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Frequently Asked Questions: Master of Diplomacy

What are the entry requirements?

For admission to the Master of Diplomacy Combined Degree Option, students must satisfy the entry requirements for the Field of Study Master Degree whose coursework comprises the first part of the combination. For example, if you choose to study the Master of Diplomacy/Master of International Law, you will need to satisfy the entry requirements for the Master of International Law.

Additionally, to proceed to the Master of Diplomacy, you must achieve a Distinction average (or 70 percent) in your Field of Study Master Degree.

Can I do the Master of Diplomacy without the Field of Study Master Degree?

No. The combined degree model has been designed to ensure students gain in-depth knowledge in a key specialised area – such as international law, development studies or strategy – and therefore have an appropriate background from which to approach the diplomacy coursework. Without this specialisation, students are limited in their ability to place the diplomacy coursework in a proper context and with the analytical depth which is required for post-graduate level studies.

Can I transfer directly into the Master of Diplomacy with a Master Degree from another university?

The Field of Study Master Degrees which makes up the combination options have all been carefully selected as featuring suitable relevant coursework which can be further enhanced by the Master of Diplomacy qualification.

Only the Master Degree Combined Options previously outlined on this website will be accepted. No other Master Degrees - either from The Australian National University or any other education institution - will be accepted as substitutes for the stipulated Field of Study Master Degrees.

Do I have the correct background for a Master of Diplomacy?

The areas of specialisation allow flexibility for the different interests and different academic backgrounds of students. They also allow for the various requirements of potential organisational sponsors. For example, mid-career treasury officials will have very different capacities and interests to a recent graduate with international volunteer experience.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

The English language requirements are those as required for your Field of Study Master Degree. For example, if you choose to study the Master of Diplomacy/Master of International Affairs, you will need to satisfy the English language requirements for the Master of International Affairs.

Additionally, as some nationalities have additional English language requirements for student visa purposes, you should check for any further English language requirements with the Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country.

Should I do a Field of Study Master Degree with a research thesis or not? What is the difference?

Students undertaking the Program with the intention of continuing to PhD studies or remaining in academia should consider a Field of Study Master Degree with a research thesis component. Those students interested in entering the workforce or returning to professional employment will probably find the coursework Field of Study Master Degree sufficient for their purposes.

Which Field of Study Master Degree has a research thesis component? When is this undertaken?

Both the Master of Arts (International Relations) and the Master of Arts (Strategic Studies) have a research thesis component. Your research thesis is usually undertaken after completion of the coursework of your Field of Study Master Degree and the Master of Diplomacy component.

Is the Master of Diplomacy Combined Degree Program available in a part-time format?

Part-time study is possible for some of the Field of Study Master Degrees. You will need to check the availability of part-time studies for the particular Field of Study Master Degree you have chosen. The Master of Diplomacy component is not available part-time, although it should be noted that summer semester requires only 4 contact hours per week, while Semester 1 requires a full-time student work-load.

International students should note that full-time enrolment is required to obtain a student visa.

Does the Master of Diplomacy Combined Degree Program have a mid-year intake?

A number of the Field of Study Master Degrees have a mid-year intake and you could therefore enter the Combined Degree Program at this time. However, you should note that the Master of Diplomacy component is only offered once per year and a lag-time may therefore exist for students entering mid-year, between completion of your Field of Study Master Degree and beginning your Master of Diplomacy.

Can I participate in other activities of the College while I am completing my Master of Diplomacy?

Students are encouraged to participate in all activities of the College from the commencement of their combined degree; that is, from when they begin their Field of Study Master Degree. These activities include the College’s seminar series, annual Transnational Policy Forum activities and social events. It is anticipated that this will give students the opportunity to interact with diplomatic practitioners and learn through first-hand experience,

What type of career can I expect after completing the Master of Diplomacy Combined Degree Program?

It is expected that graduates will be employed by a wide variety of organisations, including government departments, multilateral bodies such as the UN, non-government organisations, education and training institutions, and corporations with an international orientation.

Your specific opportunities will vary according to your area of specialisation and background. For example, a student completing a Master of Diplomacy/Master of Strategic Affairs may be interested in pursuing opportunities with their home government’s defence department or with a peace-building NGO. On the other hand, students completing a Master of Diplomacy/Master of International and Development Economics, and with prior diplomatic experience in an Embassy, may be seeking advancement within their department or perhaps senior management employment with a corporation with an international orientation.

Does the College have any scholarships?

A number of organizations offer scholarships which can be used for this program. More information is available on ANU Graduate Scholarship Database.