University of Sydney
Master of International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop sophisticated critical thinking through this intellectually rigorous, research-intensive program.
Course overview
Understand and address the world’s most pressing challenges, including war and peace, social and economic justice, development and addressing environmental crises. Investigate relations among states and non-state actors, including the evolution of the international system.
The Master of International Relations is for those looking to elevate their understanding of international relations in the international and local context and ground their existing profession with a renewed approach through practical exercises and skills-building.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
Candidates for the Master of International Relations with no prior learning in the subject area are required to complete 96 credit points, including:
- A minimum of 30 credit points of core units of study.
- A minimum of 24 credit points of selective units of study.
- A maximum of 36 credit points of elective units of study, which can include an optional specialisation.
- A minimum of six credit points of capstone units of study.
Each unit is valued at six credit points.
- Forces of Change in Int Relations
- Foundations of International Relations
- International Organisations
- International Security
- Globalisation and Governance
Entry Requirements
Admission to this course requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65 per cent) average calculated over the whole degree from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
English Language Requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study this course.
If English is your first language, you may be able to meet the requirements if you have:
- Citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum ten years).
- Completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies recognised by the University in an approved English-speaking country.
If English is not your first language, you may be able to prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test taken within two years of commencing the course.
- IELTS score: a minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL - IBT score: a minimum result of 96 overall, including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- Pearson Test of English: a minimum result of 68 overall and a minimum result of 54 in each band.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Fast-track your studies
You can reduce the length and cost of your studies for this course based on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) criteria outlined in the Admissions Requirements section.
Applying for credit/RPL
Check the RPL page to make sure you follow the required credit application process. The RPL information provided is a guide. All assessments of RPL will be undertaken by the faculty team once an application is submitted.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
This degree equips you for a career in the following fields:
- Consulting
- Diplomacy
- Development
- Defence
- Government
- Immigration
- Intelligence
- International Business
- Journalism
- Risk management
You may find a role in international organisations, including the United Nations or European Union, or in humanitarian and other non-government organisations. The course also provides an opportunity for professionals in these sectors to gain advanced training to support career advancement.
Fees and CSP
Indicative amount in 2026: Fee information is not yet available (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative amount in 2026: $32,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative amounts to complete the first 48 credit points in 2026 are calculated based on one year of full-time study (1 EFTSL).
A student’s fee may vary depending on:
- 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.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students.