Rules
1. Credit for successful completion of the common approved courses which constitute the nested Graduate Diploma in International Studies program and the coursework for the Master of International Studies program shall be fully transferable between the Graduate Diploma in International Studies program and the Master of International Studies program.
2. Students may exit with a Graduate Diploma in International Studies after the completion of 36 units.
3. In accordance with University policy, students may be granted credit transfer up to a maximum of 18 units. Credit will be granted for up to 18 units of coursework:
up to two course (9 units) for language courses undertaken for the Graduate Diploma in Languages and Culture Studies or other documented advanced language study at an Australian University or in-country (including up to 9 units for level three or higher language courses), or equivalent, provided that the language study is accepted as being at level three or higher by the Languages Coordinator; or
up to 18 units in recognition of coursework completed for an honours degree in International Studies or equivalent from a recognised institution;
or up to 18 units for postgraduate coursework in International Studies or equivalent at a recognised institution; or
up to 18 units for an approved study period of full-time postgraduate coursework or an approved combination of postgraduate coursework and part of the research for a Master of International Studies thesis at an overseas institution.
4. All claims for credit transfer must be supported by documentary evidence which is seen by the Program Director in original form and copied for University files. Claims for credit transfer are accepted or rejected by the Program Director, acting in accordance with University policies on recognition of prior learning, and in consultation with relevant Course Coordinators. Each case is considered on its merits. Appropriate University authorities are consulted where necessary, particularly in relation to recognition of overseas qualifications.
Notes
1. All students shall take at least 27 units of courses from those listed as International Studies postgraduate courses unless they are eligible for exemptions which reduce the minimum requirement to 18 units. With the approval of the Program Director, students may substitute other courses for some of those listed, or add to those listed other postgraduate courses offered by the University for which they are eligible, to complete the number of units of coursework required for the degree. A list of courses shall be provided in the annual program handbook for the degree.
2. Research option: students choosing the research option should select eight International Studies postgraduate courses in the first year. Students may take up to 13.5 units of substitute coursework courses, of which 4.5 units may include a research methods course approved by the Program Director. In second year students complete the two 9 unit thesis courses.
3. Professional option: students choosing the professional option should select eight International Studies postgraduate courses in first year. Students may take up to 18 units of substitute coursework courses in first year, of which 4.5 units may include a research methods course approved by the Program Director. In second year students complete the 9 unit Professional Study Project plus 2 more 4.5 unit International Studies graduate courses.
4. Coursework option: Students choosing the coursework option should select eight International Studies postgraduate courses in first year. Students may take up to 18 units of substitute coursework courses, approved by the Program Director. In second year students complete a further four International Studies graduate courses.
5. The topics of thesis research or professional study projects and supervision arrangements are subject to the approval of the Program Director, the appropriate School committee and, where necessary, the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University. Under normal circumstances, the research project which forms part of the Master of International Studies degree program will not be converted to a PhD candidature. Students who complete the Master of International Studies degree may proceed to PhD candidature.
6. The Thesis (Master of International Studies) Parts A and B may be completed in half a year full-time or part-time over one year. Theses which are not completed within this timeframe will be subject to review and possible cancellation of the thesis candidacy by a committee comprising the Supervisor, and the Program Director and with right of appeal to the Head of School. Where a Thesis cancellation occurs, students may complete the Master degree by coursework or accept a Graduate Diploma.
7. The Professional Project Report is to be completed in half a year. Project Reports which are not completed within this timeframe will be subject to review and possible cancellation of the report project by a committee comprising the Supervisor and the Program Director. Where a Professional Project Report cancellation occurs, students may complete the Master degree by coursework or accept a Graduate Diploma.
8. Supervision arrangements for Master of International Studies theses and Professional Project Reports shall be agreed between the student, the supervisor and the Program Director. Changes to supervision arrangements shall be in consultation with the Program Director, the student and supervisors.
9. International students for whom English is a second language may include up to 9 units of approved courses in advanced English language (level 3 or higher) within a Master of International Studies degree. International students with an undergraduate major in politics or international relations may include up to 9 units of approved advanced English language courses within the research, professional or coursework option. International students without an undergraduate major in politics or international relations may include up to 9 units of approved advanced English language courses only within the professional major or coursework options.
10. This course is only available in Study Period 7.
11. Not all courses will be available every year.
