Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) [1 year]

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, 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.

The Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) - Online - 1 year requires 1 year of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course specialisation is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

Graduates of this degree will have a sound understanding of the major fields of international law and international relations in global and regional contexts, can articulate the range of interaction and influence, and use their acquired knowledge to plan transactions and activities, and resolve problems, to further relevant domestic and international objectives.

Recommended study pattern

Program of study - 36 credit points

Core - 9 credit points

First half - 4.5 credit points

• LLIR9501Principles of Public International Law - 4.5 credit points

Second half - 4.5 credit points

• LLIR9500The Relationship Between International Law and International Relations - 4.5 credit points

Option Topics

Select 27 units from the Option Topics list below:

• INTR9069Approaches to International Relations - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9507Law and International Relations in the Asia/Pacific - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9511International Human Rights - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9512Marginalised Populations and International Law - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9514International Institutions - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9515Law of the Sea - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9516Law of the World Trade Organisation - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9518Principles of International Environmental Law - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9520Research Paper - 18 credit points
• LLIR9521Nuclear Energy and Weapons and International Law - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9522Modern Technology, Artificial Intelligence and International Law - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9524International and Comparative Intellectual Property Law - 4.5 credit points
• LLIR9523Introduction to European Union Law - 4.5 credit points

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) - Online - 1 year, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

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 one of the following:

• An Honours degree in Law, International Relations or in another discipline related to the field of study
• A Graduate Diploma in Law, International Relations or in another discipline related to the field of study; OR
• A Bachelor degree in Law, International Relations or in another discipline related to the field of study (such as certain disciplines of arts, humanities and social sciences) and have a minimum of 2 years full-time equivalent professional experience in the field of study.

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.