University of Queensland
Master of International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Build the analytical and research skills to understand complex global challenges, with opportunities to specialise in diplomacy, international security and foreign policy while preparing for careers in international relations.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Master of International Relations is designed for graduates and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of international politics and the relationships between states, institutions and global actors. The program examines the political, economic and security dimensions of international relations, providing a foundation for analysing global developments and international decision-making.
You'll study international relations theory, globalisation, international political economy and security, alongside the historical development of the international system. Flexible course choices allow you to explore diplomacy, foreign policy, regional politics, environmental change and emerging security challenges. Through these studies, you'll develop skills in critical analysis, research and evaluating complex international issues from different perspectives.
Delivered at UQ's St Lucia campus, the program offers one-year, 1.5-year and two-year full-time study pathways. Through advanced coursework and optional research or internship opportunities, you'll apply your knowledge to contemporary international challenges and strengthen your ability to investigate and communicate political issues. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in diplomacy, government, international organisations, policy analysis and related fields.
Key facts
26th July, 2027
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of International Relations through the two-year pathway, you must successfully complete 32 units, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
The following course structure applies to the two-year pathway.
Foundational units
Complete eight units from the following:
- Writing Politics (four units)
- Foundations in Politics, Policy and International Relations (four units)
Core units
Complete eight units from the following:
- Globalisation, International Political Economy and Development
- International Security
- Evolution of the International System
- Theories in International Relations
Flexible core units
Complete exactly six units by selecting three courses from the following:
- Politics of Environmental Change
- Indigenous Politics within and beyond the state
- International Relations of the Asia- Pacific
- Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
- New Security Challenges
- Strategic Studies
- International Crisis Management
- Diplomacy and Development
- International Politics in Practice
- Technologies, Geopolitics, and Governance
- Postcolonial and Decolonial Thought and Politics
New Security Challenges and Diplomacy and Development are only available to students enrolled in specific externally-funded postgraduate programs.
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
Two-year pathway
To be eligible for the two-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0 on UQ's 7-point scale.
- Have successfully completed three years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution with a formal pathway to the Master of International Relations, with a minimum GPA of 5.0.
1.5-year pathway
To be eligible for the 1.5-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline and have completed UQ's Graduate Certificate in International Relations, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
- Hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0, and have at least three years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience.
One-year pathway
To be eligible for the one-year pathway, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0, including a substantial research project equivalent to at least one semester of full-time study.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline and have completed UQ's Graduate Certificate in International Relations, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
Relevant disciplines include peace and conflict studies, international relations, history, political science, sociology, cultural studies, economics or political economy, anthropology, ethnography and law.
A relevant previous qualification must include a major, field of study or approximately 30% of program content in the discipline, incorporating both introductory and advanced courses.
Relevant work experience may include paid or voluntary work in the planning, management or implementation of international policy or governance initiatives. Applicants must provide supporting employment evidence. Applications based on work experience are assessed individually.
English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.
- A TOEFL iBT overall score of 87, with a minimum score of 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking.
- A PTE Academic overall score of 64, with no individual sub-band score below 60.
- A Cambridge English Scale overall score of 176, with no individual sub-band score below 169.
- Other accepted evidence of English language proficiency.
Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course.
For the Master of International Relations, the 1.5-year pathway includes eight units of recognised prior learning, while the one-year pathway includes 16 units. Eligibility depends on your previous qualifications and/or relevant work experience.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in international relations, diplomacy, policy and related fields, including:
- Asia-Pacific international relations adviser
- International aid coordinator
- Policy and advocacy adviser
- Policy officer
- Human rights advocate
- Overseas development manager
- Foreign correspondent
- Ministerial officer
- International law associate
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $34,512 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- 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.