Master of International Communication with the degree of Master of International Relations
ICIR18MTV1
• GPA of 4.50 (out of 7.00)
| Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above | 80 |
| Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below |
In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.
Specific minimum requirements:
Credit points
800 level
TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM
| AQF Level | Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code | 083795F |
| Overview and Aims of the Program | The double degree Master of International Communication with the Master of International Relations provides you with an opportunity of completing two internationally-focused degrees within a reduced period of candidature (2.5 years). The International Relations component is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the political, social, economic and legal components and processes of the international system. There is an emphasis on understanding how these components and institutions operate in specific regions of the world. The International Communication component explains the flow of information and ideas around the world. A range of theories, concepts and methods are used to examine and critically analyse how communication flows intersect with general socio-cultural, political and economic processes of nations, groups and global entities. |
| Graduate Capabilities | The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to: Knowledge and Understanding A1 Engage critically with major thinkers, debates, communication research methodologies and intellectual paradigms to gain an advanced body of knowledge in the field of International Communication. K T J A2 Examine relationships between communication processes, media, community participation and development in various socio-cultural, geo-political, economic and environmental contexts. K T C A3 Employ a range of theories, concepts and methods to analyse how communication flows intersect with general socio-cultural, political and economic processes of between nations, groups and trans-boundary entities. K T J A4 Discriminate between competing theories that seek to explain current and historical conflicts in the international arena and selectively apply those theories to stated cases. KT A5 Explain how ideational, cultural and personal factors interact to influence perception and understanding in world affairs. CEJ A6 Analyse critically the balance of causality as between actors, institutions and ideas in explaining national and supra-national linkages in disputes and dispute resolution in international affairs. TPJ Skills and Capabilities B1 Apply research and communication skills to produce professional outputs such as research projects, creative productions, and presentations, involving sustained independent inquiry, to address complex global problems. P T C B2 Plan, collaborate and interact in a cross-cultural environment and demonstrate an awareness of students' own cultural identity and intercultural empathy. T C E B3 Relate conceptual, technical and industry skills to self-directed projects that are tailored to a particular audience. K C J E B3 Outline critically the institutional growth of international and global society, showing a detailed knowledge of selected aspects of institutional change. KT B4 Integrate political, legal, social and economic reasoning to the extent possible in explaining cases of conflict in the international arena. KTJ B5 Execute research strategies designed to answer important questions in world affairs in a self-directed way, applying key concepts, theories and methodologies in international relations and, as appropriate, cognate disciplines. KPE B6 Explicate current and historical conflicts in the international arena using written, oral and digital means at levels appropriate to different audiences or stakeholders. KCJ B7 Research, develop and communicate policy recommendations and policy briefs on stated issues that are well argued, accurate and capable of implementation. TCJP B8 Contextualise and communicate to others the analyst’s perspective on international affairs, including one’s own. CEJ |
| Learning and Teaching Methods | The program uses a range of learning and teaching methods to enable students to achieve the program level outcomes. Unit learning outcomes are constructively aligned with the program outcomes and graduate capabilities. Teaching and learning methods used in the International Communication major include: 1. Lectures: Lectures are delivered in face-to-face format and are also available via the Echo 360 recording system. Some units may involve pre-recorded lectures. Lectures are delivered in an array of formats to ensure students have access to lecture materials at any point during the semester. 2. Tutorials: Tutorials provide an opportunity for students to critically engage with selected topics. Tutorials provide forums for asking questions and resolving uncertainties about set materials and topics. They are also spaces whereby knowledge is generated through tutor- assisted and peer-led discussions. In addition, tutorials provide opportunities to put generated knowledge into practice through activities such as discussion, debate, group tasks and presentations. Knowledge generated in tutorials also underpins assessment structures and tasks. 3. Workshops: The program utilises workshops in which students develop disciplinary knowledge, professional writing, production, and research skills. 4. Teaching materials: The program uses a range of teaching materials to support and direct student learning including: a. Lectures b. Paper-based and electronic readings c. Audiovisual material d. Handouts/worksheets e. Industry speakers f. Student conference 5. Program structure: The program offers units at 800 level which develop sophisticated analytical and professional skills in addition to providing advanced knowledge of professional practice. Students who have an undergraduate degree from a similar area of study are able to complete their course of study in 18 months. The program is made up of 48 credit points or 12 units including 1 capstone unit with an internship component, and appropriate research unit(s) incorporating methodologies, ethics and a major research project. Students are able to choose from a set of option units from other disciplines. Students graduate with an impressive skill set and knowledge that embeds critical reflection and professional judgement. The global communications landscape is ever changing and to work within it mandates a commitment to life-long learning. Students collaborate and interact in a cross-cultural environment which promotes intercultural competence and an awareness of students' own cultural identity. Students become reflective professionals who critically evaluate their own practices and experiences as reflected in the capstone unit. |
| Assessment | The program is a theory-based and requires a complex understanding and sophisticated application of concepts governing global communication and international relations in different areas. The assessment schema comprises the following: 1. Research essays: Essays range from 500 words to 3500 words. Essays are used to assess a range of outcomes from demonstrating comprehension of particular issues to application of concepts to real world contexts. They test students’ ability to engage with major theories, debates, communication research methodologies and intellectual paradigms, and to synthesize information from multiple sources to critically analyze global issues. 2. Participation: Students are assessed on their meaningful contributions to a culture of learning. Participation is assessed through sustained critical engagements involving discussions, debates, tasks through learning and teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, workshops and online tasks. 3. Projects: Students produce professional outputs such as research projects, websites and creative productions involving sustained independent inquiry, to address complex global problems. These include: a. Interviewing for collection of research data b. Ethnographic studies c. Designing campaigns d. Drafting strategy documents e. Writing research project proposals and reports f. Conducting quantitative and qualitative research 4. Presentations: Students engage in presentations on a range of issues relating to the units to allow them to demonstrate their understanding of core concepts and issues, apply these to specific case studies, make critical arguments, and generate peer discussion and feedback. Group presentations help develop interpersonal skills and promote team work. 5. Other: Learning and teaching innovation is a strong feature of the program and alternative assessment methods are frequently trialled. 6. The program uses a mixture of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments progressively monitor the generation of knowledge and summative assessments give the students opportunities to synthesize and apply that knowledge to a range of issues. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. Domestic Students International Students |
| Support for Learning | Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus. |
| Program Standards and Quality | The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability | A postgraduate degree in International Communication combined with International Relations prepares graduates to work in cross cultural environments where many multinational organisations operate. An internationally focused curriculum provides an understanding of diverse cultures and people and their interaction with the global media industry, as well as an understanding of the political, social, economic and legal components and processes of the international system. The program will prepare students for career advancement in public policy, diplomacy, international organisations, international NGOs and multinational corporations, media management and international journalism. Postgraduates who have completed the program work in various parts of the world in the following areas: Global media industry Public relations industry International Development Non government sector Public Affairs Academia Marketing Project management Diplomatic service Local government institutions |
| Assessment Regulations | This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation | This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification. |
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.
Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:
Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.
Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements