Course Overview

About This Course

From climate change to terrorism, cyber threats to the plight of refugees and mass human displacement, the international system is growing evermore complex. To address contemporary challenges, international relations professionals need diverse theoretical and practical training to respond to real-world situations. This course provides such theoretical underpinnings and practical skills to give you much sought after employment capabilities. A career in international relations is about making and supporting the key decisions that promote the international rules-based order and determine our collective future. You will be equipped with critical thinking skills and specialist knowledge in international relations, preparing you to be an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world. As a graduate of this course, you can find work in various settings such as federal government, global organisations like the UN or the WHO, multinational firms, media companies, or academia and research. If you choose to complete a research dissertation as part of this course and complete it to a high standard, you may be eligible for entry into a doctoral degree.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Curtin Perth, Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102Curtin PerthBentley

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

A three- or four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant field, OR successful completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or related field.
English language requirements must be met: IELTS Academic with an Overall band score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening.
If you've completed a different English test or qualification, you may be able to use it to meet this requirement — check accepted English tests, qualifications and required scores on the English language requirements page.
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates can find work in various settings such as federal government, global organisations like the UN or the WHO, multinational firms, media companies, or academia and research. Career roles include: Diplomat, Strategic/foreign policy officer, Intelligence analyst, Humanitarian aid worker, International development officer, Researcher and consultancy, UN political affairs advisor, International correspondent. Industries include: Foreign affairs, Defence, Intelligence, State and federal government, Media and journalism, International trade, Global NGOs.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics and skills will I gain in the Master of International Relations?

Across two years of study, you'll gain expertise in diplomacy, foreign policymaking, analysis, international politics and statecraft. Under the guidance of academics with practical experience at senior-levels in policymaking and intelligence analysis, you'll explore traditional topics such as armed conflict, diplomacy, international trade and competition between major powers, as well as contemporary global challenges including environmental change and climate change, disinformation and espionage, humanitarian and cultural issues, the rise of political extremism and emerging technologies.

Can I specialise in a particular area within this course?

Yes, you can choose to focus your skills in a particular area of interest such as strategic studies, intelligence, human security or in specific countries/regions.

Are there any early exit options available in this course?

Yes, you may be able to exit this course early with a Graduate Certificate in International Security or a Graduate Diploma in International Security once you have completed the required units.

What are the domestic fees for this course?

The 2026 domestic indicative first-year fee is $25,316, based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Fees are indicative only and will vary depending on the units you choose. This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees or the cost of textbooks. Domestic fee-paying students may be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance.

Am I eligible to progress to a doctoral degree after completing this course?

If you choose to complete a research dissertation as part of this course and complete it to a high standard, you may be eligible for entry into a doctoral degree.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Diplomat / Foreign Service OfficerPolicy Officer – Foreign Affairs and TradeInternational Development AdviserIntelligence AnalystPolitical Risk Analyst

Key Skills

Critical analysis of international political events and trendsResearch and synthesis of complex policy informationPersuasive written and oral communicationCross-cultural communication and negotiationUnderstanding of international law and treaties

Full Course Overview

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