Overview
Overview
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
