Master of Asia-Pacific Studies
Faculty of Asian Studies, The Australian National University
The Master of Asia-Pacific Studies (MAPS) is an interdisciplinary coursework program which draws upon the diverse expertise of the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific- home to over 200 specialists on Asia and the Pacific and one of the world's leading centres for research and teaching on the region. Through advanced coursework and seminar activity, our graduates obtain specialist knowledge across a wide range of language and non-language fields of study essential to for expert understanding of the rapid social, political and economic changes taking place in the Asia-Pacific region.
Both full and part-time study are possible, with two intakes per year.
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About the Program
MAPS consists of two main study components: a Core Studies stream and an Advanced Coursework stream.
Core Studies: students complete two core studies courses totalling 12 units. These issues based courses form the compulsory disciplinary core to the MAPS. Core Studies courses are thematic and methodological in character and provide an essential Asia-Pacific Studies disciplinary focus.
Advanced Coursework: students build upon the disciplinary core of the program by undertaking advanced coursework classes. These advanced courses are centred on the cultural, social, historical, language and political context of Asia and the Pacific, and enable analysis of current issues and trends within the region. Students are able to choose from a range of language or non-language courses. Students complete six advanced coursework courses.
For further information about the structure of the degree and courses offered within the MAPS program please see http://studyat.anu.edu.au
Why Study the Master of Asia-Pacific Studies?
Our students benefit from research-led teaching, drawing on internationally ranked scholars from all parts of the College of Asia and the Pacific and other relevant areas the University and who specialise in various disciplines and countries of the region.
Because of the diversity of expertise within the College, as well as the interdisciplinary nature and flexibility of the MAPS program, students are able to design a program of study that best facilitates their educational, personal and professional objectives.
The Master of Asia-Pacific Studies is tailored for those seeking:
- vocationally focussed preparation for a career requiring advanced knowledge of the region. Our academic training leads to employment in government, private enterprise, the diplomatic services, education, media, research and analysis, consultancy firms and international agencies
- fluency in one of 10 Asia-Pacific languages. We teach more languages from the region than any other institution in Australia
- pathways to higher degree research. The MAPS program bestows graduates with the requisite comprehension and analytical skills for further research
- enhanced understanding of the world's most dynamic region. The MAPS program is an opportunity to obtain qualifications in a new area of interest, gain valuable professional development or extend on existing skills and expertise.
By studying the MAPS program you will truly know Asia and the Pacific!
Program Structure
As a full time program the MAPS comprises two semesters of study for a total of 48 units or coursework (eight courses worth six units each). There are two intakes per year (commencing February and July).
Many of our students also pursue the program part-time.
In a typical full time study pattern students complete Asia-Pacific Core Studies A PLUS three Advanced Coursework courses in Semester 1. During Semester 2 students undertake Asia-Pacific Core Studies B PLUS another three Advanced Coursework courses.
Typical Course Offerings
Advanced non-language course offered within the MAPS program encompass a wide array of disciplinary fields of study. Course have a focus at either a country specific, sub-regional or trans-regional level. Through the selection of specific courses students can specialise in the context of a particular focus area. Students are also able to mix advanced courses in order to obtain generalist knowledge across all three areas of focus.
Non-language courses offered within the MAPS program cover: Burma, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Northeast Asia, Oceania, South Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as the Asia-Pacific region in its entirety.
In addition to non-language courses the College also offers the widest range of language courses from the region than any other institution in Australia. Our language courses include: Burmese, Cantonese, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Javanese, Korean, Lao, Pacific Pidgins, Sanskrit, Tetum, Thai, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Students are able to focus on language courses or non-language courses or a combination of both in the Advanced Coursework stream within the MAPS program.
A list of graduate courses within the program can be found on study@.
For specific details and outlines of courses offered within the program please refer to the ANU Online Handbook entry.
Entry requirements
Applicants for direct entry to the MAPS should normally hold:
- An Australian Bachelor degree with second class honours (Division A) or equivalent
- A very good four-year bachelor degree; or
- A very good graduate diploma; or
- A very good three-year bachelor degree and substantial relevant work experience demonstrating a capacity for analysis and research in international affairs.
As a guide, 'very good' normally refers to an A/B+ average or a Distinction average.
No prior language knowledge is required for entry into the Master of Asia-Pacific Studies.
NOTE: Advanced language proficiency may be met by undertaking six language courses in the Master of Asia-Pacific Studies as part of the Advanced Coursework stream.
Teaching Modes
Generally courses in the MAPS program are taught on campus during normal semester periods, via lectures and seminars. However in recognising that many of our students balance full-time work with study, our Core Studies courses are taught after business hours. Many of our language and non-language advanced courses are also taught after working hours.
Students also have the option to enhance their learning experience by undertaking some courses through intensive in-country study during summer or winter semesters. In the case of some language courses (Sanskrit and advanced Japanese) online delivery is an option. Some non-language courses are delivered intensively on campus during regular semester periods.
Extension of Qualifications
For students who maintain a distinction average, the MAPS program may be used to provide a substantial basis for entry into the Master of Arts (Asia-Pacific Studies) which prepares students for Higher Degree Research programs, such as a Masters of Philosophy or PhD.
The MAPS program may also be combined with the Master of Diplomacy offered by the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy. For more information about this program and the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy in general please see http://apcd.anu.edu.au/programs/index.html
How to apply
Applications for the Master of Asia-Pacific Studies should be submitted through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for local domestic students. Admission is usually available in the First and Second Semester, Full and Part Time. Interested students should submit their UAC applications in August/September of the year prior to commencing study or in April for commencement in Second Semester. It is important to apply through UAC on time to avoid late fees. International Students may apply directly to the Faculty of Asian Studies or online at: http://students.anu.edu.au/apply_online.asp
‘NB: Applications for studies commencing in Semester 1, 2009 have been extended until February 13th 2009’
Careers
Career paths for the graduates are exciting and varied: government, the diplomatic service, education, research and analysis, consultancies and international aid agencies, business and the media.
In Current and Past Students' Stories and Graduate Highlights students and graduates of the Faculty of Asian Studies reflect on the experience of being a student in the Faculty and write about many interesting opportunities they encountered in their professional career.
For further information on careers, please refer to ANU Careers Centre website.
Scholarships
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported places are available for applicants intending to commence their studies in Semester 1, 2009.
More information about Commonwealth Supported Places can be found here.
FEE-HELP
To assist eligible graduate non-research students to pay their tuition fees the government introduced a loan scheme. This Loan scheme is called FEE-HELP. Australian citizens and some holders of permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance. FEE-HELP can cover all or part of a student’s tuition fees, up to a lifetime limit.
For more information please see www.goingtouni.gov.au
Further information
You might also be interested in the Combined Master Degree Master of Diplomacy/Master of Asia-Pacific Studies.
Please refer to Graduate Programs in Asian Studies for further information about the range of Graduate Programs offered by the Faculty of Asian Studies.