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. 

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), 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)

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 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 $62,000

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, 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 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 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.