Master of Political Science (Advanced)

The Master of Political Science (Advanced) provides students with the analytical tools they need to answer a range of critical questions about contemporary political affairs ranging from election forecasting to ethnic conflict. The program provides training in political science research methods in addition to courses on the contemporary politics of Australia, Asia, and other major regions of the world. The course will be of interest to those intending to pursue research-oriented careers in government, international organisations, NGOs and private bodies concerned with political affairs, and to those intending further study in the field.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must present one of the following:

The GPA for a Bachelor program will be calculated from (i) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades and/or (ii) a completed Bachelor degree using all grades other than those from the last semester (or equivalent study period) of the Bachelor degree. The higher of the two calculations will be used as the basis for admission.

Further information: Students must have the written agreement of an identified supervisor in order to enrol in THES8103 Thesis in a specified Semester. Students who do not have the written agreement of an identified supervisor once they have completed the coursework for the degree, may be transferred to the Master of Political Science.

Students must achieve a minimum 70% weighted average mark in the first 72 units of courses attempted in order to remain enrolled in the Master of Political Science (Advanced).

If the total number of units attempted exceeds 72 in the same teaching period in which the 72nd unit is attempted, exactly 72 units will be used in the calculation of the weighted average mark with units from the course with the highest mark applied first followed by further units from courses in descending order of marks.

Students who do not have the required minimum average mark, or who do not have the written agreement of an identified supervisor once they have completed the coursework for the degree, may be transferred to the Master of Political Science.

Ranking and English Language Proficiency: At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

In line with the University's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors. Applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of:

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

Further information: English language admission requirements and post-admission support

Career Options

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