Degree details

Graduates will be able to:

  1. investigate and analyse critically situations arising in a global and regional context where international law can play a role in resolving problems, particularly at the policy level;
  2. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the major fields of international law and international relations in global and regional contexts;
  3. articulate at theoretical and practical levels in terms understandable to specialist and non-specialist audiences, as appropriate, the ways in which relevant rules of international law mutually interact with and influence the content of international relations in the twenty-first century;
  4. apply the 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;
  5. demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the intersection of the fields of international law and international relations.

Career objectives

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.

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters 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) topics including a research paper and twelve option topics chosen from a range of option topics available. These topics 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 topics per semester and part-time students undertake two topics 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) topics including a research paper and twelve option topics chosen from a range of option topics available.

Applications are submitted directly to Flinders University through its online application system.