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MC-INTREL

Master of International Relations

Master by coursework

Be equipped to shape global policy and lead meaningful change.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Master of International Relations
  • Duration

    Duration

    2 years full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    400
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    117076H
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

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Semester 1, 2025

Applications now open!

12 February 2025

Semester 2, 2025

3 March 2025

9 July 2025

Semester 1, 2026

11 August 2025

5 February 2026

Semester 2, 2026

6 April 2026

2 July 2026

Course outline

What can I do with a degree in Master of International Relations

Make the world a safer place

Influence the key decisions that determine our collective future.

Pursue a meaningful career

There is a growing need for experts who can use their strong technical, analytical and critical thinking skills to address the complex challenges of international politics.

Work in diverse settings

You can find work in various settings such as federal government, global organisations like the UN or the WHO, multinational firms, media companies, or academia and research.

Outline

Outline

From climate change to terrorism, cyber threats to the plight of refugees and mass human displacement, the international system is growing evermore complex. To address contemporary challenges, international relations professionals need diverse theoretical and practical training to respond to real-world situations.

This course provides such theoretical underpinnings and practical skills to give you much sought after employment capabilities. A career in international relations is about making and supporting the key decisions that promote the international rules-based order and determine our collective future.

You will be equipped with effective critical thinking skills and specialist knowledge in international relations, preparing you to be an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world.

Across two years of study, you’ll gain expertise in diplomacy, foreign policymaking, analysis, international politics and statecraft.

Under the guidance of academics with practical experience at senior-levels in policymaking and intelligence analysis, you’ll explore the traditional topics of statecraft, such as armed conflict, diplomacy, international trade and competition between major powers.

You will also explore contemporary global challenges including environmental change and climate change, disinformation and espionage, humanitarian and cultural issues, the rise of political extremism and emerging technologies.

You can also choose to focus your skills in a particular area of interest such as strategic studies, intelligence, human security or in specific countries/regions.

In your final year, you’ll develop advanced research and policymaking skills through a professional work placement or research project/dissertation.

Intermediate awards
You may be able to exit this course early with a Graduate Certificate in International Security or a Graduate Diploma in International Security once you have completed the required units.

Further study
If you choose to complete a research dissertation as part of this course and complete it to a high standard, you may be eligible for entry into a doctoral degree.

What jobs can the Master of International Relations course lead to?

Careers

  • Diplomat
  • Strategic/foreign policy officer
  • Intelligence analyst
  • Humanitarian aid worker
  • International development officer
  • Researcher and consultancy
  • UN political affairs advisor
  • International correspondent

Industries

  • Foreign affairs
  • Defence Intelligence
  • State and federal government
  • Media and journalism
  • International trade
  • Global NGOs

What you'll learn

  • apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international relations in work related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects
  • critically analyse and interpret major political, security, socio-economic and policy issues using an international relations framework
  • communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international relations data or theories
  • develop skills to think strategically and in the global context
  • develop strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments
  • develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

A three- or four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant field, OR successful completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or related field.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

Fees are indicative only.

* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
  • Online
Semester 2
  • On campus
  • Online

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
  • Online
Semester 2
  • On campus
  • Online

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MC-INTREL
  • CRICOS code: 117076H
  • Last updated on: 21 November 2024

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