Master of International Studies
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Master of International Studies equips you with key analytical and critical skills for understanding world politics – literally, what makes the world go round. Graduates of this course have built successful careers within the Australian diplomatic corps, international organisations, media, consulting firms and the public service. The degree offers a wide variety of units of study that bring you an in-depth understanding of the forces and institutions that shape the relations between states and the governance of societies across the globe. Undertaking a Master of International Studies at the University of Sydney will give you access to world class experts in broad Politics and International Relations field.
The degree includes five core electives units including: Foundations of International Relations (IR); International Security; International Organisations; Globalisation and Governance, and Forces of Change in International Relations; in addition to electives that allow you to orientate your degree towards the areas of most interest to you. Some of the key and dynamic areas that you may focus on include the study of globalisation, international political economy, international security, human rights, global environmental politics, Asia Pacific and northeast Asian politics, and international relations theory.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Full units of study list
- ARTS7000 - Academic Communication for Postgraduates
- CISS6001 - New Security Challenges
- CISS6002 - Strategy & Security in the Asia-Pacific
- CISS6004 - Disease and Security
- CISS6006 - Statebuilding and Fragile States
- CISS6008 - Population and Security
- CISS6011 - Special Topic in International Security
- CISS6012 - Civil-Military Relations
- CISS6013 - Middle East Conflict and Security
- CISS6015 - Alliances and Coalition Warfare
- CISS6016 - Chinese Foreign and Security Policy
- CISS6018 - Nuclear Arms Control & Non-proliferation
- ECOP6016 - China in the World Economy
- GOVT6108 - Democracy and Development in SE Asia
- GOVT6111 - Chinese Politics
- GOVT6116 - International Organisations
- GOVT6119 - International Security
- GOVT6121 - Northeast Asian Politics
- GOVT6123 - Globalisation and Governance
- GOVT6135 - Global Environmental Politics
- GOVT6137 - Forces of Change in Int Relations
- GOVT6139 - Research Design
- GOVT6147 - Foundations of International Relations
- GOVT6148 - Dissertation Part 1
- GOVT6149 - Dissertation Part 2
- GOVT6210 - Special Topics in International Studies
- GOVT6220 - The State,Secession,and Civil War
- GOVT6223 - Topics in Environmental Politics
- GOVT6304 - Development and World Politics
- GOVT6313 - Leadership in Theory and Practice
- GOVT6314 - Terrorism and International Security
- GOVT6331 - Public Management and Governance
- GOVT6336 - Media Politics
- GOVT6358 - Comparative Migration Policy
- GOVT6400 - Government Exchange
- GOVT6401 - Government Exchange
- GOVT6402 - Government Exchange
- GOVT6403 - Government Exchange
- HRTD6906 - The Philosophy of Human Rights
- PACS6901 - United Nations,Peace and Security
- USSC6902 - US Politics: Presidency and Congress
- USSC6903 - US Foreign and National Security Policy
- USSC6906 - US Constitution
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
The MIntS requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp), including 2 core units of study (12cp) chosen from GOVT6103 Australia in Diplomacy, Defence and Trade, GOVT6123 Globalisation and Governance, and GOVT6147 Foundations of International Relations. The remaining units of study are chosen from the list of approved electives or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. Candidates electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation is normally undertaken over two semesters and comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 15,000 words.
Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first 4 units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.
Capstone experience
Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of International Studies have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study, normally undertaken over two semesters, with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
Graduates of the Master of International Studies will draw on their analytical skills of current, critical global issues to pursue careers in the Australian diplomatic corps, international organisations, media, consulting firms and the public service.
Graduates of the program have built successful careers in the Australian diplomatic corps, international organisations, media, consulting firms and the public service.
Further study
Graduates of the Master of International Studies who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.
Admission
Admission requirements
Admission to candidature for the Master of International Studies requires:
(a) a bachelor’s degree with a credit (65%) average from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification;
(b) completion of the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Australian citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens, and holders of a permanent humanitarian visa, apply through UAC - click on the 'Apply now' icon on this page to proceed with your application.
Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply:
(i) directly to the University via the International Office. Further information on applications and English language requirements and support services for international students is available on the International Office website; or
(ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.