Master of International Relations

There are three streams based on your prior academic and/or professional experience. Stream A (1 year) is for those with an Honours degree or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline, or a relevant Bachelor degree plus one year of professional experience. Stream B (1.7 years) is for those with a Bachelor degree in a relevant or any discipline (with or without professional experience), or an Honours/Graduate Diploma in any discipline. Stream C (2 years) is for those with a Bachelor degree in any discipline. If you qualify for Stream A or B, you may also be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can reduce the number of subjects you need to complete.

Yes. You can graduate with two master's degrees by combining the Master of International Relations with another eligible Arts, Design & Architecture master's degree through the Master of Arts and Social Sciences (Combined) program.

For domestic students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $33,000 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $67,500. For international students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $47,000 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $98,500. Fees are subject to annual review and may vary; the amounts listed are indicative guides only.

The Master of International Relations commences in Term 1 and Term 3 each year. UNSW encourages applicants to submit their completed application as early as possible to ensure processing in time for their preferred term. Note that some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes for new international students, but applications for all 2027 intakes are open.

The program covers a wide range of contemporary global issues including international security, great-power rivalry, regional conflicts, nuclear proliferation, global environmental politics, civil conflict and terrorism, human rights, gender politics, international political economy, and development. You will also examine theories of international relations and how they shape our understanding of world politics, learning from academics recognised in areas such as international law, political economy, international security studies, foreign policy, regional studies, history and gender studies.