Master of International Relations

Graduates of the Master of International Relations will have:

1. An advanced and integrated understanding of contemporary theories of government policymaking, and the relationships between the government and non-government sectors in public administration.
2. An advanced and integrated understanding of contemporary theories of international relations, their philosophical and sociological underpinnings, and their application to empirical contexts.
3. An advanced understanding of the relationship between key historical, political and theoretical developments.
4. An advanced applied understanding and critical engagement with the research principles, disciplinary concepts and methodologies necessary for analysing complex issues and events in politics, government and international relations. 

Advance your expertise in global politics with a Master of International Relations and gain the advanced knowledge and analytical skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. Learn how to critically assess global events, interpret international policy and contribute to informed decision-making at the highest levels.

Highlights of studying the Master of International Relations

• Work closely with world-class lecturers and researchers to explore diplomacy and statecraft, international security, human rights, globalisation and international organisations.
• Develop the capacity to analyse power, justice, peace and order in contemporary world politics through rigorous study of international relations theory, foreign policies and global governance.
• Examine Australia's foreign policy, defence strategy and engagement with Asia and the United States.
• Analyse terrorism, nuclear proliferation, environmental security and emerging global threats.
• Develop research expertise through qualitative and quantitative research design and engage with real case studies across diplomacy, peacebuilding and international development.
• Eligible students may receive credit for approved recognised prior study and/or relevant professional experience, so you may gain a masters qualification in as little as 1 year of full-time study. See entry requirements below. 

Advanced global expertise

Develop a strong theoretical and practical foundation in world politics. Your ability to design and conduct high-level research will be strengthened, preparing you for policy analysis roles or further PhD study.

Majors

Public Policy: Develop advanced skills in policy design, evaluation and ethical leadership. Learn how to measure policy impact, strengthen integrity and anti-corruption systems and lead effective implementation in complex public sector environments. You'll be prepared for senior roles in government, regulatory agencies and advisory positions.

Security, Development and Human Rights: Gain specialist expertise in global security, governance and development. Explore democracy in Asia, gender and security, international ethics and contemporary development challenges. You'll graduate ready for roles in international organisations, foreign affairs, defence, human rights and global policy.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Introduction to International Relations
• Australian Foreign Policy 
• International Law and Organisations 
• Global Security.

Plus there’s a selection of major and electives to choose from. 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 Relations (MIntRel), you must successfully Complete 160 credit points for one of the following:

• 160 credit points from Pathway 1 – duration 1 year (80CP of study and 80CP for prior learning), or
• 160 credit points from Pathway 2 – duration 1.5 years (120CP of study and 40CP for prior learning), or
• 160 credit points from Pathway 3 – duration 2 years (160CP of study)

Exit points

To be eligible to exit with the 3142 - Graduate Certificate in International Relations award, you must successfully complete 40 credit points of foundation courses.

To exit, you should apply for a program transfer

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.

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

Indicative total fee $65,000

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

Explore Griffith University courses

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, 1.5 years or 2 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 (80CP) 

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline and two years relevant work experience

1.5 year duration (120CP) 

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a related discipline
• a Graduate Certificate in International Relations (3142) (or equivalent)

2 year duration (160CP) 

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)  
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above criteria 

Related discipline includes political science, international relations, global studies, government, politics, security, public policy, public administration, sociology, social science, criminology/criminal justice, law, history, economics, geography, journalism, communications, political philosophy, development studies, human rights, Asian studies, area studies

Relevant work experience includes government, campaign or elections, diplomacy, public policy, international organisations (UN, ASEAN, World Health Organization, etc.), non-governmental organizations, civil society groups (including activism), extended volunteering, journalism or public relations, law, development and foreign aid, criminal justice, military, international business, business-policy interface, researcher, economist, risk or security analyst

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.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

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

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

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.