Faculty of Asian Studies, Australian National University

Rationale

The Master of Diplomacy degree is a key undertaking of the Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy, which was established by The Australian National University to enhance its offerings to those interested in diplomatic careers, broadly defined.

The Master of Diplomacy has been designed for students who have completed, at distinction average, the coursework requirements for the award of an ANU Master of Asia-Pacific Studies (MAPS) in an area, which an awareness of contemporary diplomacy would be advantageous.

The Master of Asia-Pacific Studies (MAPS) coursework students are trained in a wide range of disciplinary, language and area skills essential for a better understanding of the rapid social, political and economic changes taking place in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Master of Diplomacy / Master of Asia-Pacific Studies is offered only as a combined degree program. The Master of Diplomacy is not available as a single degree.

A student undertaking a combined program is awarded both degrees at a single ceremony, following the successful completion of all the requirements for both degrees.

Degree Outline

The Master of Diplomacy / Master of Asia-Pacific Studies is an eighteen-month coursework program. Total program units (96 units) comprise of Master of Asia-Pacific Studies units (48 units) and Master of Diplomacy units (36 units) plus advanced standing (12 units).

Degree Title

The full title is: Master of Diplomacy / Master of Asia-Pacific Studies. The title is abbreviated as Mdip/MAPS.

Program Availability

The Master of Asia-Pacific Studies component is offered to full-time and part-time students, with two intakes per year.

The Master of Diplomacy component may be offered to to full-time and part-time students, with one intakes per year, commencing in the summer session, and concluding at the end of the following first semester. Please check with the College of Diplomacy for confirmation of enrolemnts.

Degree Entry Requirements

At least second class honours, division A, in an Australian bachelor degree or the equivalent qualification from other countries. The degree should normally be in the social sciences or humanities. In cases where applicants have not undertaken an honours degree, 'equivalence' may be met by:

• 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. Applicants should normally hold an Asian language qualification equivalent to completed study at least to introductory level in one of the language Majors taught by the Faculty of Asian Studies.

Careers

This coursework degree is designed for those seeking vocationally focused academic preparation for a career requiring an advanced understanding of the region. Prospective graduates employed or seeking employment in, for example, their own country's diplomatic service, policy-making positions in public service; education, international business or journalism, research and analysis, consultancies and non-government agencies including international aid agencies, will find this combined degree well suited to their professional needs.

You might also be interested to read a message from the Dean of the Faculty of Asian Studies in which he explains why Asian Studies is important, why study Asian Studies at ANU, and what are Asian Studies graduates' career prospects.

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

Interest-free loans for postgraduate students under the Postgraduate Education Loans Scheme (PELS) are available.

The ANU funds and administers a range of scholarships for Doctor of Philosophy and Master degree research study. Please refer to the Graduate School pages for more information about the scholarships available for graduate study at the ANU and scholarships available for ANU graduate students to study abroad.

For information on Faculty specific scholarships, please refer to scholarships, awards, and prizes offered by the Faculty of Asian Studies.