Postgraduate

Master of International Relations

Gain the skills and knowledge you need to tackle international issues.
1.5-2
Years Full Time
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

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Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

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Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

This course prepares you for careers in businesses and government departments with international linkages, agencies involved in regional or global governance and international non-governmental organisations. Expertise in international relations complements qualifications in a range of professional areas and is applicable to a variety of employment options.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Diplomat
  • Policy Analyst
  • International Policy Adviser
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Career Pathways

This course prepares you for careers in businesses and government departments with international linkages, agencies involved in regional or global governance and international non-governmental organisations. Expertise in international relations complements qualifications in a range of professional areas and is applicable to a variety of employment options.

Potential career opportunities include:

  • Diplomat
  • Policy Analyst
  • International Policy Adviser

Further Study

If you complete a dissertation as part of this course, you may choose to progress to a PhD. You may also wish to complete another postgraduate course, such as the Master of Business Administration.
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Further Study

If you complete a dissertation as part of this course, you may choose to progress to a PhD. You may also wish to complete another postgraduate course, such as the Master of Business Administration.

Graduate opportunities

Our graduates have found employment at the following organisations: 

  • Perth US Asia Centre
  • UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network 
  • ACFID Research for Development Impact Network 
  • Australian Institute for International Affairs + Young Professionals Network 
  • United Nations Association of Australia
  • UWA Public Policy Institute 
  • UWA Centre for Muslim States and Societies 
  • UWA Africa Research and Engagement Centre
  • UWA Confucius Institute 








 

Graduate opportunities

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

Fee calculator

Domestic Student Fees for Full-Fee Paying Places

If you're not eligible for a Commonwealth-supported places, you will be charged a for Full-Fee Paying place. For Full-Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load.

Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course. Visit the Fee Calculator and select your course type to find out more. Fees are subject to annual indexation. More information on how fees are calculated.

Domestic Student Fees for Full-Fee Paying Places

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

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Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) successfully completed prior study in a field relevant to International Relations; or
(2) completed a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations at UWA.
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Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) successfully completed prior study in a field relevant to International Relations; or
(2) completed a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations at UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
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Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

How to apply

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Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

This professionally oriented course offers you the opportunity to gain deep expertise in international relations, with particular focus on our dynamic Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. It prepares you for a rewarding career in foreign affairs and diplomacy, government, international and non-governmental organisations, the media and education. 

DollarThis course is subsidised for Australian residents through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Visit our fee calculator for CSP rates and an estimate on your course fees.

About the course

A professionally oriented course for graduates and practitioners seeking expertise in international relations.
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About the course

The Master of International Relations is a professionally oriented postgraduate course studied over three or four semesters (full-time equivalent). It offers you the opportunity to gain deep expertise in international relations, with a particular focus on our dynamic Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

The course provides you with knowledge, skills and networks to prepare you for a rewarding career in foreign affairs and diplomacy, government, international and non-governmental organisations, the media and education. The program is structured by a core component, where you will gain knowledge of the major sub-fields including International Relations Theory and Practice, International Security, International Political Economy, the Evolution of International Society, and Governance in the International System.

Elective units include a focus on important cross-cutting themes such as human rights, democracy, religion and non-governmental organisations, as well as on key global regions and powers. Our capstone unit options put you in the shoes of policymakers and diplomats responding to international crises and enable you to ‘practice international relations while studying International Relations’ through collaborative study with students, academics and diplomats from our Indian Ocean regional partners.

The course offers a credited internship unit which can be undertaken with local, national and international organisations, such as government departments, embassies, think tanks, NGOs or regional institutions. High achieving students can undertake research design training and produce a supervised research dissertation on a topic of their choice.

Students can also engage directly with our UWA and affiliated research and policy centres, including the Public Policy Institute, the Centre for Muslim States and Societies, the Africa Research & Engagement Centre, the Korea Research Centre, the Australia India Institute, the Australia Indonesia Institute, the Perth USAsia Centre and the Australian Institute of International Affairs, as well as our international networks including the Worldwide Universities Network.

Master of International Relations

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 8-10 hours plus own study time
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 11580
CRICOS code
  • 069311D
View full details
Master of International Relations

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 8-10 hours plus own study time
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 11580
CRICOS code
  • 069311D
Full time/part time duration
  • 2 years or 1.5 years with a relevant undergraduate degree as assessed by Faculty
Degrees course is available in
  • Master of International Relations
Study Abroad

Taking you global

Taking you global text

Taking you global

Travel and experience life in another country with the UWA Student Exchange Program. We offer more than 130 student exchange partner universities across 30 countries.

Find out more

Changing the world through international relations

Interested in leading diplomatic negotiations, developing foreign policy or tackling global crises? Find out more in Changing the world through international relations.

