Master of International Relations

Graduates of the Master of International Relations will have:

• an advanced and integrated understanding of contemporary theories of government policymaking, and the relationships between the government and non-government sectors in public administration
• an advanced and integrated understanding of contemporary theories of international relations, their philosophical and sociological underpinnings, and their application to empirical contexts
• an advanced understanding of the relationship between key historical, political and theoretical developments
• 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.

You may find career opportunities in roles within internationally focused areas of government, including diplomacy, strategic analysis, defence, immigration and trade and investment relations. You could also find work in businesses with overseas profiles, international aid and other non-governmental organisations, and news and media organisations.

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Master of International Relations, you must have one of: 

1 year program (80CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience; OR A Griffith Graduate Certificate in International Relations (or equivalent) with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale.  

1.5 Year program (120CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR A recognised Graduate Certificate (or equivalent) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale. 

2 year program (160CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above. 

*Related Discipline: 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. 

^Professional Experience: 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 Proficiency Requirements

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.

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 policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

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.

International Relations is a dynamic, rapidly evolving field focused on sources of conflict, cooperation and change in the international system. You'll work with Griffith's world-class academic staff in exploring topics such as diplomacy and statecraft, international security, human rights, globalisation and international organisations. The program prepares students for a range of careers in government and diplomatic relations, international business, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, media and more.

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), if eligible to complete this program in 1 year, you must acquire 80 credit points as prescribed below:

1 Year Pathway

• 80 credit points for the Core Module

For the award of Master of International Relations (MIntRel), if eligible to complete this program in 1.5 years, you must acquire 120 credit points as prescribed below:

1.5 Year Pathway

• 80 credit points for the Core Module AND
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

For the award of Master of International Relations (MIntRel), if eligible to complete this program in 2 years, you must acquire 160 credit points as prescribed below:

2 Year Pathway

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module AND
• 80 credit points for the Core Module AND
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

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.