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Overview

The following information applies to students commencing from 2022. If you commenced prior to 2022, please refer to the program rules for the year you started. Studying International Relations (IR) at UNSW will equip you with a strong theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary world politics. The program is designed … For more content click the Read More button below. The Master of International Relations (MIR) will extend and deepen your existing skills, knowledge and understanding of world politics as well as teaching advanced skills in research and analytical thinking. The program offers the opportunity to analyse issues such as the global economy and environment, international law and diplomacy, international and regional institutions, the conduct of war and the pursuit of international peace and security. In practical terms, you will study current issues of international concern, including economic uncertainty, environmental threats, humanitarian crises, human rights violations, global poverty and terrorism. The program emphasises the relationship between theory and practice in world politics; studying for the Master of International Relations will extend your existing knowledge and equip you with advanced skills to analyse world affairs. You will explore the many issues raised by increasing global interconnectivity, and the rapidly changing nature of world politics. The program has three different streams depending on your existing qualifications: the 1 year stream (A) requires completion of 48 units of credit over 1 year of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent); the 1.7 year stream (B) requires completion of 72 units of credit over 1.5 years of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent); and the 2 year stream (C) requires completion of 96 units of credit over 2 years of full-time enrolment (or part-time equivalent). Please see below for more information on entry requirements.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Account for the ways in which new knowledge is produced and deeper knowledge acquired in and for International Relations
  • Professionals
  • Scholars
2.
Provide evidence of advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills applicable to a range of international environments and practices.
  • Professionals
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
3.
Demonstrate an understanding of both local and global issues in the field of International Relations.
  • Global citizens
  • Professionals
4.
Communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences, undertake both independent and collaborative enquiry, apply technical skills and be adaptive learners and practitioners.
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
  • Professionals
  • Global citizens
5.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of International Relations and an ability to apply this in a range of international contexts and environments.
  • Scholars
  • Leaders

Graduate Capabilities

For more information on Graduate Capabilities please click on this link

Program Structure

Students must complete 96 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

48 UOC specialisation (POLSJS)

  1. Research Core Course (6 UOC)
  2. Disciplinary Core Courses (12 UOC)
  3. Prescribed Disciplinary Elective (6 UOC)
  4. Prescribed Electives (24 UOC)

72 UOC specialisation (POLSIS)

  1. Research Core Courses (12 UOC)
  2. Disciplinary Core Courses (12 UOC)
  3. Prescribed Disciplinary Elective (6 - 12 UOC)
  4. Prescribed Electives (36 - 42 UOC)

96 UOC specialisation (POLSHS)

  1. Research Core Courses (12 UOC)
  2. Disciplinary Core Courses (24 UOC)
  3. Prescribed Electives (60 UOC)

Specialisation Requirements

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

Limitations on Recognition of Prior Learning

For more information about admission requirements for various UNSW programs, visit the following website(s):
Domestic Students
International Student

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Progression rules are in accordance with university policy.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Similar Program

Master of Development Studies - MDS8942 - Development Studies

Postgraduate Pathway

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD1272 - Social Sciences

Professional Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Our graduates can be found in a range of challenging and high-profile roles, both in Australia and internationally:

- Public sector: Recent graduates have gained employment with AusAid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship Affairs in Australia; Ministry of External Affairs (Mexico), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway), Ministry of Defence (Singapore).

- Private sector: media organisations, industry and financial services.

- Non-government organisations in countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Tonga.

- The program is also a gateway for higher research in International Relations.

Recognition of Achievement

Award with Excellence
Current Students Award with Excellence
For more information, please visit:
The Award with Excellence is awarded in coursework masters programs, including Masters (Extension) but with the exception of Masters (Extended) such as JD and MD, when a Weighted Average Mean (WAM) of at least 80% has been achieved and at least 50% of the requirements of the award are completed at UNSW. All eligible programs will award 'with Excellence' except in special circumstances where approval of Academic Board has been given for a program to opt out.

Additional Information

Further information

Contact the UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Student Services for advice.

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Domestic Students
Commonwealth Supported Students (if applicable)
International Students

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)
Pre-2019 Handbook Editions