Faculty of ArtsSchool of Social and Political Sciences

Postgraduate Coursework

 

Entry Requirements and Application Procedure

For details on entry requirements and application procedures see the Faculty of Arts Future Students page.

 

Postgraduate Courses Offered in Political Science

Study of Political Science at a postgraduate level gives a deeper understanding of important social and political issues which shape all levels of society, from the local to the global, and knowledge of the institutions and phenomena that influence these issues. Subjects and areas of research deal with issues of social and economic change, in addition to subjects dealing with political and philosophical ideas, debates and assumptions. Other subjects concentrate on providing practical experience and a variety of skills used in political analysis, including those leading up to higher degree original research.

Master of International Politics (coursework only, or coursework and minor thesis)

The Master of International Politics (by Coursework or Coursework and Minor Thesis) provides specialist training for professional qualification purposes, usually to graduates working in the field, but may also be taken for general interest. Students who discontinue the course after completing 50 points may be eligible for a graduate certificate. Students in the two year program who complete 100 points of the masters may be eligible for the award of either a graduate diploma or postgraduate diploma.

Master of Public Policy & Management (coursework only, or coursework and minor thesis)

The Master of Public Policy and Management provides specialist training for professional qualification purposes, usually to graduates working in the field, but may also be taken by those wishing to enter the field and for general interest.

NEW! Master of International Relations

The Master of International Relations (MIR) is offered collaboratively by several Schools in the Faculty of Arts. The degree is designed for graduates who are seeking careers in international affairs, in government, diplomacy, non-government organisations (NGOs), international organisations, and the media. It is a program that combines advanced study in the field of international relations, with relevant professional skills development, and an electives program that is specifically designed to promote cross-cultural understanding. The elective program is also to reflect Australia’s geographic location and the University of Melbourne’s research strengths, notably in Asian and Islamic Studies with an emphasis on Asian and Islamic politics, society and culture. The program will also offer students exchange and language study opportunities. The degree is specifically designed as a pathway to professional employment, however there is a thesis option for high achieving students who may wish to progress to a PhD.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Political Science)

The postgraduate diploma allows students to undertake a research project in a specialist field of study. Students will gain considerable knowledge in an area of political science and engage in critical assessment of the major theoretical claims of the discipline. The course provides a pathway to higher degree research for students who have not completed a four year BA (Honours) with a research component in political science.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (International Politics)

The Postgraduate Diploma allows students to undertake a research project in a specialist field of study. Students will gain advanced knowledge of International Politics and engage in a critical assessment of the major theoretical claims of the discipline. The course provides a pathway to higher degree research for students who have not completed a BA (Honours) in International Politics.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Public Policy and Management)

The postgraduate diploma allows students to undertake a research project in a specialist field of study. Students will gain considerable knowledge in an area of public policy and engage in critical assessment of the major theoretical claims of the discipline. The course provides a pathway to higher degree research for students who have not completed honours in public policy.

Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Political Science)

The postgraduate certificate provides an entry point to an articulated structure of higher degree study and may qualify graduates for entry to the postgraduate diploma.

Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (International Politics)

The postgraduate certificate provides an entry point to an articulated structure of higher degree study and may qualify graduates for entry to the postgraduate diploma.

Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Public Policy and Management)

The postgraduate certificate provides an entry point to an articulated structure of higher degree study and may qualify graduates for entry to the postgraduate diploma.

Graduate Diploma in Arts (Politics and International Studies)

The graduate diploma is similar to an undergraduate major and offers a comprehensive program of study in politics and international studies. The course is suitable for general interest or professional development purposes and does not require a research project or thesis. Graduates are provided with a pathway to higher degree study and may qualify for entry to the postgraduate diploma. 

Graduate Certificate in Arts (Politics and International Studies)

The graduate certificate provides students with a general understanding of key concepts and issues in politics and international studies. Students undertaking this short and concentrated program of study will develop valuable skills of analysis and critique. The certificate is an entry point to an articulated structure of higher degree study in political science.

 

Human Research Ethics

Postgraduate coursework students undertaking research that involves interviews and/or questionnaires may need to submit an ethics application to the School Human Ethics Advisory Group (SHEAG). Such an application needs to be approved BEFORE commencing your research. It is recommended that honours students aim to submit their ethics applications either to the April SHEAG meeting or, for mid-year entry, the October SHEAG meeting. For further information, consult your supervisor, and refer to the Melbourne Research Office Human Ethics site.

Research Supervision

The School's Research Supervision page provides information on academic staff research and supervision areas.

University Policy Documents

For information on University policies and guidelines in connection with your studies, please refer to the Academic Services Policy page.

School Administrative Information

Information for Thesis Students

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