Postgraduate course information

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

Progression rules

Postgraduate students are advised that they may be excluded from a course if they exceed the maximum time allowed for completion of that course (Section 10.5, University Rules).

Postgraduate coursework

The Institute offers the Master of Arts in China Studies (C04233). The course totals 72 credit points of study and focuses on deepening students' understanding of political, social and cultural change in contemporary China. The compulsory component of the course includes a subject in Chinese Language and Culture, Advanced China Studies and International Studies Research Seminar. Additionally, students are required to select 24 credit points of electives, which may comprise three 8-credit-point subjects or four 6-credit-point subjects. Refer to the list of approved alternative subjects for postgraduate students which may be undertaken as electives within this program.

Having completed these subjects, students then undertake either In-Country Study 1 or Dissertation (prerequisite subjects: Advanced China Studies and International Studies Research Seminar).

• Chinese Language and Culture 4 or above: one subject, one semester (8cp)
• Approved electives (24cp)
• Advanced China Studies (8cp), one subject, one semester
• International Studies Research Seminar: one subject, one semester (8cp), and
• 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)

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).

These two 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 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 the International Studies Research Seminar 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: International Studies Research Seminar) 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, 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 Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Students interested in China may choose to write their thesis in Chinese or in 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.