Theme
This theme is aimed at providing skills useful in the public sector (e.g., government agencies and research institutions). Initial iterations of the MSc programme focused exclusively on diplomacy, drawing on the strengths and networks of the faculty who work on comparative political and international relations. Since then, we have broadened the scope of the programme and expanded the diplomacy component to governance to reflect the strong departmental networks in this field.
This theme will target primarily early-career individuals aiming to advance in their careers. Students will be able to take advanced courses on methodology to increase their technical competencies to process data, read statistics, and conduct scientifically-sound research to enhance their practice. They will also be able to take courses on topics relevant to their work to deepen their knowledge of the region and political relations.
Lastly, interactions with course mates, and diplomatic and government officials, from across the region will also help them to deepen their networks.
Global Perspectives - Learn about different regions and cultures of the world and the political challenges they face by studying under leaders in the field.
Practical Solutions - Discuss case studies and speak with leaders from different contexts to explore how complex political problems are solved.
Group Problem Solving - Work in groups with an external organization, and under the supervision, to propose solutions to real-world problems.
Expanding Networks - Make new connections through the taskforce project, meet political leaders from different countries, engage alumni and encourage them to return to campus for lifelong learning.
Government and Policy Making - Gain a deeper understanding of complex political problems to create more effective policies
International Organizations - Develop a stronger foundation in international institutions and how they relate to government organizations
Multinational Corporations - Learn how to more effectively navigate government bureaucracy and sensitively navigate business/government relations
Media and Journalism - Produce in-depth yet nuanced stories based on a richer understanding of the topics written about
Academic and Research Institutions - Conduct technically advanced studies on topics and be exposed to cutting edge research in the field
The proposed programme leading to the MSc requires students to complete 10 courses (or 40 units).
- Three required courses (4-units each) (i.e. 2 taskforce courses and a methods course)
- Seven elective courses (4-units each) from the two specialization themes. Four of the seven electives must be from one theme.
The two taskforce courses and the research methods course will ensure that each student meets with their group, supervisor, and external organization throughout the two semesters of the programme. The methods course ensures students take a technical course that provides them with the technical skills to read, analyze, and produce high-level research.
Core/Essential Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PS5101 | Research Design and Methods | 4 |
| PS5102 | Taskforce | 4 |
| PS5103 | Taskforce 2 | 4 |
Specialisation Electives
Students must obtain a pass for at least four of the following courses:
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PS4218 | European Foreign Policy | 4 |
| PS4231 | Social Theory and International Relations | 4 |
| PS5211 | Non-State Actors in Global Governance | 4 |
| PS5212 | Global Relations in the 21st Century | 4 |
| PS5214 | China's External Relations | 4 |
| PS5215 | Politics and Governance in the Field | 4 |
| PS5216 | Society, Politics, and Change | 4 |
| PS5217 | Small States in Peace and War | 4 |
| PS5316 | Seminar in Public Administration | 4 |
| GL4880A | Globalization, Culture, and Identity | 4 |
| SNG5102 | Introduction to the Geopolitics of South Asia | 4 |
Non-Specialisation Electives
Students can choose from and obtain a pass for up to three of the following non-specialisation courses below:
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PS4226 | Emerging Markets and Economic Governance | 4 |
| PS5312 | Seminar in Comparative Politics | 4 |
| PS5314 | Seminar in International Relations | 4 |
| PS5411 | The Geopolitics of Regional Integration | 4 |
| PS5412 | Security Studies | 4 |
| PS5413 | Community Responses to Disaster and Climate Crisis | 4 |
| PS5414 | Corporate Governance and Corruption | 4 |
| PS5415 | Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies | 4 |
| PS5416 | Global Inequality | 4 |
| ACE5410 | Cultural Diplomacy and Intelligence | 4 |
| GL4882B | Contested Globalization: Resistance & Resilience | 4 |