Postgraduate coursework
Postgraduate research

The Institute for International Studies offers both research and coursework postgraduate programs.

Postgraduate coursework

The Institute offers the following postgraduate coursework degree programs in conjunction with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences:

• Master of Arts in International Studies (C04205)
• Graduate Diploma in International Studies (C06088)

Both programs provide opportunities for students from any disciplinary background to study a language and culture other than English and thus add an international dimension to their undergraduate qualification. In particular, the programs enable students to:

• learn or improve their knowledge of the language of the country they choose to study
• learn about cultural diversity and comparative social change, and
• learn about contemporary society in the country they choose to study.

Graduate Diploma in International Studies

Postgraduate students studying for the Graduate Diploma in International Studies are required to study 48 credit points, comprising at least two sequential subjects that focus on a relevant language and culture; at least one of either the International Studies Research Seminar or the relevant Contemporary Society subject or both; plus other approved elective subjects. Refer to the list of approved alternative subjects for postgraduate students which may be undertaken as electives within this program.

• Language and Culture 1–2: two subjects, two semesters (2 x 8cp)
• International Studies Research Seminar: one subject, one semester (8cp) and/or
• Contemporary Society: one subject, one semester (8cp)
• Approved electives (16–24cp)

Master of Arts in International Studies

Postgraduate students studying for the Master of Arts in International Studies are required to study at least two sequential subjects that focus on a relevant language and culture. Students must undertake at least one of either the International Studies Research Seminar or the relevant Contemporary Society subject or both, plus other elective subjects. Refer to the list of approved alternative subjects for postgraduate students which may be undertaken as electives within this program.

Once these six subjects have been completed, students undertake either In-country Study 1 (prerequisite subject: the relevant Contemporary Society subject) or Dissertation (prerequisite subject: International Studies Research Seminar).

• Language and Culture 1–2: two subjects, two semesters (2 x 8cp)
• Approved electives (16–24cp)
• International Studies Research Seminar: one subject, one semester (8cp) and/or
• Contemporary Society: one subject, one semester (8cp) and, in the final component, either
• In-country Study 1: one subject, one semester overseas (24cp) or
• International Studies Dissertation: one subject, one semester (full time), or two subjects, two semesters (part time) (24cp)

Postgraduate research

The Institute accepts research students for the following higher degrees:

• Master of Arts in International Studies (C03034)
• Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies (C02039)

Applications for research degree candidature are welcomed from graduates with an interest in the social, political, economic and cultural changes that have taken place in East and South-East Asia, the Americas and Europe.

Students interested in China may choose to write their thesis in Chinese rather than English. Students may undertake their candidature either in China or in Australia. The Institute can supervise students in the fields of Modern and Contemporary Chinese History, Chinese Political Economy, Social Change in the People's Republic of China, and Contemporary Chinese Culture.