Curtin University

Master of International Relations

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 24 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Develop critical thinking skills and specialized knowledge in international relations to prepare yourself as an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world.

Course overview

From climate change to terrorism, cyber threats to the plight of refugees and mass human displacement, the international system is growing evermore complex. To address contemporary challenges, international relations professionals need diverse theoretical and practical training to respond to real-world situations.

This course provides the theoretical underpinnings and practical skills to give you the much-coveted employment capabilities. A career in international relations is about making and supporting the key decisions that promote the global rules-based order and determine our collective future.

You will be equipped with practical critical thinking skills and specialist knowledge in international relations, preparing you to be an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world.

Across two years of study, you’ll gain expertise in diplomacy, foreign policymaking, analysis, international politics and statecraft.

Under the guidance of academics with practical experience at senior levels in policymaking and intelligence analysis, you’ll explore the traditional topics of statecraft, such as armed conflict, diplomacy, international trade and competition between major powers.

You will also explore contemporary global challenges, including environmental and climate change, disinformation and espionage, humanitarian and cultural issues, the rise of political extremism and emerging technologies.

You can also focus your skills on areas of interest, such as strategic studies, intelligence and human security or in specific countries/regions.

In your final year, you’ll develop advanced research and policymaking skills through a professional work placement or research project/dissertation.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
24 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
$2,877
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 8 units (200 credits) per year.
Campus
Perth
Intake
Units
16
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To complete the Master of International Relations, you must fulfil 400 credit points.

Core Units
  • Engaging Cultural Diversity
  • Global Futures and Just Transformations
  • International Security in Theory and Practice
  • National Strategy and Security
  • Engaging Africa
  • Engaging Asia
Alternate Core
Options

Entry requirements

What do you need in order to get into this course? There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and educational experience.

A three- or four-year Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, OR successful completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or related field.

English language requirements

  • Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined below.
  • IELTS - Writing 6.0
  • Speaking 6.0
  • Reading 6.0
  • Listening 6.0
  • Overall band's score is 6.5

You may demonstrate English proficiency using other tests. Please contact the university for full details.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international relations in work-related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects.
  • Critically analyse and interpret major political, security, socio-economic and policy issues using an international relations framework.
  • Communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international relations data or theories
  • Develop skills to think strategically and in a global context
  • Develop a strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments
  • Develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics

Career outcomes

  • Diplomat
  • Strategic/Foreign Policy Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Humanitarian Aid Worker
  • International Development Officer
  • Researcher and Consultancy
  • UN Political Affairs Advisor
  • International Correspondent

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative 2025 first-year fee: $23,016 (domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 100 credit points (normally four units) per semester or 200 credit points (normally eight units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term. 
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units. 
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.