University of Western Australia

Master of International Relations

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 18 months
  • Course Type: Master's

The course provides you with knowledge, skills and networks to prepare you for a rewarding career in foreign affairs and diplomacy, government, international and non-governmental organisations, the media and education.

Course overview

The Master of International Relations is a professionally oriented postgraduate course studied over three or four semesters (full-time equivalent). It offers you the opportunity to gain deep expertise in international relations, with a particular focus on our dynamic Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.

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

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
18 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,125
More Information
EFTSL is the Equivalent Full Time Study Load. A standard full time enrolment of 48 points per year equals 1 EFTSL

From $2,124 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) where the government pays part of your fees. Tuition fees shown are indicative and are based on normal course length and progression.
Campus
Perth
Intake
New start dates announced soon
Units
12
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans and HECS loans are available to assist domestic students.
FEE-HELP, HECS, CSP

What you will study

Students who have not completed a bachelor's degree with a relevant major as recognized by the University must complete relevant conversion unit(s) up to the value of 24 points, as advised by the University.

Core

Take all units (42 points):

  • Religion, Global Identities and World Politics
  • International Relations of the Asia–Pacific
  • International Security
  • Global Political Economy
  • Approaches to International Relations
  • Governance in the International System
  • Global Climate Politics

Option - Group A

Take at least 6 points. Students in the Master of International Relations by coursework only take units up to the value of 30 points across Group A and Group B. Students in the Master of International Relations by coursework and dissertation take units up to the value of 6 from Group A and take all units from Group C (24 points).

  • Responding to International Crises
  • McCusker Centre for Citizenship Internship
  • Work Integrated Learning Internship Program

Option - Group B

Take units as per the sequence notes in Group A.

  • Public Communication
  • Economic Policy and Communication
  • Regional Development in the Global Context
  • NGOs, Governance and Development
  • International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region
  • Democracy in Divided Societies
  • The Politics of Public Policy
  • Public Administration
  •  World Politics: Muslims in the West
  • China and the World
  • International Norms, Ethics and Human Rights
  • Health in an Era of Environmental Change
  • Social Sciences Research Skills

Option - Group C

Take units as per the sequence notes in Group A.

  • Social Sciences Research Skills
  • Master's Dissertation Part 1
  • Master's Dissertation Part 2
  • Master's Dissertation Part 3

Entry requirements

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

  • Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA.
  • Equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent.
  • Successfully completed prior study in a field relevant to International Relations.

Completed a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations at UWA.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

  • Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This course prepares graduates for careers in businesses and government departments with international linkages, agencies involved in regional or global governance and international non-governmental organisations. Expertise in international relations complements qualifications in a range of professional areas and is applicable to a variety of employment options.

Fees and CSP

Indicative annual course fee in 2025: $16,992 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Indicative annual course fee in 2025: $25,000 (Domestic fee place)

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • 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.

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 courses 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 with the cost of a university course.