Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer

You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student

You're a domestic student if you are:

  • a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

You're an international student if you are:

  • intending to study on a student visa,
  • not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • not an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.
You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student
Change

 

Call us

We have the answers to your postgraduate questions.

 

 Send an enquiry

Email us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Enquire now

 

Find an agent

Find a UQ agent near you.

 

How to apply How to apply

 

How to apply

It’s easy, but there are a few things to consider.

Learn how to apply

Ready to apply?

Start today. Save for later if you need to.

Start application

 

Call us

We have the answers to your postgraduate questions.

 

 Send an enquiry

Email us, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Enquire now

 

Find an agent

Find a UQ agent near you.

 

How to apply How to apply

 

How to apply

It’s easy, but there are a few things to consider.

Learn how to apply

Ready to apply?

Start today. Save for later if you need to.

Start application

Book case of vintage books

Master of International Relations

Overview

Gain an advanced understanding of the key issues in world politics, international security, foreign affairs and international and regional governance.

The Master of International Relations (MIR) is a coursework program aimed at developing conceptual and empirical understanding and skill-sets in research and knowledge in international relations (IR). You'll work with world-class teachers and researchers who are in touch with industry partners and participate in regular public commentary and debate in their fields. You'll also study alongside students from many different countries and backgrounds.

The program builds on a core of nearly 40 courses and projects covering the main elements of IR, including fields such as IR of the Asia-Pacific Region, Foreign Policy and Diplomacy, Ethics and Human Rights, and Globalisation, International Political Economy and Development. You may also include an optional applied fieldwork experience or research thesis in your program and/or participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.

UQ’s Master of International Relations will equip you with the analytical and practical skills for a career in diplomacy, government, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations, the UN, international journalism, or development. 

Location
St Lucia
Duration
1 Year full-time (or part-time equivalent)
1.5 Years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
2 Years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (19 Feb, 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul, 2024)
Program Code
5641
AQF
Level 9
Location
St Lucia
Fees
A$41120
Duration
1 Year full-time (only available as full-time study)
1.5 Years full-time (only available as full-time study)
2 Years full-time (only available as full-time study)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (19 Feb, 2024), Semester 2 (22 Jul, 2024)
Semester dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed
Program Code
5641
CRICOS Code
089174J
AQF
Level 9

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • Select from a diverse spectrum of courses.
  • Study with students from a range of countries and backgrounds.
  • Choose to include a fieldwork experience or research thesis, and participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.
  • Develop the necessary skills for a rewarding career in government or non-government sectors.

1 in Queensland for politics

QS World University Rankings 2023

6 in Australia for social sciences and humanities

CWTS Leiden Ranking 2023

Watch Master of International Relations - Grace Cornish Abt Associates on YouTube.

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Overseas study
  • Research experience
  • Seminars

What you'll study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

  • Writing Politics
  • Globalisation, International Political Economy and Development
  • Foundations in Politics, Policy and International Relations
  • International Security

Dual programs

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • Asia-Pacific international relations adviser
  • International aid coordinator
  • Policy and advocacy adviser
  • Policy officer
  • Human rights advocate
  • Overseas development manager
  • International aid coordinator
  • Foreign correspondent
  • Ministerial officer
  • International law associate

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

It's possible to complete this degree in 2 years, 1.5 years or 1 year depending on your qualifications and experience.

You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.

2-year degree (32 units of study)

To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
  • to have successfully completed 3 years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution that has a formal pathway to the Master of International Relations (2-year duration).

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

1.5-year degree (24 units of study)

If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below), with a GPA of 5.0, or
  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, and to have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in International Relations from UQ, with a GPA of 4.0, or 
  • a bachelor's degree in any discipline with a GPA of 5.0, plus 3 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below) with documented evidence (such as references).

The listed grade point averages (GPA) are on a 7-point scale. 

Applications based on work experience will be individually assessed.

1-year degree (16 units of study)

If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent)full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

  • a bachelor honours degree (or equivalent)* in a relevant discipline (see below) with a GPA of 5.0, or
  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, and to have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in International Relations from UQ, with a GPA of 4.0. 

The listed grade point averages (GPA) are on a 7-point scale. 

*You must have completed a substantial research project in your Honours degree equivalent to at least one semester of full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications

Relevant disciplines include peace and conflict studies, international relations, history, political science, sociology, cultural studies, economics or political economy, anthropology, ethnography or law.

You must have completed at least a major, field of study, or approximately 30% of program content in the discipline, including a mix of introductory and advanced courses.

Relevant work experience

Relevant work experience may be paid or voluntary and includes work:

  • in planning, management and/or implementation of international policy and/or governance initiatives, including work for international organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, social movements, and the international business community, and
  • a demonstration of basic computer literacy, research and writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.

Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following:

  • That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation
  • The nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities
  • The length of time that you worked there (i.e. 3 years)
  • Whether your employment was full-time, part-time* or casual*.

*if you worked part-time or casual, please list the average number of hours worked per week.

Related programs

English language requirements

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ

TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.

PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.

BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.

CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

OET is not accepted.

 

There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Master of International Relations are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

$28,000

2024

$28,000

2024

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

AUD $41,120

2024

AUD $41,120

2024

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Government assistance

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

FEE-HELP

Domestic students who are accepted into the Master of International Relations pay tuition fees.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.

Learn more about FEE-HELP

Centrelink support

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

How to apply

Applying online

All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.

The program code for the Master of International Relations is 5641.

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. If you don't meet the requirements for your first preference, we'll automatically consider you for entry into a longer duration.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

Applying online

All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.

The program code for the Master of International Relations is 5641.

This program is available in multiple durations. You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements.

When you apply, select your preferred duration. You can also ask us to consider you for a longer duration if you don't meet the entry requirements for your first preference.

Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

Express yourself. And your interest.

They say choosing a degree is hard, which is why we've made it easy. Register your interest and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying to UQ.

Sign up for updates

Select your country and then enter your mobile phone number.

We will use your information to keep you informed about UQ programs, news, events and scholarships. By submitting this form, you consent to the terms of UQ's Marketing consent and privacy notice.