MC283 - Master of Global Studies

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Plan: MC283 - Master of Global Studies
Campus: City Campus

Overview

Program details
Purpose of the Program
Articulation and pathways
Entrance requirements
External accreditation and industry links
Student expenses and charges in addition to fees
Library, IT and specialist resources

Program details

Award title: Master of Global Studies
Award abbreviation: MGlobSt
Total credit points: 192
Career: PGRD
Duration: 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Location: RMIT University, City Campus
Owning school: Global, Urban and Social Studies (365H)
Owning school URL: www.rmit.edu.au/about/schools-colleges/global-urban-and-social-studies
ASCED code: 090399
CRICOS code: 107042A

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Purpose of the Program

The Master of Global Studies prepares you to engage with a wide range of contemporary global challenges by combining theoretical inquiry with a focus on advanced professional capabilities. You will develop analytical and management skills that will enable you to work with a wide range of governments, international organisations, businesses and non-government organisations in roles such as policy and planning manager, intelligence and policy analyst, risk analyst, regulatory affairs specialist, or program and project manager.  

Upon completion of the program you will be able to interpret issues, confidently lead others, and provide informed insights into future directions of policy and practice on a variety of levels in public and private spheres. The program is future-oriented, teaching core skills appropriate to the development, adaptation and use of new approaches and technologies, broadly defined, to respond to the needs of specific communities and organizations, and more broadly to make progress in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

Core first-year courses provide a conceptual foundation in key features of the contemporary global system, focusing on governance, development, security, and sustainability. You will have the option to complete one or two minors which will allow you to deepen your knowledge and professional expertise in the following areas: 

Development – You will build professional capabilities essential to designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating international development projects, which help communities, cities and countries adapt to complex and changing environments. This minor draws on RMIT’s extensive and longstanding linkages with development organisations in Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. 

Urban Sustainability – An analytical and critical approach to problem-solving will prepare you to develop appropriate technological and community-based responses to issues such as infrastructure development, informal settlements, environmental degradation, and the rural-urban interface. This minor equips you with knowledge and skills required for policy development, planning and program management roles with national and local governments, international development agencies, commercial consultancies, and non-government organisations. 

Security – You will develop detailed knowledge of key contemporary security challenges and the tools to be able to assess risk and propose effective responses to a range of threats. Compared with traditional international relations programs that focus on the role of nation states in international affairs, this minor prepares you to engage with threats to the security of individuals, communities, organisations, and states through an interdisciplinary approach that considers the impact of technology, social change, political conflict, transnational crime, and environmental change. 

Crisis Management and Disaster Response – You will acquire an understanding of the ways in which organisations prepare for and respond to major humanitarian crises, such as conflicts, natural disasters, and pandemics. You will develop skills in risk assessment, preparedness planning, project management, and reconstruction that will prepare you for roles in governments, international organisations, and humanitarian agencies. 

A broad interdisciplinary set of optional courses drawn from across the university allows you the flexibility to develop your knowledge and technical skills in ways that suit your interests and career aspirations. You can choose from a curated set of courses that deal with international and intercultural professional practices,  including media and communications, engineering, architecture, public policy, leadership and management, economics, project management, criminology, and languages.  

The capstone research project (HUSO2346 Global Studies Research) enables you to synthesize and integrate your knowledge, connect theory and practice, and demonstrate your holistic achievement of the program learning outcomes. This individually negotiated project provides you with the research skill base for engagement in further learning in a research degree, or in life-long learning pursuits, allowing you to confidently contribute to an industry that is constantly evolving. You will have the opportunity to undertake capstone research projects aligned with the work of RMIT’s research centres, including the Centre for Urban Research, the Centre for Social and Global Studies, the Australian APEC Study Centre, the Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation, the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre, and the Centre for International Development.

The delivery of this program is blended comprising of face-to-face learning supplemented by online learning.

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Articulation and pathways

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in international studies, international relations, politics/political science, sociology, urban planning, geography, social work, international development, security studies, history, or anthropology you will be eligible for exemption: 

Qualification Level Exemptions Remaining Program Duration
Bachelor Degree Up to 48  credit points (equivalent  to one semester full-time study) Minimum  144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full-time study)
Bachelor Honours Degree Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full-time study) Minimum 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full-time study)
Graduate Certificate Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full-time study) Minimum 144 credit  points (equivalent to three semesters full-time study)
Graduate Diploma Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full-time study) Minimum 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters  full-time study)

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or master's degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for exemption of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full-time study). 

If you have already developed areas of skill and knowledge included in this program (for example, through prior studies or work experience), you can apply for credit once you have enrolled in this program.

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Entrance requirements

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), OR at least 5 years of relevant professional experience in international development, urban or disaster management, or related policy fields.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement that demonstrates your academic foundation for master's study. This may include details on how your professional experiences relates to the program, demonstration of critical thinking in personal and/or professional practice, and communication and problem-solving skills. 

English language requirement

A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.

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External accreditation and industry links

This program brings industry practitioners into the classroom, as well as engaging with the sector to facilitate field learning opportunities and research collaboration.

The program has strong industry links which take on a variety of forms, including guest lectures, course advice, internships, and delivery of whole courses. Strong connections exist with a range of agencies and organizations including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Red Cross, Care Australia, Oxfam, World Vision, RedR, and Australian Volunteers International. 

There is regular consultation with an Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) that consists of high profile industry representatives. Part of the IAC’s brief is to ensure that the program's links with industry standards and practice remain current.

In Australia, there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit Global Studies.

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Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees.  Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

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Library, IT and specialist resources

Library resources and services

RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study spaces. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases.    

One-on-one study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, referencing, maths and study skills. To contact Library staff for help, phone, email or chat via the Ask the Library service. Find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library. 

Online learning tools and content
You can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT: www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit

Services available to you as a student at RMIT University
RMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.
Services are available face to face and online assisting with:

  • transition to tertiary study and learning
  • study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant
  • enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning
  • career development and employment
  • living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters)
  • opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad
  • opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance

We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. You can find more information at https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

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