Master of International Law

Graduates of the Master of International Law will have:  

1. advanced knowledge of international law, and comparative global law, issues and their impact on professional, legal and business practices 
2. knowledge of the principles and methods that underpin research, which responds to the broader historical, cultural (including First Peoples), socio-economic and political contexts within the international law, and comparative global law disciplines. 

This program is scheduled for delivery at the Treasury Building at our Brisbane City campus in 2027, as well as Gold Coast and Online. If the scheduled opening of Treasury Building is delayed, courses may be delivered all or in part at our other locations.

Build advanced expertise in global legal systems and gain the skills to navigate complex international challenges. The Master of International Law prepares graduates and professionals to engage with legal issues that cross borders, from international trade and environmental protection to human rights and dispute resolution. In our interconnected world, governments, organisations and businesses require professionals who understand international legal frameworks and how they operate in practice.

Highlights of studying the Master of International Law

• Develop advanced knowledge of international law and the legal systems that govern global relations.
• Examine critical global issues through courses in international human rights law, environmental law and international criminal law.
• Build expertise in cross-border negotiation, international dispute resolution and commercial arbitration.
• Explore legal frameworks that influence international trade, intellectual property and global business activity.
• On-campus students learn on the iconic Gold Coast with a thriving collegiate community.
• Broaden your perspective through global mobility programs, including short-term international study experiences or exchange opportunities that expose you to different legal systems and global perspectives.
• Eligible students may receive credit for recognised prior study or professional experience, so you may gain a masters qualification in as little as one year of full-time study.

Learn from the best

Our experienced international law experts have connections to global organisations such as the United Nations, international arbitral tribunals, the Hague Academy of International Law (including the Conference on Private International Law), major global law firms, the Australian government, international businesses and international civil society organisations.

You'll also benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities, including within international and intergovernmental organisations, as well as international courts, global law firms and businesses.

For students interested in deeper research, a supervised thesis option provides the opportunity to explore a specialised area of international law while strengthening your research and analytical capability.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• International Criminal Law
• International Family Law and Litigation
• Global Dimensions of Intellectual Property Law
• International Trade Law.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Master of International Law (MIntLaw), you must successfully Complete 120 credit points for either of the following:

• 120 credit points for all Pathway 1 – duration 1 year (80CP of study and 40CP for prior learning), or
• 120 credit points for all Pathway 2 – duration 1.5 years (120CP of study)

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

Exit points

To be eligible to exit with the 3354 - Graduate Certificate in International Law award, you must successfully complete 40 credit points for the Foundation Module as specified in this program.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $48,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

You can complete this program in 1 year or 1.5 years depending on your prior study and work experience.

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

1 year duration (80 credit points):

• A recognised Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or equivalent.

1.5 year duration (120 credit points):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher).

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

English test results must be no more than two years old.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) pathway is not accepted for this program.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies