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Curtin University

  • 28% international / 72% domestic

Master of International Relations

  • Masters (Coursework)

This course equips students with theoretical and practical skills in international relations, preparing them for leadership roles in addressing global challenges. It covers topics such as diplomacy, foreign policymaking, and statecraft, with opportunities for specialization and advanced research.

Key details

Degree Type
Masters (Coursework)
Duration
2 years full-time
Course Code
MC-INTREL, 117076H
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
International Fees
$36,596 per year / $73,192 total

About this course

Overview

From climate change to terrorism, cyber threats to the plight of refugees and mass human displacement, the international system is growing evermore complex. To address contemporary challenges, international relations professionals need diverse theoretical and practical training to respond to real-world situations.

This course provides such theoretical underpinnings and practical skills to give you much sought after employment capabilities. A career in international relations is about making and supporting the key decisions that promote the international rules-based order and determine our collective future.

You will be equipped with effective critical thinking skills and specialist knowledge in international relations, preparing you to be an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world.

Across two years of study, you'll gain expertise in diplomacy, foreign policymaking, analysis, international politics and statecraft.

Under the guidance of academics with practical experience at senior-levels in policymaking and intelligence analysis, you'll explore the traditional topics of statecraft, such as armed conflict, diplomacy, international trade and competition between major powers.

You will also explore contemporary global challenges including environmental change and climate change, disinformation and espionage, humanitarian and cultural issues, the rise of political extremism and emerging technologies.

You can also choose to focus your skills in a particular area of interest such as strategic studies, intelligence, human security or in specific countries/regions.

In your final year, you'll develop advanced research and policymaking skills through a professional work placement or research project/dissertation.

Intermediate awards You may be able to exit this course early with a Graduate Certificate in International Security or a Graduate Diploma in International Security once you have completed the required units.

Further study If you choose to complete a research dissertation as part of this course and complete it to a high standard, you may be eligible for entry into a doctoral degree.

Entry requirements

A three- or four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant field, OR successful completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or related field.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6.5

What you will learn

What you'll learn

  • apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international relations in work related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects
  • critically analyse and interpret major political, security, socio-economic and policy issues using an international relations framework
  • communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international relations data or theories
  • develop skills to think strategically and in the global context
  • develop strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments
  • develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics

Career pathways

What jobs can the Master of International Relations course lead to?

Careers

  • Diplomat
  • Strategic/foreign policy officer
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Humanitarian aid worker
  • International development officer
  • Researcher and consultancy
  • UN political affairs advisor
  • International correspondent

Industries

  • Foreign affairs
  • Defence Intelligence
  • State and federal government
  • Media and journalism
  • International trade
  • Global NGOs

Credit for prior study or work

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

How to apply

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

  • Curtin Perth

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Business & Management courses at Curtin University.
85.1%
Overall satisfaction
81.4%
Skill scale
72.6%
Teaching scale
86.8%
Employed full-time
$120k
Average salary