Master of International Relations

• 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 

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

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

• 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. 

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

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.

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

Unit SOCS5105 International Collaborative Study Experience

• Engaging postgrad students from Perth, Jakarta and Pretoria with the International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region
• Linking theory to practice via expert seminars by Indonesian, Australian, South African, Indian and IORA diplomats, academics, analysts, journalists
• Visits to historic sites: 1955 Bandung Asia-Africa Conference Museum; Apartheid Museum
• Collaborating via cross-cultural student group projects & presentations 

Note: Rotating unit delivery 2018 Jakarta, 2019 Pretoria

Alessandro completed his combined Master of International Law and Master of International Relations in 2018. 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."  

This course is part of an articulated sequence with the:

• Graduate Certificate in International Relations
• Graduate Diploma in International Relations

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.