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
Graduate with two sought-after Masters qualifications, ready to engage in the fields of conflict resolution, aid and development.
Course overview
This two-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) dual degree program allows you to obtain two highly sought-after and complementary qualifications from a school recognised internationally as a leader in peace and conflict studies. It provides an understanding of the broad structures and dynamics of the international system, combined with more specialised skills and knowledge of critical issues and debates relating to peace and conflict.
The Master of International Relations covers the key issues and challenges in contemporary world politics, international security, foreign affairs and global, international and regional governance. You'll be able to develop skills in international political analysis and political risk evaluation and in addressing bilateral, regional and global policy objectives.
The Master of Peace and Conflict Studies builds knowledge of the forces that generate contemporary conflict and the processes and practices that contribute to conflict prevention, resolution and peace-building. It also equips you with practical skills to engage in conflict analysis, resolution and peace-building in the contemporary global context.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 32 units comprising:
- 18 units for all MIR/MPaCS Core Courses
- Eight units for MIR/MPaCS Flexible Core Courses
- Six units from MIR/MPaCS Program Elective Courses
Each course is worth two units.
Complete 18 units for 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
To be eligible for entry, you'll need one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below) with a GPA of 5.0.
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, plus the Graduate Certificate in International Relations from UQ, the Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from UQ, or the Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies from UQ, with a GPA of 4.0.
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline (see below) with a GPA of 5.0, plus 3 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below).
The listed grade point averages (GPA) are on a 7-point scale. Applications based on work experience will be individually assessed.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include peace and conflict studies, international relations, political science, sociology, cultural studies, history, economics/political economy, anthropology or ethnography and Law.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience, which should be supported with evidence (see below), 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.
- Work in a relevant peace and conflict organisation, including community organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, or other cognate organisations, that may include work experience in planning, research, management, implementation or evaluation of domestic or international peacebuilding, mediation, conflict resolution, transitional justice and cognate efforts to manage conflict or facilitate peace.
- A demonstration of 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 casual, please list the average hours worked per week.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- 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 2025: $31,776 (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.