Arts (International Studies/Politics) Monash or Melbourne?

[weasleyisourking]

Wanting to pursue a career in Int. Relations/Diplomacy. 

I am tossing up between an Arts major in Int. Relations at Monash or a major in Politics and International Studies at Melbourne University. I am also considering Arts/Law at Monash but I doubt I'd get in.

If anyone does these courses or has had experience with an International Relations or Law course/major please make me entire life and tell me what you think of it?

Is it stimulating?
Have any regrets on University choice?
MELBOURNE ARTS STUDENTS: Is it worth it given the breadth requirements?
MONASH ARTS STUDENTS: What made you pick Monash over Melbourne?
 

Even is you are an Arts student of a different major at these universities PLEASE tell me what you think!

[slothpomba]

The breadth thing doesn't really impact on your major. You take the same subjects to major at Monash as you do at Melbourne.

You actually have "empty spots" on your degree to fill with electives, because to major in international relations you might only need a couple subjects in first year and 3 or 4 in 2nd and 3rd year. You take 8 subjects a year normally so you can see the gaps. People would usually fill them with electives anyway. Melbourne is just kind of guiding people to do that i guess.

I know someone doing that at UoM ill see if i can remember to ask them next time.

[weasleyisourking]

The breadth thing doesn't really impact on your major. You take the same subjects to major at Monash as you do at Melbourne.

You actually have "empty spots" on your degree to fill with electives, because to major in international relations you might only need a couple subjects in first year and 3 or 4 in 2nd and 3rd year. You take 8 subjects a year normally so you can see the gaps. People would usually fill them with electives anyway. Melbourne is just kind of guiding people to do that i guess.

I know someone doing that at UoM ill see if i can remember to ask them next time.

Thanks! Yes that would be fantastic if you could ask them I don't actually know anyone who is doing Int. Relations at all!

[LOVEPHYSICS]

Currently doing IR Politics in Melbourne. I may transfer to ANU for Arts/Law next year but that's not because I dislike the course. I actually don't mind the breath requirements for Melbourne because initially, I was actually tossing up between Commerce and Arts in Melbourne. I am an avid reader of anything to do with finance, particularly in areas of investing and stockbroking so I guess the breadth provides me with an opportunity to further that area of  interest. I did end up choosing Arts because I think it complements the specific interests I have in law very well (international and constitutional law more so), law being one of the few career options that I can see myself in the future.

IR Politics from my experience so far is enjoyable. You do get a lot of guest lecturers, specializing in different time periods/countries in the international arena, thus changing things up so its more interesting. The lecturers and staff is also helpful, and a really nice bunch to be honest. I think its safe to say that from those I have spoken to, most find it to be a really fun course. I think its a good choice. Good luck to you wherever you go!

[weasleyisourking]

Currently doing IR Politics in Melbourne. I may transfer to ANU for Arts/Law next year but that's not because I dislike the course. I actually don't mind the breath requirements for Melbourne because initially, I was actually tossing up between Commerce and Arts in Melbourne. I am an avid reader of anything to do with finance, particularly in areas of investing and stockbroking so I guess the breadth provides me with an opportunity to further that area of  interest. I did end up choosing Arts because I think it complements the specific interests I have in law very well (international and constitutional law more so), law being one of the few career options that I can see myself in the future.

IR Politics from my experience so far is enjoyable. You do get a lot of guest lecturers, specializing in different time periods/countries in the international arena, thus changing things up so its more interesting. The lecturers and staff is also helpful, and a really nice bunch to be honest. I think its safe to say that from those I have spoken to, most find it to be a really fun course. I think its a good choice. Good luck to you wherever you go!

I have heard that it is really, really hard to transfer from one institution to another - have you found it difficult trying to get into ANU/Monash from Melbourne? Is it as impossible as everyone says it is?

[LOVEPHYSICS]

Well I rang up ANU and they told me to get a 70 above average (distinction) in first year Arts at Melbourne, possibly higher if I didn't meet the cut off ATAR for2011 Arts/Law. Last year cut off for ANU Arts/Law was 96, I could've gone last year, but I guess I was just not ready. Demand in Monash law is huge, so yeah its almost impossible to make an external transfer given that Melbourne no longer offers undergrad law. ANU is different because its interstate I guess.