Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) (1.5 years)

The course specialisation aims to meet the educational needs of graduates with an interest in law and international relations

In particular it seeks to:

• Critically examine, in an increasingly globalised 21st century world, the significance of international law as a means of regulating matters affecting relations among nation states and, increasingly, within nation states
• Explore and analyse the significant connections between international law, and the structure and operation of major institutions in society, with an emphasis on issues arising in a global context
• Provide advanced knowledge of and the skills to apply the legal rules that operate within selected specific fields that fall within the broad conception of international law, especially as it concerns security, business, transnational threats, human rights, protection of the global environment and intellectual property
• Provide knowledge of research principles and methods and the skills and knowledge to be able to plan and execute a substantial research-based project in the field of international law and its relationship to international relations.

This coursework and research program aims to meet the educational needs of graduates with an interest in law and international relations and is delivered fully online. It is designed to provide you with the opportunity to engage with the person leading the learning while also interacting with fellow students. You will have access to interactive activities and online group discussions. In this highly engaging environment you will expand your international law and international relations skills into areas such as international environmental law, international relations in the Asia/Pacific, human rights, law of the sea, WTO, and international criminal justice.

It is 1.5 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) 1.5 year consists of 54 units. As a guide, full-time students generally undertake four subjects per semester and part-time students undertake two subjects per semester. 

Core topics cover areas such as approaches to international relations, principles of public international law, and a further research paper in international law/international relations (9-unit topic). The option topics include, among others, Law and International Relations in the Asia/Pacific, Relationship between International Law and International Relations, Law of the Sea, International Environmental Law, Transnational Crime and the International Criminal Justice System, International Human Rights, Marginalised Populations and International Law, Law of the WTO, International Institutions, Legal Approaches to Conflict, and Current Issues in International Law and International Relations.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) - 1.5 years, a student must complete 54 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Not all topics are necessarily available each year.

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

Indicative total fee $27,900

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.

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 in any area of study with at least two years of professional experience in Law, International Relations or related areas.

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.