Get high-level skills in theoretical and empirical analysis to interpret global issues.
This course is ideal if you work in public service, the private sector or for a small business, as you will learn how international forces shape your environment.
You’ll develop skills in policy analysis, get a systematic understanding of the threats to peace and security, and global forces shaping political, social and economic life.
The Master of International Relations aims to produce graduates who are able to demonstrate high-level skills of theoretical and empirical analysis and interpret global issues and events. This course will give you a substantial understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations.
You’ll examine key contemporary issues and developments around the world, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. The program also offers optional postgraduate internships, giving you the opportunity to get experience overseas.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities for international relations graduates exist in all levels of government, private sector corporations and small business, non-government organisations, the media, consultancy, the defence forces, foreign affairs departments, immigration departments, management consultancies, multicultural associations, education, health, politics and research.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Research information
Students will complete a research pathway in 1 of the 3 following options:
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^.
Course Learning Outcomes
Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
Review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International Relations pertaining to foreign policy, conflict and security, international and regional politics, globalisation, and international law with reference to empirical cases and apply findings in scholarly practice and in professional practice settings.
Communication
Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts and their application to real-world contexts, in a selection of written, oral and digital formats to a diverse range of audiences in scholarly academic settings and professional contexts.
Digital literacy
Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings, and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences in scholarly academic and professional contexts.
Critical thinking
Analyse, critically evaluate, and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors, including those in professional practice settings, in the context of the changing international political system.
Problem solving
Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real-world, professional practice problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in the areas of conflict and security, globalization, international crises and risks, foreign policy, and international law
Self-management
Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations.
Teamwork
Work and learn collaboratively with and from others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds including in a professional setting while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning.
Global citizenship
Analyse and respond to issues in global politics in domestic, regional, and international contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, considering cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards.
Approved at Faculty Board May 2019
Course rules
To complete the Master of International Relations (Professional) students must pass 16 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
6 credit points of core units
10 credit points of study from the following:
one pathway option:
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Research Paper - non-PhD Pathway
Professional Experience - non-PhD Pathway
any remaining credit points can be chosen from the course electives list (course elective units may be used to form a specialisation)
There are options for WIL and study tours across many of the SHSS courses.
Research and research-related study
Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
