Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts (International Relations)

2018 Deakin University Handbook

Note: You are seeing the 2018 view of this course information. These details may no longer be current. [Go to the current version]
Year2018 course information
Award granted Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts (International Relations)
Course Map

These course maps are for new students commencing from T1 2018:

These course maps are for new students commencing from T2 2018:

If you require a course map from a previous year, please contact a Student Adviser.

CampusOffered at Burwood (Melbourne)
Cloud CampusYes
Duration4.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
CRICOS course code092875J
VTAC Codes1400510411 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610411 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin course codeD305
Approval statusThis course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognitionThe award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts (International Relations) aims to produce graduates who are able to demonstrate high level skills of theoretical and empirical analysis and interpretation of global issues and events. In addition, the course will give students a substantial understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations.

Our course is unique, providing students with the knowledge to examine key contemporary issues in a global context. Students gain skills in policy analysis and develop a systematic understanding of the threats to peace and security, and the global forces shaping political, social and economic life.

The program also offers study abroad and internship programs, giving students the opportunity to gain international and professional experience.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes
Bachelor of Arts

Course Learning Outcomes
Master of Arts (International Relations)

Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities

Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. Review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International Relations pertaining to foreign policy, conflict and security, international and regional politics, globalisation, and international law with reference to empirical cases.

Communication

Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers.  Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts and their application to real-world contexts, in a selection of written, oral and digital formats, to a range of audiences.

Digital literacy

Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment.  Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings, and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences.

Critical thinking

Use critical and analytical thinking and judgment in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts.  Analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors in the context of the changing international political system.

Problem solving

Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches.  Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real-world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in the areas of conflict and security, globalization, international crises and risks, foreign policy and international law.

Self-management

Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts.  Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations. 

Teamwork

Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community.  Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning.

Global citizenship

Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community.  Analyse and respond to issues in global politics in domestic, regional and international contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into account cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards.

Approved by Faculty Board

 

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts (Years 1 to 3), students must complete 24 credit points as follows:

  • An approved Arts major sequence in International Relations
  • An approved Arts minor sequence of at least 4 credit points, or a second approved Arts major sequence of at least 8 credit points as listed below
  • No more than 10 credit points of units at level 1
  • A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3.

Note: Students completing minors in Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian and Spanish are permitted to complete 4 cp across any 2 levels, i.e. students may complete 2 credit points at level 2 and 2 credit points at level 3

* Students must have completed 24 credit points of study successfully and achieved a WAM of 60 to continue through to the Master of Arts (International Relations).  Students not having fulfilled this requirement are eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Arts as an alternative exit. 

To qualify for the award of Master of Arts (International Relations), students must complete 12 credit points including two core units and one of the following streams:

- 2 core units AIR726 and AIR728

Option 1

  • 6 credit points of research project units (AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708; AIX702 (2cps); AIX703 (2cps))
  • 4 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

Option 2

  • 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
  • 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

Option 3

  • 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706) 
  • 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

 

Students must also complete AIX703 (2cps))

  • 4 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

 

Option 2

  • 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
  • 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

Option 3

  • 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706) 
  • 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

 

Students must also complete AIX703 (2cps))

  • 4 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
  • Option 2

    • 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
    • 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

    Option 3

    • 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706) 
    • 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

     

    Students must also complete AIX703 (2cps))

    • 4 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

     

    Option 2

    • 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
    • 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

    Option 3

    • 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706) 
    • 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

     

    Students must also complete AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

    Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

    Course rules

    Transition to University Study

    The Faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work, that are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.

    Major sequences

    All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts are required to complete at least one Arts major sequence. Please see A300 Bachelor of Arts for available majors and minors.

     

    Specialisations

    Students who complete a specialisation of 4 credit points will have the specialisation indicated on their academic transcript.

    Specialisations are available in the following areas:

    Asia-Pacific Regional Dynamics 

    Conflict and Security 

    Human Rights and International Law 

    International Political Economy and Global Governance

    Transnational Activism and Civil Society


    General Electives

    Course structure

    Core units

    AAI018Unit description is currently unavailable

    AIR726Unit description is currently unavailable

    AIR728Unit description is currently unavailable

    Course structure

    Course structure

    Options 1, 2 & 3

    Option 1 

    AIX702Unit description is currently unavailable (2 credit points)

    AIX703Unit description is currently unavailable (2 credit points)

    AIX706Unit description is currently unavailable

    Plus either 

    AIX707Unit description is currently unavailable

    or 

    AIX708Unit description is currently unavailable

    Plus 4 electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

    Option 2 

    AIX704Unit description is currently unavailable

    AIX705Unit description is currently unavailable

    AIX706Unit description is currently unavailable

    Plus either 

    AIX707Unit description is currently unavailable

    or 

    AIX708Unit description is currently unavailable

    Plus 6 electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

    Option 3 

    AIX706Unit description is currently unavailable

    AIX701Unit description is currently unavailable

    Plus 8 electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives

    Work experience

    Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.


    Other course information

    Course duration - additional information

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Research and research-related study

    Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.