Deakin University
Master of International Relations
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
Study online and gain knowledge and perspective; you will be able to demonstrate high-level skills in theoretical and empirical analysis.

Course overview
Geo-political tensions, climate change, poverty, pandemics, human insecurity and human rights abuses. These overarching concerns are just some of the pressing issues currently impacting our global community. By studying the Master of International Relations, you will better understand the nature of these problems, what the current responses to these problems are and how these responses can be improved.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Master of International Relations, you must pass eight or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
- A 12-credit point Master of International Relations includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- Two credit points for core units
- Six or 10 credit points of study (depending upon entry point).
- Remaining credit points of course elective units (course elective units may be used to form a specialisation).
- The United Nations and International Organisation
- Security and Strategy
Entry requirements
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) – eight credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with four credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
- Completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline.
- Completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline.
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline.
- Completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent.
- Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).
Recognition of Prior Learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International Relations pertaining to foreign policy, conflict and security, international and regional politics, globalisation, and international law with reference to empirical cases.
- Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts and their application to real-world contexts, in a selection of written, oral and digital formats, to a range of audiences.
- Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings, and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences.
- Analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors in the context of the changing international political system.
- Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real-world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in the areas of conflict and security, globalization, international crises and risks, foreign policy and international law.
- Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations.
- Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning.
- Analyse and respond to issues in global politics in domestic, regional and international contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into account cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2025: $39,260 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of eight 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.