A course for the next global policy-makers

Dr Geoffrey Hawker

Studying for a Master of International Relations at Macquarie University could see you join earlier graduates now working for international governments, the United Nations, Amnesty and the Red Cross.

The course

The Master of International Relations program aims to develop an understanding of the political, social, economic and legal processes and institutions of the international system, and offer competing explanations of how they work. From international law to studies of the Middle East, the European Union or the Asia-Pacific region, students are introduced to the depth and complexity of the field.

“Theories of international relations and the international system are core units,” explains lecturer Dr Rebecca Davies, whose expertise is in political economy, post-apartheid South Africa and peasant resistance in Vietnam.

The program is structured to allow students to take advantage of the knowledge and diverse backgrounds of their fellow students.

Senior Lecturer Dr Geoffrey Hawker says that there ’s a lot of interaction between the students, a synergy of people from all parts of the world—one-third each from Asia, Europe and Australia.

“Overall, we’ve had 40 nationalities in the program. There’s a good deal of cross-learning going on,” he says.

Double degrees and internships

A number of students opt for double degrees, such as a Master of International Business with a Master of International Relations. Some students go on internships as part of their course.

“We’ve had students going to the UN in New York for a semester, a couple working in Foreign Ministries, and one student who went to the Ivory Coast to look at trade development,” says Hawker.

With the guidance of a mentor at the workplace and an academic assessor, students work on planning, research, marketing and administration through a special project.

“For those who remain in their own country, the program gives them a rare opportunity to take a first step towards an international job,” says Davies. “More immediately, it gives them a far greater appreciation of different regions, and different insights and theories for understanding the world.”

Support is provided in English language, writing and research skills, with classes run weekly.

Although the Masters is largely geared to the world of work, a two-unit thesis component is also offered to establish a research track record for those who want to go on to a PhD.

As well as during the day, classes are held in the evenings to make them more accessible to students who may also be working. All lectures are digitally recorded and notes and readings are provided on the Website (www.pol.mq.edu.au/mir).

In the world of the future, global relations will become more and more important, making Macquarie University’s programs highly relevant.

For more information, email mir@hmn.mq.edu.au  and see the Department of Politics and International Relations Website on http://www.pol.mq.edu.au/mir

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