Macquarie University
Master of International Relations and Master of Public and Social Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Enhance your critical analysis skills to design and implement effective policy solutions that benefit the public interest. Gain the confidence to make socially informed judgments across various specialized policy areas.
Course overview
The Master of International Relations, built around innovative approaches and thinking, will empower you to comprehend and evaluate contemporary regional and global developments. It will also equip you for an international career in diplomacy, journalism, the NGO sector, international business, or academia.
The unique Master of Public and Social Policy with its dual focus on policy analysis and applied social research – will give you a deep understanding of the forces that shape policy and the processes involved in making it. You’ll develop advanced skills in critical analysis to help you design and deliver effective policy solutions that serve the public interest and the confidence to make socially informed judgements in a range of specialist policy areas.
Key facts
What you will study
To graduate with a Master of International Relations and Master of Public and Social Policy, a student must acquire 160 credit points. Each unit is valued at 10 credit points
Core Zone (Master of International Relations)
Complete each unit below.
- Technology, Power and Uneven Development
- International Relations Practice
- Security in World Politics
- Europe and the World
- Understanding World Politics: Methodological and Theoretical Approaches
- The Middle East in Global Politics
- International Political Economy
- International Law and Global Governance
Core Zone (Master of Public and Social Policy)
Complete each unit below.
- Social Impact Assessment
- Policy Design: Concepts and Case Studies
- Advanced Introduction to Policy
- Doing Social Survey Research
- Evaluating Social Policy
- Qualitative Methods for Policy
- Policy Ideas in Focus: Framing Policy Problems
- Making Public Policy in a Globalised World
Entry Requirements
Full time: 2 years
Master of International Relations
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
- Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65.
Master of Public and Social Policy
- AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
Meet two of the following three criteria:
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent.
- Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning.
- AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65.
Recognition of Prior Learning
With recognition of prior learning (RPL), you could get credit for your prior study and experience, reducing the duration of your studies. Credit is awarded for formal and informal or non-formal learning. You’ll need to apply for RPL once you receive your offer to study at Macquarie.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
- Development Asessor
- Diplomat
- Electorate Officer
- Human services Consultant
- Intelligence Analyst
- International Tade Secialist
- Market or Social Researcher
- Media and Cmmunications Aviser
- Paralegal
- Policy Adviser
- Policy Analyst
- Public Servant
- Regional Business manager
- Researcher
- Social and Community Services Manager
- Social or Environmental Consultant
- Social Policy Researcher
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated annual fee in 2025: $33,300 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fee displayed is based on a standard full-time study load. Fees may increase each year. For courses longer than one year in duration, you'll pay the fee that is current for the year that you enrol.
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.