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. 

Our increasingly globalised world necessitates a greater understanding of international law, international relations and international dispute resolution mechanisms. Today's greatest problems and crises-including the COVID-19 pandemic, terrorism, global economic issues, and climate change- require international coordination rather than diverse national responses.

In Griffith's Master of International Law, you'll be equipped with the skills to understand and apply international and globalised law principles in a range of contexts. Throughout your studies, you'll explore crucial topics such as international human rights and environmental issues, cross-border negotiations, transactions and disputes, and public international law developments.

As a student of this degree, you'll build on your existing knowledge and experience to gain a competitive edge in the legal, business, civil society, government, engineering and other professions where greater skills and knowledge in the field of international and global law are required. You'll also benefit from a stellar student support team. On-campus students will learn from a campus close to the iconic Gold Coast and its stunning beaches, and benefit socially and professionally from a thriving, collegiate learning community.

Taught by experienced experts, you'll gain a world-class education in a range of subjects including:

• international human rights law
• international negotiations
• international environmental law
• international family law and litigation
• international commercial litigation
• international criminal law
• transitional justice

Under the guidance of an engaged supervisor, you may choose to explore a thesis option, enabling a deep dive into the international law topic of your passion. You'll also be able to undertake a variety of related non-law subjects, such as international relations theory, to diversify your skill set and knowledge base.

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 $44,250

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 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for admission to the Master of International Law, applicants must have one of:

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80 credit points):

• A recognised Bachelor degree in a related Law discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND a minimum two years full-time equivalent relevant Law industry professional experience (solicitor, barrister, in house counsel, government lawyer) OR
• A higher qualification in a related Law discipline.

Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120 credit points):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher qualification*) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale

*A higher qualification refers to a qualification at a higher level than a Bachelor qualification, which includes any of the following: a Bachelor Honours Degree; Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, MPhil or PhD. 

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 a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• 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 C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

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