Deakin University
Master of International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop skills in both theoretical and empirical analysis to better understand global issues, their current responses and how these can be improved.
Course overview
Geo-political tensions, climate change, poverty, pandemics, human insecurity and human rights abuses. These overarching concerns are just some pressing issues impacting our global community.
By studying the Master of International Relations, you will better understand the nature of these problems, the current responses to these problems and how these responses can be improved.
You’ll develop skills in policy analysis and get a systematic understanding of the threats to peace and security and global forces shaping political, social and economic life.
You can demonstrate high-level theoretical and empirical analysis skills as you gain knowledge and perspective. You will not only gain a thorough understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations but also be able to interpret these global issues and events to form a hopeful, positive solution for all parties.
You’ll complete the following core units:
- The United Nations and the International Organisation
- Security and Strategy
- Research Design.
You can also complete a study that combines research and specific course elective units that may be used to form a specialisation in one of the following areas:
- Conflict and Security
- Diplomacy and Activism
- Human Rights and International Law.
Specific research options meet the thesis requirements for admission to a PhD pathway, so you can start focusing on the area of international relations you’re genuinely passionate about from the moment you begin the course.
The master's degree also offers postgraduate internship opportunities, which give you the chance to gain valuable international experience and begin building your industry networks and connections.
Key facts
July, 2026
November, 2026
What you will study
To complete the Master of International Relations, you must pass 8 or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
- A 12-credit point Master of International Relations includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- Two credit points for core units
- Six or 10 credit points of study (depending upon entry point).
- Remaining credit points of course elective units (course elective units may be used to form a specialisation).
- The United Nations and International Organisation
- Security and Strategy
Entry Requirements
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) – eight credit points.
To be considered for admission to this degree (with four credit points of admission credit applied^*), you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
- Completion of a bachelor's honours degree in a related discipline.
- Completing a graduate certificate, diploma, or higher in a related discipline.
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points.
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*), you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
English language proficiency requirements.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent.
- Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements).
Recognition of Prior Learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International Relations pertaining to foreign policy, conflict and security, international and regional politics, globalisation and international law with reference to empirical cases.
- Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts and their application to real-world contexts in a selection of written, oral and digital formats to a range of audiences.
- Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences.
- Analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors in the context of the changing international political system.
- Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real-world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in the areas of conflict and security, globalization, international crises and risks, foreign policy and international law.
- Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations.
- Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning.
- Analyse and respond to issues in global politics in domestic, regional and international contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into account cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $27,400 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of eight credit points (normally eight units) per year.
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.