Faculty of Arts and Education
Deakin University
"I could have gotten my Masters Degree in the USA, but I decided to study overseas to experience different ideas and people. It was one of the best decisions I've made. The IR classes at Deakin are truly a global affair.
The best thing was my experience allowed me to not only learn in the classroom but the field as well. I have spent my last semester as an intern in Zagreb, Croatia, focusing on the issue of human trafficking. Attending conferences and observing the day-to-day working of a NGO as part of my coursework has proved to be an invaluable experience."
"When I found out about the specialisation that Deakin University offered as part of its IR masters I knew that I had found what I was looking for. I am passionate about the defense of human rights and I did not hesitate for a moment to apply to Deakin to do my Masters in IR. It is not only a personally enriching experience but also a definite push for my career.
Undertaking coursework, an internship and a thesis have been the perfect balance in this intense learning experience. I researched the UN intervention in Congo... I also did an internship within the Red Cross, which is gave me the work experience with an organisation that I’d like to work for in the future."
"Being a journalist and having worked in State and Federal politics, I really wanted toexpand my career and work with a NGO abroad, but I knew I needed further study. The flexibility of Deakin's MA(IR) suits anybody looking for a change in their career or who just wants to know more about all sides of politics and human rights. Best of all, Deakin Studies Online allows you access to as much information as students studying on campus, as well as inspiring lively debate on various topics with fellow students who are studying from all different parts of the globe.
The tutors and supervisors in International Relations were incredibly supportive and the opportunity to learn extensively about human rights and international law is limited only by one's motivation. The world is growing smaller by the day, and learning about political, social and gender problems across the world is very relevant. As Einstein said: 'The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm, but because of those who look at it without doing anything.'"
In April 2007, Sofia will take a Publications/Public Information Officer role with the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) in Beirut, Lebanon.
"I’ve helped International Red Cross respond to disasters round the world; most recently in Pakistan and Aceh. I chose the course at Deakin because it allowed me to specialise in International Law and Human Rights. My job demands a lot of me and it’s only possible to study one module per semester.
Course tutors at Deakin understand my work pressures and are flexible, as well as accommodating. It’s a great course and one I’d recommend. It’s really helped me to perform better at my job."
Ian has just now taken up a new job as Advocacy & Campaigns Media Liaison Coordinator with Oxfam Australia.
The subjects offered as part of the Master of International and Community Development Program are relevant to projects that I have undertaken in both Australia and overseas. As a Volunteer Project Officer for an NGO, I found the Gender and Development, Gender Analysis and Human Rights in the International System subjects to be useful in my research and report writing on key issues affecting Queensland women in the areas of violence and education.
Having graduated from the Masters Program I have been able to secure a social planning position in Samoa with the AUSAID Youth Ambassador Program in 2006.
"International Relations, particularly the Gender, War and Peace course, gave me a theoretical understanding of international issues and it’s also made me confident to put my knowledge into practice here in Bangladesh.
Deakin IR is unique in that whilst it’s academic, each assignment was about real life issues, similar to ones I’m now working on in the field. I felt that we were encouraged to think beyond books and theories – and this now enables me to stay positive and believe I can make small changes… "
"I’ve been a journalist all my working life … the study of International Relations provides a theoretical and historical context to real-world issues.
I started a PhD, extramurally, via the University of Leicester, looking at the executive power under the Bush Presidency. Doing postgraduate degrees with a specific career goal in mind is certainly worthy, but it’s the learning in itself that is the real reward. This stuff reaches parts of the brain that regular work and life just can't get to…"
