Program Overview

Master in International Affairs - MIA

The Master in International Affairs (MIA) programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of issues, theories, and debates in International Affairs. The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical awareness necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing global environment.

Overview

The MIA programme is a two-year, full-time programme that requires students to complete 64 units of coursework, including 5 core courses, 5 elective courses in a chosen specialisation, 3 elective courses, 1 restricted elective, and an MIA Senior Essay. Students may opt to graduate without a specialisation.

Curriculum

The MIA curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of International Affairs, including:

• International Relations: Theory and Practice
• Research Methods in International Affairs
• Global Politics and the Economy
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations of Asia

Students may choose from a range of specialisations, including:

• International Institutions and Global Governance
• International Security
• International Economics and Development
• Regional Studies: The Asia Pacific
• International Public Management and Leadership
• Environment and Sustainability

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, MIA students must complete 64 units of coursework, achieve a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0, and complete the MIA Senior Essay. Students must also complete PP5050 Professional Development as a mandatory graduation requirement.

Typical MIA Academic Calendar

The typical MIA academic calendar consists of two years, with four semesters:

• Semester 1 (August - December): Core courses and elective courses
• Semester 2 (January - May): Core courses and elective courses
• Semester 3 (August - December): MIA Senior Essay and elective courses
• Semester 4 (January - May): MIA Senior Essay and elective courses

What You Gain from the MIA Programme

The MIA programme provides students with:

• A keen working knowledge and deep understanding of issues, theories, and debates in International Affairs
• Critical awareness of the strengths and limitations of each International Affairs subfield
• Ability to apply key theories and analytical tools to devise solutions for complex problems
• Cross-cultural and decision-making skills to make practical judgements
• Confidence to provoke and effect positive transformations in the world

Continuation and Termination

A minimum GPA of 2.5 for two consecutive semesters or 3.0 for three consecutive semesters is required. Students who fail to maintain the minimum GPA may have their candidature terminated.

Internship and Career Preparation

The MIA programme provides students with career preparation and internship opportunities, including:

• Career coaching and career clinics
• Access to career resources and alumni networks
• Internship opportunities with organisations such as the Asian Development Bank, China-Italy Chamber of Commerce, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)

What Can You Do with an MIA Degree?

MIA alumni have gone on to pursue meaningful careers in a variety of roles and industries across Asia, including:

• Assistant Director, ASEAN, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA)
• Investment Consultant, Huafa Group, China
• Intelligence gathering and strategising for the Government of India

FAQs

The MIA programme has a range of frequently asked questions, including information on admission criteria, tuition fees, and research areas.

Research Areas

The MIA programme is supported by a range of research centres and institutes, including:

• Asia Competitiveness Institute
• Centre on Asia and Globalisation
• Institute of Policy Studies
• Institute for Environment and Sustainability

These research centres and institutes provide students with access to cutting-edge research and expertise in International Affairs.