Changing the world through international relations

Apply learning in real‑world contexts

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

  • COMM3002 Media Production Project: Students undertake supervised, collaborative, studio-based work, creating a project to be delivered at a public showcase and ultimately become part of their portfolio
  • COMM3003: Designing Interactive Media: Students are tasked to design a play experience, generally a board game, to a professional standard
  • Students are strongly encouraged to take WILG2201 – which encompasses a professional placement in a workplace for university credit

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

Apply learning in real‑world contexts

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Course structure details

Course structure details

Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 6 pts from Group A, 36 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C.
Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 0 pts from Group A, 42 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C.
Coursework only: take 24 remaining pts from across groups B, C, and D. Coursework
Option - Group A
Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 6 pts from Group A, 36 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 0 pts from Group A, 42 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Coursework only: take 24 remaining pts from across groups B, C, and D. Coursework & dissertation: take 24 remaining pts from Group E.
Option - Group B
Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 6 pts from Group A, 36 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 0 pts from Group A, 42 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Coursework only: take 24 remaining pts from across groups B, C, and D. Coursework & dissertation: take 24 remaining pts from Group E.
Option - Group C
Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 6 pts from Group A, 36 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 0 pts from Group A, 42 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Coursework only: take 24 remaining pts from across groups B, C, and D. Coursework & dissertation: take 24 remaining pts from Group E.
Option - Group D
Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 6 pts from Group A, 36 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 0 pts from Group A, 42 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Coursework only: take 24 remaining pts from across groups B, C, and D. Coursework & dissertation: take 24 remaining pts from Group E:
Option - Group E
Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 6 pts from Group A, 36 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 0 pts from Group A, 42 pts from Group B, and 6 pts from Group C. Coursework only: take 24 remaining pts from across groups B, C, and D. Coursework & dissertation: take 24 remaining pts from Group E.

Why study this course?

  • Become an expert on the international relations and governance in our region and the wider global system
  • Engage with our active networks of experts, policymakers and practitioners
  • Study international relations while practicing international relations
  • Undertake a credited internship at a local, national or international organisation
  • Link theory to practice in relation to major powers, regional dynamics and global issues

Why study this course?

Work Integrated Learning

  • WILG5001 Professional Development Practicum: take a credited internship with a local, national or international organisation. 
  • POLS5105 International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region: A course capstone experience that engages students with regional peers and policy practitioners to study the International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region. 
  • Career information sessions with DFAT and other Australian government agencies. 

Work Integrated Learning

CAREER

Career opportunities

Career opportunities are available to students throughout the university semester. 

  • “Careers In…” series: career /industry information and networking sessions on careers in: foreign affairs; defence; the public sector; government; media; Asia; strategic communication; NGO and community sectors
  • Professional development seminars: CV writing, public speaking, networking
  • Professional placements linked to relevant industry (WILG5001)
  • Weekly Political Science and International Relations research seminar series and other public events on campus
  • Staff/student social networking events each semester

Our graduates have found employment in the following organisations: 

  • UWA Centre for Muslim States and Societies
  • Perth US Asia Centre
  • UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
  • ACFID Research for Development Impact Network
  • Australian Institute for International Affairs + Young Professionals Network
  • UWA Public Policy Institute
  • United Nations Association of Australia, WA...and more!
CAREER

Career opportunities

Eric Wong

Eric Wong
Find out more

Eric Wong

Eric Wong

Second-year Master of International Relations student Eric Wong chose the international relations field as it combines several topics of interest – history, economics, politics and world affairs – and also plays to his love of travel and exploration of new places. 

“It is a dynamic and continually evolving field, and it is incredibly relevant to the events happening in the world today. I also firmly believe that it is a field where I can make a genuine difference.”

Eric’s interest in world affairs and passion for effecting positive change has led him to assist in the Australian bushfire recovery efforts, leading a team of 21 soldiers as well as aiding in the broader planning and coordination of the recovery efforts, and helping the local communities get ‘back on their feet’. 

“You don’t have to be a superhero. We are all just regular people who are committed to helping our communities.”

 

You'll learn to

  • analyse complex global problems
  • develop expertise in policy analysis and writing
  • link international relations theory to policy and practice
  • conduct research in your field
  • engage with professionals in your field

You'll learn to

Meet our alumni

Alessandro Silvestri

Alessandro Silvestri

Alessandro completed his combined Master of International Law and Master of International Relations. We caught up with him to find out about his time at UWA.

"To be honest, my favourite aspect was the calibre and competency of the lecturers and personnel that are involved with this program. I had never encountered people with such talent, passion and knowledge in International Law; lecturers such as Dr Melanie O'Brien and Dr Fiona McGaughey, in particular, instilled in me so much enthusiasm in international law and advancing its various disciplines that motivated me to pursue an academic career."

"Finally, and also very importantly, all people with whom I have had the pleasure of interacting showed me great humanity and understanding. In 2018, I was passing through a tough period of my life, but the support that I have received from UWA and, in particular, the members of the UWA Law School, gave me the strength to complete my degree with distinction. Choose law for the people."
 
"Building on the above, while I will not deny that the workload necessitates an important level of commitment and work, the opportunity that the UWA Law School offers is unique. You will have the opportunity to deal with some of the best people, both academically and on a human level, that you have ever encountered. It offers you the positive challenge to grow as a thinker and as a person in a nurturing and supportive environment."

"I am sure that everyone has, at some stage in life, wondered how and why we create and then respect the law. Law is the vehicle through which you can make changes happen and make our society a better place to live in. Choose law to be the change."  

Meet our alumni

Alessandro Silvestri

International Relations

Articulated courses

This course is part of an articulated sequence with the:

International Relations

Articulated courses

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Why study postgrad?

Why study PG

Why study postgrad?

STUDY YOUR WAY

Flexibility

We understand that life is busy. That's why our postgraduate courses are designed so you can balance your work and studies. Our flexible postgraduate experience includes the opportunity to study part time, a range of units that are taught after hours, and the option to learn via intensive units. Ask our Student Central team for advice on choosing the right postgraduate route for you. Find out more here.

STUDY YOUR WAY

Flexibility