Master of Asian and Pacific Studies

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Asian and Pacific Studies at the Australian National University is a 96-unit postgraduate program that provides advanced, interdisciplinary training in the histories, politics, cultures, languages, and societies of Asia and the Pacific. The degree is structured to build both regional expertise and strong research capability through a combination of compulsory, elective, experiential, and thesis-based study. Students complete 36 units of core courses covering key conceptual tools, research methods, and foundational themes in Asian and Pacific Studies, including politics, human security, development, and inclusive methodologies. A further 18 units are taken from a wide range of Asian Studies courses spanning topics such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian history and politics, language and culture, international relations, law, literature, and social change. Another 18 units are selected from Pacific Studies courses addressing themes such as Pacific diplomacy, economies, geopolitics, development, gender, law, and regional history. Students may also undertake up to 12 units of experiential learning through field schools, internships, or in-country study programs, providing practical regional engagement. A thesis component of up to 24 units allows for advanced independent research on Asian, Pacific, or comparative topics, subject to academic performance prerequisites. Additionally, students may complete up to 24 units of language study across Asian, Pacific, and other world languages. Graduates develop high-level analytical, linguistic, and research skills suited for careers in diplomacy, international development, government, academia, policy, journalism, and regional organisations.