Master of International Relations
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Duration
- 2 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 8233
- CRICOS code 083232G
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $31,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $64,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $44,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $93,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Internship opportunities
-
Research-informed
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Strong industry links
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The UNSW Master of International Relations recognises the complexity and the globalised nature of today’s world, and is specifically designed to advance your understanding of global politics and foreign policy. Through this degree, you’ll critically examine theories and issues in contemporary world politics. You’ll explore international security, great-power rivalry, regional conflicts, nuclear proliferation, global environmental politics, civil conflict and terrorism, human rights, gender politics, international political economy, development and other pressing international issues.
Alongside this, you’ll learn to understand how these concepts and theories in international relations shape our view of the world. You’ll graduate with the in depth knowledge and experience to work in a variety of sectors in Australia and internationally, from NGOs to government organisations and multinational corporations.
Key features
Learn from the best
Through the Master of International Relations, you’ll learn from leading academics who are recognised for their research and teaching excellence. Our academics bring theoretical knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom and are recognised in areas including international law, political economy, international security studies, foreign policy, regional studies, history and gender studies.
Why study at UNSW?
- Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community.
- Learn through research-informed teaching
- Prioritise career success - UNSW has been awarded Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025).
- Benefit from strong industry links and partnerships
- Access world-class alumni connections
- Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2025)
- Join a community that’s part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities
Want to see more from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
There are three different streams of the Master of International Relations. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to international relations
If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%, plus one year relevant professional experience.
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
For the 2 year stream (C)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%.
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
Relevant disciplines include: Social Sciences; Humanities; Business; Economics; Law; Public Health; Communications.
Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance to these programs should enquire here: studyarts@unsw.edu.au.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
There are three different streams of the Master of International Relations. The stream you apply for will depend on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience, and how closely it relates to international relations
If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.
For all three streams, you will need to meet the following admission requirements to be considered for entry into the program:
For the 1 year stream (A)
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^, plus one year relevant professional experience.
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^, plus one year relevant professional experience.
- Honours degree or Graduate Diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.
For the 2 year stream (C)
- Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in any discipline with a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW credit average of 65%^.
*It is expected that a Graduate Diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.
^Students from a non-211 university in China are now required to have a record of academic achievement equivalent to a UNSW distinction average (75%).
Relevant disciplines include: Social Sciences; Humanities; Business; Economics; Law; Public Health; Communications.
Applicants with a degree in a discipline not listed here but who wish to make a case for its academic relevance to these programs should enquire here: studyarts@unsw.edu.au.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
This program is structured to acknowledge and recognise the unique skills and experience you bring to your postgraduate education.
If you have relevant previous experience, you may be able to undertake a streamlined degree. If you’re coming to the program with limited professional experience, you’ll undertake the full two-years study.
Full program structure
Depending on your level of experience, you can either undertake a streamlined one-year of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent), 1.7-years of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent) or two-years of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent).
Explore the structure of each stream below:
International Relations A – 1 year stream
International Relations B – 1.7 year stream
International Relations C – 2 year stream
Future careers
Upon completion of a UNSW Master of International Relations, you’ll be able to analyse world affairs and explore the many issues raised by the rapidly changing nature of world politics. You’ll do this through the advanced skills gained through your degree, enabling you to move into diverse careers that drive solutions to our most pressing global challenges.
Potential careers
- Public sector: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs (Mexico), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway) and the Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
- Private sector: Media Organisations, Trans- and Multi-national corporations, Industry and Financial Services
- International Organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank
- Non-government Organisations in countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada, Thailand and Tonga
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders
“Postgraduate study at UNSW has made me a better journalist. It's given me a historical, academic, and legal understanding of the issues that I write about. It's given me opportunities to travel and work overseas, opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise.”
