Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) (Basic level entry)

This course will equip graduates with the academic qualifications necessary to seek employment in government service in areas of foreign affairs, international diplomacy, law, defence, foreign aid and trade. It may also qualify them for positions with international bodies and non-government organisations involved with the implementation of international law (including international criminal law), human rights advocacy, international relations including humanitarian assistance, aid distribution and other associated work auxiliary to government.

Higher education

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification.

English Proficiency Requirements

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. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit

This degree aims to meet the educational needs of applicants with an interest in law and international relations. It examines, 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; and explores and analyses 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 whilst providing 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.

It is 2 years in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students complete three core (compulsory) subjects including a research paper and twelve subjects chosen from a range of elective subjects available. These subjects aim to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills acquired to identify and evaluate complex problems at the intersection of international law and international relations and devise solutions relevant to the achievement of domestic and international objectives that arise within a global context and with the knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the intersection of the fields of international law and international relations.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake four subjects per semester and part-time students undertake two subjects per semester. 

Award Requirements

To complete the Master of Laws (International Law and International Relations) (Basic level entry), students must successfully complete three core (compulsory) subjects including a research paper and twelve subjects chosen from a range of elective subjects available.