This is a full-time programme, however the unique teaching calendar has been designed to allow working professionals to attend all sessions. It is taught via a combination of four intensive weeks, weekly evening sessions, and two policy weekends.
You will take three compulsory courses and complete a dissertation of 15,000 words on an approved topic of your choice.
(* denotes a half unit)
Strategy in a Changing World
Examines five different perspectives on strategy: new approaches to strategy in international affairs; the interplay between old and new strategic actors; global strategic and economic trends; political and security developments in the world's key regions; the nature of strategic decisions.
Diplomacy and Challenges
Examines the six key aspects of diplomacy: the tools of diplomacy and negotiation; new international security and policy challenges, such as climate change; global flashpoints, such as Brexit, the South China Sea and Syria; policy assessment on a major current international problem; simulations on crisis management and diplomatic negotiations; the future of diplomacy and international affairs.
Strategy in Action*
A series of intensive workshops give participants experience in evaluating foreign policy decisions and options, preventative action to reduce near-term risks and threats, and the development of longer term strategies. Through group exercises, participants will be asked to prepare a strategy and policy paper relevant to the day. In addition, brief sessions on methodology will lay the foundations for the formulation of a dissertation topic which must be in the form of a 3,000 word dissertation plan. This module is taken in conjunction with IR496 Dissertation.
Dissertation (one and a half units)
This is an independent research project of 15,000 words on an approved topic of your choice. Your topic should make central use of concepts in the study of international relations, strategy and diplomacy and should demonstrate a good understanding of these concepts and implications. The dissertation will draw on empirical topic areas but should also demonstrate a high degree of conceptual originality. As part of your preparation for writing the dissertation, you will attend workshops and individual supervision sessions with your dissertation supervisor.
For the most up-to-date list of courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.
You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.