International Relations
Coursework
The Master of International Relations is offered within the Department of Government and International Relations.
The Master of International Relations is designed to provide students with an intellectually rigorous Masters program embedded within the academic discipline of international relations, but which will also allow students to select areas of specialism. Students enrolled in the Masters will also be able to draw on electives in language and from cognate social science and humanities areas (including Asian studies, history, philosophy, law, economics, political economy and sociology). The Master of International Relations is designed to provide a pathway to professional employment in a wide array of professions, including international business, consulting, government, international organisations, and journalism. It also provides an opportunity for professionals in these sectors to gain advanced training to support career advancement. The degree also includes research options that provide a pathway to the PhD program in international relations.
Contact
See also: International Studies, International Security and Public Policy
Awards and Requirements
Please refer to the degree resolutions in this Handbook for information on the specific admission requirements for different coursework award courses.
Graduate Certificate in International Relations
Candidates for the Graduate Certificate in International Relations are required to complete 24 credit points, including:
- minimum of 12 credit points of core units of study
- maximum of 12 credit points of core elective units of study
Graduate Diploma in International Relations
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in International Relations are required to complete 48 credit points, including:
- minimum of 12 credit points of core units of study
- minimum of 24 credit points of core elective units of study
- maximum of 12 credit points of elective units of study
Master of International Relations
Candidates for the Master of International Relations with no prior learning in the subject area are required to complete 96 credit points in accordance with the resolutions of the degree.
Candidates who have completed previous study in a relevant discipline may be eligible for a reduction in the requirements in accordance with the table below.
| Level of prior learning | Full-time duration | Credit points to complete | Requirements for completion of degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| No background | 2 years | 96 |
- a minimum of 30 credit points of core units A minor may be included as per the unit of study table |
| AQF Level 7 eg. a bachelor's degree in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law | 1.5 years | 72 |
- a minimum of 18 credit points of core units A minor may be included as per the unit of study table |
| Relevant professional experience equivalent to a Graduate Certificate | 1.5 years | 72 |
- a minimum of 18 credit points of core units A minor may be included as per the unit of study table |
| AQF Level 8 eg. Honours in the Humanities, Social Sciences or Law | 1 year | 48 | - a minimum of 12 credit points of core units - a minimum of 18 credit points of core elective units - a maximum of 12 credit points of capstone units - a minimum of 6 credit points of capstone units |
All candidates for the Master of International Relations are required to complete a capstone designed to build independent research capacity. Students complete either of the following two capstone options:
- a semester-long research project by enrolling in GOVT6127 Research Project
- a year-long dissertation project, including GOVT6139 Research Design, GOVT6940 Dissertation Part I and GOVT6941 Dissertation Part II. Completing this dissertation would prepare students to enroll in a PhD in International Relations. This path is generally suitable for students completing 72 or 96 credit points.
Research
There are currently no research degrees offered in International Relations, but potential applicants are referred to the Government and International Relations section of the Postgraduate Handbook.