Course Overview

About This Course

Global decisions increasingly shape security, climate outcomes, public health and humanitarian response at local, national and international levels. Governments and organisations need professionals who can analyse complex international systems and respond to real world crises with confidence and skill. The Master of International Relations is a one and a half year degree that builds your advanced understanding of global politics, policy and international decision making. You will develop strong analytical, research and communication skills while applying theory to contemporary global challenges. A key feature of the degree is the partnership with RedR Australia, a leading international humanitarian response agency that trains and deploys technical experts worldwide. Eligible you can complete two credit bearing subjects through RedR in Victoria, including Essentials of Humanitarian Practice and training in high intensity environments. This experience builds your practical capability, professional confidence and valuable sector networks. You can tailor your degree through research or specialisations in climate and environment, maritime security and policy, or public health. The course prepares you for careers across government, NGOs, international organisations and humanitarian sectors. Fee subsidised places available Learning in this degree is practical, with classes focused on real global issues and how decisions are made in practice. You will work through simulations, case studies and research tasks that reflect the way international policy, security and humanitarian responses actually operate. This helps you build confidence in analysing issues, forming arguments and communicating ideas clearly. The course gives you flexibility to shape your study around your interests and career goals. You can choose a research project or thesis if you are considering further study or take a more practical pathway that includes applied coursework and optional internships. Internship options are available in different credit lengths, making it easier for you to gain experience while studying. You will learn from academics with strong research and industry backgrounds, and from teaching that draws on expertise across the University. Smaller class settings and intensive learning blocks support discussion, collaboration, and direct engagement with teaching staff. You graduate understanding how international systems work beyond theory and are prepared to enter the workforce with the ability to address complex global problems with clear, practical responses in policy, humanitarian and international roles.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Tower 1 'Darling Park, Level 2, 201 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Wollongong (On Campus): $38007 (2026) total course fee

Intakes

Autumn 2026 | Spring 2026

Study Mode

On Campus

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students

A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, OR Completion of a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, or equivalent.

Higher Education Study:

For your application to be assessed on your university results you need to have completed at least half a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a Bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

Work and life experience:

Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognised pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).
For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications:

UOW recognises a range of overseas higher education qualifications. Your qualifications will be assessed for equivalence to Australian qualifications and the admission requirements for this course. Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.
For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

English language proficiency:

All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.
Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.
Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

International Students

A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, OR Completion of a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, or equivalent.

English Language Requirements:

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

IELTS Academic:

Overall Score 6.5, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Listening 6.0, Speaking 6.0

TOEFL (Internet-based):

Overall Score 88, Reading 18, Writing 18, Listening 18, Speaking 18

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Border Security and Customs Policy Officer
Climate and Disaster Risk Analyst
Climate Policy and Research Officer
Defence and Security Analyst
Environmental Health Adviser
Environmental Policy Analyst
Global Health Program Officer
Health Economist
Health Research Analyst
International Development and NGO Program Officer
Maritime Compliance and Law of the Sea Officer
Maritime Policy and Ocean Governance Adviser
Maritime Risk and Intelligence Analyst
Policy Adviser (Health and Social Services)
Policy Support Officer
Population Health Project Officer
Public Health Policy Officer
Strategic Policy Analyst
Sustainability and Resilience Adviser

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units24 units

MIR 900

Theories of International Relations

Core — 12 credit points

MIR 920

Extended Internship in International Relations

Electives > Capstone Electives — 12 credit points

MIR 910

Internship in International Relations

Electives > Capstone Electives — 6 credit points

MIR 916

Research Project

Electives > Capstone Electives — 12 credit points

MIR 905

Human Rights and Global Politics

Electives > Capstone Electives — 12 credit points

MIR 917

Research Thesis

Electives > Capstone Electives — 24 credit points

POL 826

Global Inequality