Graduates work with the United Nations, World Vision and more
Specialise in conflict, diplomacy or human rights
Choose industry placement or research pathway
Why choose Deakin
Develop advanced analytical skills to interpret global issues and respond with confidence. Deakin’s Master of International Relations (Professional) gives you a strong grounding in international relations theory and contemporary politics. This course is ideal if you work in the public service, private sector or a small business. It helps you understand how international forces shape your professional environment.
Look forward to building your ability to analyse policy, peace and security, and the global forces shaping political, social and economic life. Examine key developments across the world, with particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, and tailor your studies through electives or a specialisation; conflict and security, diplomacy and activism or human rights and international law. Choose a professional experience in Australia or overseas, a research paper or minor thesis pathway to match your goals, and graduate ready for roles in government or the private sector.
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Graduate with a competitive edge
9 in 10 Deakin postgraduate graduates are employed within four months. Build skills valued by government, NGOs and multinational corporations.
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Global experience options
Choose optional internships, international study or overseas work experience to apply theory in real organisations.
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Flexible postgraduate pathways
Select a professional experience, research paper or minor thesis pathway to suit your career goals or research plans.
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Specialise your global focus
Build expertise in conflict and security, diplomacy and activism or human rights and international law.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build advanced analytical skills for careers across government, policy and research. You may examine global issues, interpret evidence and contribute to informed responses in public, private or international settings.
Research analyst
Gather and analyse research and data, identify patterns and prepare clear reports and insights. You may apply analytical thinking to political, international or organisational issues across varied settings.
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction
Policy adviser
Research and analyse complex policy issues, consult stakeholders and prepare briefings, reports and recommendations. You may help organisations develop, implement and evaluate informed policy responses.
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 8.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Workplace settings
- Government
- Private sector corporations
- Non-government organisations
- Media
- Defence forces
- Foreign affairs departments
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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.
What will I study in the Master of International Relations (Professional)?
Build advanced understanding of international relations and shape your study through electives or a specialisation. Complete a final pathway aligned with professional practice or research.
Build your global lens
Study the forces shaping world politics
Explore how institutions, security, human rights and contemporary political change interact, including in the Asia-Pacific region.
Strengthen policy and analysis skills
Learn to interpret evidence, weigh competing arguments and make sense of complex international issues.
Begin shaping your direction
Start using electives or a specialisation to expand your interests.
Specialise and apply
Tailor study to your career goals
Continue with electives or a specialisation, building depth in the areas that best support your future work.
Choose a pathway with purpose
Complete either a professional experience option, a research paper or a minor thesis pathway.
Translate theory into practice
Undertake work-integrated learning and project-based study.
Course structure
To be awarded a Master of International Relations (Professional) a student must successfully complete 16 credit points.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Plus 2 credit points of research units:
Plus 7 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 9 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 8 credit points 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
What to expect while studying
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.
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.
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
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^.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| 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 and apply findings in scholarly practice and in professional practice settings. |
| 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 diverse range of audiences in scholarly academic settings and professional contexts. |
| 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 in scholarly academic and professional contexts. |
| Analyse, critically evaluate, and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors, including those in professional practice settings, 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, professional practice 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 and from others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds including in a professional setting 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, considering cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. |
Approved at Faculty Board May 2019
- Award granted
- Master of International Relations (Professional)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A735
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 108401H Burwood (Melbourne)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of International Relations (A503)
- Graduate Diploma of International Relations (A603)