Master of International Relations
Drive solutions for a globalised world.
Drive solutions for a globalised world.
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Examine today’s complex globalised world and prepare for a career that drives solutions to our greatest social and political challenges.
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 NGO’s to government organisations and multinational corporations.
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.
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)
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
For the 2 year stream (C)
*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.
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:
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.
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)
For the 1.7 year stream (B)
For the 2 year stream (C)
*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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
$15,140*
$30,735*
There are limited Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available for this degree. Domestic students who receive a CSP will have a substantial proportion of their fees subsidised by the Australian government. CSP places are assessed on the basis of merit. CSP are offered to the most competitive applicants and the remaining eligible applicants will be offered a full-fee place. You should list both CSP and full-fee codes in your UAC preferences if you wish to be considered for both places. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Full Fees are the cost of the degree for students who do not receive a CSP place.
*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 below.
*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.
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.
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“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.”