University of Queensland
Master of International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Gain an advanced understanding of the key issues in world politics, international security, foreign affairs and international and regional governance.
Course overview
The Master of International Relations (MIR) is a coursework program aimed at developing conceptual and empirical understanding and skill sets in research and knowledge in international relations (IR). You'll work with world-class teachers and researchers who are in touch with industry partners and participate in regular public commentary and debate in their fields. You'll also study alongside students from many different countries and backgrounds.
The program builds on a core of nearly 40 courses and projects covering the main elements of IR, including fields such as IR of the Asia-Pacific Region, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, Ethics and Human Rights and Globalisation and International Political Economy and Development. You may also include an optional applied fieldwork experience or research thesis in your program and/or participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.
UQ’s Master of International Relations will equip you with the analytical and practical skills for a career in diplomacy, government, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, the UN, international journalism, or development.
Key facts
What you will study
Two-year duration
Students must complete 32 units comprising:
- Eight units for all MIR Foundational Courses
- Eight units for all MIR Core Courses
- Six units from MIR Flexible Core Courses
- 10 units for MIR Flexible Core Courses and/or MIR Program Elective Courses
Notes:
- Selected courses must include at least 12 units at level 6 or higher.
- Selected courses must include at least eight units at level 7.
- Selected courses must include, at most, eight units at level 3.
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth two units.
MIR Foundational Courses
Complete eight units for all of the following:
- Writing Politics (four units)
- Foundations in Politics, Policy and International Relations (four units)
MIR Core Courses
Complete eight units for all of the following:
- Globalisation, International Political Economy and Development
- International Security
- Evolution of the International System
- Theories in International Relations
Students may also complete the 32 units through one of the following:
- 1.5-year duration (24 units of study and eight units for prior learning)
- One-year duration (16 units of study and 16 units for prior learning)
Entry Requirements
To be eligible to complete the degree in two years full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
- To have successfully completed three years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution that has a formal pathway to the Master of International Relations (two-year duration).
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include peace and conflict studies, international relations, history, political science, sociology, cultural studies, economics or political economy, anthropology, ethnography or law.
You must have completed at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content in the discipline, including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience may be paid or voluntary and includes work:
- In planning, management and/or implementation of international policy and/or governance initiatives, including work for international organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, social movements and the international business community.
- A demonstration of basic computer literacy, research and writing skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following:
- That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation.
- The nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities.
- The length of time that you worked there (i.e. three years).
- Whether your employment was full-time, part-time* or casual*.
* If you worked part-time or casually, please list the average number of hours worked per week.
Recognition of Prior Learning
It's possible to complete this degree in 1.5 years or one year, depending on your qualifications and experience.
You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to further shorten your degree. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Asia-Pacific International Relations Adviser
- International Aid Coordinator
- Policy and Advocacy Adviser
- Policy Officer
- Human Rights Advocate
- Overseas Development Manager
- International Aid Coordinator
- Foreign Correspondent
- Ministerial Officer
- International Law Associate
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $32,560 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The Indicative annual fee is based on your approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- 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.