Key facts
Duration
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2023 close 29 October 2023
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
If you’re interested in understanding, investigating and responding to global issues, the Master of International Relations will give you the high-level skills in theoretical and empirical analysis to do so.
Are you ready to create practical responses to global issues?
Geo-political tensions, climate change, poverty, pandemics, human insecurity, and human rights abuses. These overarching concerns are just some of the pressing issues currently impacting our global community.
By studying the Master of International Relations, you’ll better understand the nature of these problems, what the current responses to these problems are, and how these responses can be improved.
You’ll develop skills in policy analysis, get a systematic understanding of the threats to peace and security, and global forces shaping political, social and economic life.
As you gain knowledge and perspective, you’ll be able to demonstrate high-level skills of theoretical and empirical analysis. Not only will you gain a thorough understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations but be able to interpret these global issues and events to form a hopeful, positive solution for all parties.
You’ll complete the following core units:
- The United Nations and International Organisation
- Security and Strategy
- Research Design.
You can also complete study that combines research and certain course elective units that may be used to form a specialisation in one of the following areas:
- Conflict and Security
- Diplomacy and Activism
- Human Rights and International Law.
Specific research options meet the thesis requirements for admission to a PhD pathway so you can start focusing on the area of international relations you’re truly passionate about from the moment you start the course.
The masters degree also offers postgraduate internship opportunities, giving you the chance to gain valuable international experience and begin building your industry networks and connections.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of International Relations
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- A703
- CRICOS code?
- 0101370 Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Course structure
To be awarded a Master of International Relations a student must successfully complete 8 credit points as follows:
- AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 2 core units
- 6 credit points of study from one of the Minor Thesis, Research Paper or Professional Experience Pathways ^.
^ Course Elective units may be used to form a specialisation
2
Core units
6
Pathway/Elective/Specialisation units
8
Total units
Core Units
Pathways
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Plus 2 credit points of research units:
Plus 3 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway ^
Plus 5 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway ^
Plus 4 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
^ The Research Paper and Professional Experience options are not PhD Pathways.
Course Electives and Specialisations
To qualify for a specialisation within the Master of International Relations, a student must successfully complete 4-5 credit points of study from within that specialisation.
Students who complete a specialisation of 4 or 5 credit points will have the specialisation indicated on their academic transcript
Specialisations are available in the following areas:
Human Rights and International Law **
*Trimester 3 study is required, Professional experience Trimester 1 intake part-time study only
** Available as a part-time study option for Research Option 2 in Trimester 1 & 2 only
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units and the Internship Capstone may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
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Entry requirements
Entry information
Admission to study postgraduate coursework at Deakin is based on recognition of your professional experience and previous qualifications.
- Bachelor honours (AQF8) degree in a related discipline or
- Bachelor degree in a related discipline, plus two years relevant work experience or
- Graduate certificate or graduate diploma in a related discipline or
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $48,361.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2023 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Deakin Application Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the how to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Research Information
Students will complete a research pathway in 1 of the 3 following options:
- Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway ; or
- Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^ ; or
- Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^ .
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
- Graduate Diploma of International Relations (A603)
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Graduates of Deakin’s Master of International Relations have gone on to work for organisations such as:
- Australian Government
- Australian Defence Force
- United Nations
- World Vision
- Save the Children.
The nature of international relations roles is changing due to the impacts of climate change, the rise of China and other forms of geopolitical change. After examining key contemporary issues and developments around the world, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, you’ll graduate ready to enter the industry with current and best practice knowledge to make your impact.
Opportunities to make your impact exist in:
- all levels of government
- private sector corporations and small business
- non-government organisations (NGOs)
- the media
- management consultancies
- multicultural associations
- education
- health
- research.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International Relations pertaining to foreign policy, conflict and security, international and regional politics, globalisation, and international law with reference to empirical cases. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts and their application to real-world contexts, in a selection of written, oral and digital formats, to a range of audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings, and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors in the context of the changing international political system. |
| Problem solving | Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real-world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in the areas of conflict and security, globalization, international crises and risks, foreign policy and international law. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning. |
| Global citizenship | Analyse and respond to issues in global politics in domestic, regional and international contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into account cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. |
| Approved by Faculty Board May 2019 | |
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