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information; c) Critically evaluate the sources, values, validity and currency of information; and

d) Use information in critical and creative thinking.

3) Personal and Intellectual Autonomy. Graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges.

a) Be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning;

b) Set appropriate goals for ongoing intellectual and professional development, and evaluate their own performance effectively;

c) Be intellectually curious, open to new ideas, methods and ways of thinking, and able to sustain intellectual interest;

d) Respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts; and e) Work effectively in teams and other collaborative contexts.

4) Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding. Graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will hold personal values and beliefs consistent with their role as responsible members of local, national, international and professional communities.

a) Understand and practice the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession;

b) Be informed and open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world;

c) Appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community, and the environment;

d) Be aware that knowledge is not value-free.

5) Communication. Graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, interacting with others, and furthering their own learning.

a) Possess a high standard of oral, visual and written communication skills relevant to their fields of study, including where applicable the possession of these skills in languages other than English; b) Recognise the importance of continuing to develop their oral, visual, and written communication

skills;

c) Be able to use appropriate communication technologies.

PART 2: LEARNING AND TEACHING 3.2.1 Course structure

All students are required to take at least two core units in international relations: Foundations of International Relations and Forces of Change in International Relations. All students are also required to conduct an independent research project for at least one semester as part of their capstone experience. In accordance with AQF compliance requirement, the course offers students three possible pathways: a 12-month, 18-month, and 24-month track. The 12-month track includes 8 units of study and a capstone unit designed to build research capacity. This track is generally oriented toward students seeking professional employment.

Students in the 18-month track would have a third core unit required: International Organisations (GOVT 6116). Students in the 24-month track would have two additional required core units: International Security (GOVT6119) and Globalisation and Governance (GOVT6123). Students in the 18 and 24-month pathways would also be eligible to complete a minor by completing 3-4 units within a single cognate field, such as International Law, Economics, or a language.

Completing the extended dissertation track (including GOVT 6139 Research Design AND Dissertation Part I & Part II) would prepare students to enroll in a PhD in International Relations. This path is generally suitable for students on the 18-month and 24-month tracks.

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Component A: Course Program Core REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS

Component B: Degree Program Electives REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS

Students to choose a combination of electives from two lists: a list of departmental (GOVT and CISS) and non-departmental units already identified by the Postgraduate coordinator as relevant to the content of the MIR degree

Component C: MINOR

Between 3 or 4 units chosen in a clearly identified discipline (such as anthropology or sociology, law, economics or a language). These units are also listed on the list of non-departmental electives mentioned in B.

Component D: Capstone

REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS: Either

GOVT 6127 Research Project Or

GOVT 6139 Research Design + Dissertation Part I & Part II

Course component/category of unit of study 12 months/ 8 units 18 months/ 12 units 24 months/ 16 units Core compulsory: no choice • GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations • GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International Relations • GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations • GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International Relations • GOVT6116 International Organisations • GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations • GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International Relations • GOVT6119 International Security • GOVT6123 Globalisation and Governance • GOVT6116 International Organisations Departmental Electives A minimum of 3

departmental elective units/ 18 credit points must be taken from this list

A minimum of 3 departmental elective units/ 30 credit points must be taken from this list

A minimum of 4 departmental elective units/ 30 credit points must be taken from this list

Capstone (compulsory): Prospective PhD students would need to take the longer

capstone; and also must take GOVT *** Key Readings in International Relations 1-3 units GOVT6127 Research Project OR GOVT 6139 Research Design AND GOVT 6340 AND GOVT 6341 Dissertation Part I + Part II 1-3 units GOVT6127 Research Project OR GOVT 6139 Research Design AND GOVT 6340 AND GOVT 6341 Dissertation Part I + Part II 1-3 units GOVT 6127 Research Project GOVT 6139 OR GOVT6139 Research Design AND

GOVT 6340 AND GOVT 6341 Dissertation Part I + Part II

Minor: A minor is specific to a longer masters degree (i.e. not available

N/A Minimum 3 units

chosen from a disciplinary pool (Ex

3 -4 units max chosen from a disciplinary pool (international law,

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Structure of the Master of International Relations SAMPLE ENROLMENT (for 12 month/8 unit track)

