Master of International Relations
Overview
Gain an advanced understanding of the key issues and challenges in contemporary 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 the IR field. 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, and you'll study alongside students from many different countries and backgrounds.
The two year full-time (or part-time equivalent) 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.
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/or participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.
- Develop the necessary skills for a rewarding career in government or non-government sectors.
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- 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
- Principles of International Law
- Communication and Social Movements
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
“The lecturers in the Master of International Relations program are very accessible despite being very prominent scholars and widely respected in the field. I always get comprehensive feedback on my assignments and feel well coached to pursue my career and academic goals.”
Amanda Souza e SilvaGraduate, Master of International Relations
“The greatest strength of the master's program was its staff. The lecturers fostered a stimulating academic environment with a dynamic student body, challenged me to elevate the standard of my work, and were highly supportive of professional development.”
Libby FeeneyGraduate, Master of International Relations
“Being awarded a 2019 Westpac Future Leaders scholarship is an opportunity for me to pursue my passion for international relations in the Asia-Pacific and gain an academic and professional background in foreign policy development.”
Matthew PageCurrent students, Master of International Relations
“The lecturers in the Master of International Relations program are very accessible despite being very prominent scholars and widely respected in the field. I always get comprehensive feedback on my assignments and feel well coached to pursue my career and academic goals.”
Amanda Souza e SilvaGraduate, Master of International Relations
“The greatest strength of the master's program was its staff. The lecturers fostered a stimulating academic environment with a dynamic student body, challenged me to elevate the standard of my work, and were highly supportive of professional development.”
Libby FeeneyGraduate, Master of International Relations
“Being awarded a 2019 Westpac Future Leaders scholarship is an opportunity for me to pursue my passion for international relations in the Asia-Pacific and gain an academic and professional background in foreign policy development.”
Matthew PageCurrent students, Master of International Relations
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
English language requirements
Need help meeting the entry 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.
Fees and Scholarships
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.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $30,304
Indicative annual fee 2020
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Master of International Relations for the 2020 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
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.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $23,940
Indicative annual fee 2020
This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Master of International Relations at 2020 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
The average fee would be less for part-time study. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses, their unit value and the time you take to complete this program. Fees may be higher in later years as all fees are reviewed annually.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
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.
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.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
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 Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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