Master of International Relations

The Master of International Relations aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in international relations. It also aims to teach students how to undertake and/or interpret research in this area.

On completion of the course you will be able to:

1. Integrate concepts, theories, contemporary trends and developments in international relations using advanced abilities
2. Evaluate complex information to appropriately address problems and challenges in international relations
3. Combine appropriate critical research and evaluative skills in relation to the theory and practice of international relations
4. Justify knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The Master of International Relations provides a comprehensive foundation in the core skills required for managers and analysts working in foreign affairs, international trade, defence, and national and international security. It combines theory and practical analysis to examine global issues like war, poverty, security, economics, trade and diplomacy.

The Master of International Relations requires 2 years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

The course articulates with the 18 unit Graduate Certificate in International Relations and the 36 unit Graduate Diploma in International Relations, and the sequentially developed topics enable progression through the three awards.

Recommended study pattern

The study program includes core topics, elective topics, as well as individual research.

Topics cover areas such as governance in a global world, policy analysis, public management, international security, human rights, inclusion and innovation in public leadership, and professional ethics and public administration.

When core topics are offered in both halves of the year, students may enrol in these topics in either half of the year as long as requisites are met. Electives can be incorporated from public policy, public administration or international law, and two electives can be selected from anywhere across the university.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of International Relations, a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study.

Upon completion of 18 or 36 units a student may choose to exit with a Graduate Certificate in International Relations or a Graduate Diploma in International Relations respectively, subject to meeting the program of study for that award.

Exit points

• Graduate Certificate in International Relations
• Graduate Diploma in International Relations. 

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

Indicative total fee $60,984

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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Students who have completed a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, or an approved equivalent, but not an undergraduate degree, must also meet a GPA requirement.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.

Masters students have the opportunity to undertake an internship. A Flinders’ internship helps you graduate work-ready and provides experience directly related to a specialist area in your degree.