Semester Unit of study 1 Unit of study 2 Unit of study 3 Unit of Study 4 Total Credit Points Notes Semester 1 GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations (core) GOVT 6117 International Politics of Human Rights GOVT 6121 Northeast Asian Politics GOVT 6136 Asia Pacific Politics 24 Semester 2 GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International Relations (core) GOVT6127 Research Project (required) GOVT 6220 The State, Secession and War CISS 6005 Ethics, Law and War 24

SAMPLE ENROLMENT (for 18 month/12 unit track)

Semester Unit of study 1 Unit of study 2 Unit of study 3 Unit of Study 4 Total Credit Points Notes Semester 1 GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations GOVT 6117 International Politics of Human Rights

Minor Unit 1 GOVT 6139

Research Design (required)* 24 *Students have the option of taking GOVT6127 to 12 month masters,

grad dip and grad cert) Examples: Language Law Sociology or Anthropology Economic Policy International Political Economy International Law, Economics or a language) economics or a language) Non-departmental Electives:

Non-GOVT or CISS units identified by the GIR Postgraduate Coordinator as

pedagogically relevant and on offer for a given year (adjusted annually). They constitute:

1) the pool of units from which disciplinary minors are formed;

2) an additional reserve of units to choose for non-minor students and/or who choose the short capstone option

Maximum number of units students may choose from this list: 3 (18 credits)

Maximum number of units students may choose from this list: 4 units (24 credits)

Maximum number of units students may choose from this list: 6 (36 credits)

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(core) for their

capstone unit. Semester 2 GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International Relations (core)

Minor Unit 2 GOVT6116

International Organisations (core) GOVT 6340 Dissertation Part I (required) 24 Semester 3 GOVT 6341 Dissertation Part II (required)

Global Environmental Politics GOVT 6220 The State, Secession and War 24

SAMPLE ENROLMENT (for 24 month/16 unit track)

Semester Unit of study 1 Unit of study 2 Unit of study 3 Unit of Study 4 Total Credit Points Notes Semester 1 GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations (core) GOVT 6117 International Politics of Human Rights

Research Design (required)* 24 *Students have the option of taking GOVT6127 for their capstone unit. Semester 2 GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International Relations (core) GOVT6116 International Organisations GOVT 6340 Dissertation Part I (required) Minor Unit 2 24 Semester 3 GOVT 6341 Dissertation Part II (required) GOVT6119 International Security (core)

Minor Unit 3 GOVT6123

Globalisation and Governance (core) 24 Semester 4 GOVT6137 Forces of Change in International Relations (core)

The State, Secession and War CISS 6012 Civil-Military Relations 24

NOTE: The Minor Units must come from a single clearly identified discipline (such as anthropology or sociology, law, economics or a language). These units are also listed on the list of non-departmental electives.

3.2.1.1 Combined degree – inter-faculty arrangements: N/A

3.2.1.2 Is the proposed award course part of a con-joint venture with another institution? Please provide details of the governance arrangements, including alignment of policy and student support processes with the partner institutions, examination arrangements and quality assurance processes.

.

Yes No

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Yes No

3.2.2 How will the Course structure achieve the learning outcomes and graduate attributes? Linking program learning outcomes with assessment

Desired Program Learning Outcomes Graduate attributes Unit of study Level Assessment Tasks Demonstrate that:

• They understand and engage with recent disciplinary developments, including new theoretical concepts and new issues in international relations

1a, 1b, 4a, 4d Core units AQF level

9 Written reports, essays, oral presentations, class discussions, online activities, group activities Demonstrate knowledge of the

following principles and methods specific to international relations (IR)

 identify and evaluate new knowledge in IR through critical reading and analysis;  understand and engage in

original research (including with primary sources) in IR;  assess the validity and

accuracy of scholarly and policy analysis of international politics

2c, 2d, 3c, 4 All AQF level

9 Written reports, essays, oral presentations, class discussions, online activities, group activities.

Demonstrate that they can: • critically evaluate others’

research outputs, including their research design, methods, and conclusions; • identify how new or

established concepts can be applied in novel fashion

1, 2, 3, 4 Core units AQF level

9 Written reports, essays, oral presentations, class discussions, online activities, group activities

Demonstrate that they can: • Understand, synthesise, and

apply a complex theoretical argument or concept in international relations;

• Develop and present a critical analysis of well-established scholarly work in IR; • Identify links and

contradictions across a wider body of IR scholarship 1d, 1e, 2c, 3c, 4d All (particularly core units) AQF level 9 Written reports, essays, oral presentations, class discussions, online activities, group activities