Master of International Relations

Upon the completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Assess and selectively apply competing theories that seek to explain current and historical conflicts in the international arena to stated cases.        
2. Explain developments in international politics by integrating advanced political, legal, social and economic reasoning.          
3. Evaluate how cultural and personal factors influence perceptions in world affairs.             
4. Analyse critically the balance of causality between actors, institutions and ideas in driving change in international affairs.                     
5. Conduct independent research in world affairs in a self-directed way, applying specialised concepts, theories and methodologies in international relations and, as appropriate, cognate disciplines.
6. Provide an analyst’s perspective on international affairs including current and historical conflicts in the international arena) using written, oral and digital means at levels appropriate to specialist and non-specialist audiences and stakeholders.      
7. Research, develop and communicate policy recommendations and policy briefs on stated issues that are well argued, accurate and capable of implementation.

The Master of International Relations, which is built around innovative approaches and thinking, will empower you to comprehend and evaluate contemporary regional and global developments. It will equip you for an international career in diplomacy, journalism, the NGO sector, international business or academia.

Recommended study pattern

You will study the following subjects:

• Research Methods in International Relations
• International Relations Practice
• Security in World Politics
• Understanding World Politics: Theoretical Approaches
• International Political Economy
• International Law and Global Governance
• Europe and the World
• The Middle East in Global Politics

The order in which you study subjects may depend upon when you commence your degree and the pace of your study. Some subjects are only available at certain times of the year.

Award requirements

This postgraduate coursework degree requires completion of eight subjects.

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

Indicative total fee $33,300

The amount shown here is 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.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

• AQF level 8 bachelor honours or graduate diploma qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent; or
• Meet two of the following three criteria:
  • AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification in a related field or recognised equivalent
  • Approved work experience, professional certification or other recognised prior learning
  • AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 65

All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. The required standard of English for this degree is:

• Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent from TOEFL, Pearson, Cambridge or OET.

This course is not eligible for recognition of prior learning.