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Master of International Relations (Professional)

Postgraduate coursework

Gain high-level skills in theoretical and empirical analysis to interpret global issues. Graduate ready for a career in government or the private sector.

This course is only available for international students.

Key facts

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Get high-level skills in theoretical and empirical analysis to interpret global issues.

This course is ideal if you work in public service, the private sector or for a small business, as you will learn how international forces shape your environment.

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.

The Master of International Relations aims to produce graduates who are able to demonstrate high-level skills of theoretical and empirical analysis and interpret global issues and events. This course will give you a substantial understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations.

You’ll examine key contemporary issues and developments around the world, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. The program also offers optional postgraduate internships, giving you the opportunity to get experience overseas.

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Course information

Award granted
Master of International Relations (Professional)
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
A735
CRICOS code?
108401H Burwood (Melbourne)
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 (Professional) a student must successfully complete 16 credit points as follows:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
  • 6 credit points of core units
  • 10 credit points of study from the following:
    • one pathway option:
      • Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
      • Research Paper - non-PhD Pathway
      • Professional Experience - non-PhD Pathway
    • any remaining credit points may be chosen from the course electives list (course elective units may be used to form a specialisation)

6

Core units

10

Pathway/Elective/Specialisation units

16

Total units

Core Units

  • The United Nations and International Organisation
  • Human Rights in World Politics
  • International Relations Theory
  • Contemporary International Politics
  • Security and Strategy
  • Internship A
  • Pathways

    Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway

  • Research Design
  • Plus 2 credit points of research units:

  • Minor Thesis A
  • Minor Thesis B
  • Plus 7 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives

    Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^

  • Research Paper
  • Plus 9 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives

    Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^

  • Internship Capstone (2 credit points)
  • Plus 8 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives

    ^ The Research Paper and Professional Experience options are not PhD Pathways.

    Course Electives

  • Global Crime, Prevention and Responses
  • Gender, Race and Culture
  • Climate Change and Sustainability
  • Humanitarian Knowledge and Principles
  • Political Communication: Public Watchdog Or Propaganda Machine?
  • China and the World
  • Australian Foreign Policy
  • International Conflict Analysis
  • Transnational Activism and Policy
  • Human Rights in World Politics
  • Global Political Economy
  • Terrorism in International Politics
  • Research Design
  • Internship Capstone
  • Public International Law
  • Specialisations

    Students who complete a specialisation will have the specialisation indicated on their academic transcript.

    Specialisations are available in the following areas:

    Conflict and Security*

    Diplomacy and Activism*

    Human Rights and International Law 

    *Trimester 3 study is required


    Course Electives

    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

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing 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 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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    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

    If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer. Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 you have.

    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 this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

    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 international student fees.

    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.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    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.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    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.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
    If you need assistance, please contact us.

    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

    Alternative exits

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Career opportunities for international relations graduates exist in all levels of government, private sector corporations and small business, non-government organisations, the media, consultancy, the defence forces, foreign affairs departments, immigration departments, management consultancies, multicultural associations, education, health, politics and 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 and apply findings in scholarly practice and in professional practice settings.
    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 diverse range of audiences in scholarly academic settings and professional contexts.
    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 in scholarly academic and professional contexts.
    Critical thinking 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.
    Problem solving 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
    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 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.
    Global citizenship 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