Handbook

Overview

Studying International Relations (IR) at UNSW will equip you with a strong theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary world politics. The program is designed to introduce you to the main theories and theoretical traditions developed to explain the practices and processes of world politics. You will explore the main theories … 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 conduct of war and the pursuit of international peace and security, the global economy and environment, international law and diplomacy, international and regional institutions, and human rights. In practical terms, you will study current issues of international concern, including regional conflicts and global great power rivalry, economic uncertainty, environmental threats, humanitarian crises, human rights violations, global poverty and terrorism.

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 conduct of war and the pursuit of international peace and security, the global economy and environment, international law and diplomacy, international and regional institutions, and human rights. In practical terms, you will study current issues of international concern, including regional conflicts and global great power rivalry, economic uncertainty, environmental threats, humanitarian crises, human rights violations, global poverty and terrorism.

Program Structure

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

48 UOC specialisation (POLSJS)

Research Core Course (6 UOC)
Disciplinary Core Courses (12 UOC)
Prescribed Disciplinary Elective (6 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (24 UOC)

72 UOC specialisation (POLSIS)

Research Core Courses (12 UOC)
Disciplinary Core Courses (12 UOC)
Prescribed Disciplinary Elective (6 - 12 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (36 - 42 UOC)

96 UOC specialisation (POLSHS)

Research Core Courses (12 UOC)
Disciplinary Core Courses (24 UOC)
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

1 year (48 UOC) program (Stream A)

One of the following:

An honours degree or graduate diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in a related field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65)
A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65), plus one year relevant professional experience

Students in this stream will receive 48 UOC in advanced standing upon entry to the program, and will complete a 1 year (48 UOC) program of study.

1.7 year (72 UOC) program (Stream B)

One of the following:

A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65)
A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65), plus one year relevant professional experience
An honours degree or graduate diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65)

Students in this stream will receive 24 UOC in advanced standing upon entry to the program, and will complete a 1.7 year (72 UOC) program of study.

*It is expected that a graduate diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.

Related fields: Business/Commerce, Communications, Comparative politics, Economics, Environmental Management, History, Humanities, Law, Management, Public Administration, Political Science, Public Health & Global Health, Social Sciences, Security Studies

2 year (96 UOC) program (Stream C)

A bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65)

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 related to international relations, 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) and other government institutions.
Private sector: media organisations, industry and financial services in the roles related to geopolitical risk assessments and planning.
In non-government organisations in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Tonga, and other places, our graduates are involved in policy advocacy, enhancing public and government awareness of the most pressing developmental, environmental, and other socio-political issues.
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 Nucleus Student Hub 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