Key facts
Duration
The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 1.5 years down to 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Course overview
Tackle geopolitical issues, climate change, poverty, pandemics and human rights abuses. Deakin’s Master of International Relations explores the nature of these problems, current responses and challenges you to find better solutions.
Develop skills in policy analysis and gain a systematic understanding of the threats to peace and security. Learn about the global forces shaping political, social and economic life. Use electives and an optional focus in areas such as conflict and security, diplomacy and activism or human rights and international law to define your direction.
Gain valuable international experience through work-integrated learning opportunities and begin building your industry connections. Graduate with strong analytical, research and communication skills, along with 200+ hours of practical experience (if you choose the Internship Capstone) that can support careers in government, international organisations and NGOs. There is also a PhD pathway option.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of International Relations
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A703
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Master of International Relations you must pass 8 or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 12-credit point Master of International Relations includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 2 credit points of core units
- 6 or 10 credit points of study (depending upon entry point), from the following:
- one pathway option:
- Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
- Research Paper - non PhD Pathway
- Professional Experience - non PhD Pathway
- one pathway option:
- any remaining credit points can be chosen from the course electives list (course elective units may be used to form a specialisation).
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Plus 2 credit points of research units:
Plus 3 or 7 credit points (depending upon entry point) chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 5 or 9 credit points (depending upon entry point) chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 4 or 8 credit points (depending upon entry point) chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
^The Research Paper and Professional Experience options are not PhD Pathways.
AHA721 Humanitarian Knowledge and Principles [No longer available for enrolment]
Students who complete a specialisation 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
** 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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) – 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of International Relations may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate level studies.
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to international relations, international studies, middle east studies, asian politics, african studies, latin american studies, european studies, military and defence studies, russian studies, politics, political science, policy studies, strategic studies, security studies, conflict analysis, conflict resolution, peace research, international law, political economy.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to army, defence services, International NGO's, security, emergency within government and commercial organisations, international affairs, United Nations.
*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) 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
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$28,000 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Research information
Students will complete a research pathway in 1 of the 3 following options:
- Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
- Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
- Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Diploma of International Relations (A603)
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 will 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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning. |
| 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 at Faculty Board May 2019
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
