University of Queensland
Master of International Relations and Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop the analytical and practical knowledge to examine international relations, understand the causes of conflict and explore approaches to peacebuilding, while gaining expertise across two complementary disciplines.
Course overview
The University of Queensland's Masters of International Relations / Peace and Conflict Studies combines two disciplines to develop an understanding of international politics, global security, conflict and peacebuilding. The dual degree is designed for graduates seeking to examine how political, economic and social factors shape international relationships and influence the causes and consequences of conflict.
You'll study international relations theory, international political economy, security and development alongside conflict resolution, peacebuilding and nonviolent approaches to political change. Flexible course choices allow you to explore regional politics, diplomacy, environmental change and contemporary security challenges. Through these studies, you'll strengthen your skills in critical analysis, research and evaluating different approaches to international cooperation and conflict.
Delivered at UQ's St Lucia campus, the dual degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Through advanced coursework and optional research or internship opportunities, you'll apply your learning to contemporary international and peacebuilding challenges. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in international relations, diplomacy, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, government and international organisations.
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 Masters of International Relations / Peace and Conflict Studies, 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 dual degree program.
Complete 18 units from all of the following:
- Globalisation, International Political Economy and Development
- International Security
- Evolution of the International System
- Theories in International Relations
- Security and Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Peacebuilding
- The Politics and Power of Nonviolence
- Gender, Peace and Security in Global and Local Perspective
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
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 on UQ's 7-point scale.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline, together with UQ's Graduate Certificate in International Relations, Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, or Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies, with a minimum GPA of 4.0.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in any discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0, and have at least three years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience.
Relevant disciplines include peace and conflict studies, international relations, political science, sociology, cultural studies, history, economics or political economy, anthropology, ethnography and law.
Relevant work experience may include paid or voluntary work in international policy, governance, peacebuilding, mediation, conflict resolution or related fields. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including their responsibilities and employment duration.
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. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Graduates may pursue career opportunities in international relations, diplomacy, peacebuilding and related fields, including:
- Diplomatic officer
- UN delegate
- Foreign affairs and trade official
- Indigenous rights adviser
- Humanitarian aid official
- Foreign correspondent
- Human rights advocate
- Foreign policy adviser
- Asia-Pacific international relations adviser
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.