Master of International Relations

Understand and address the world’s most pressing challenges, including war and peace, social and economic justice, poverty, development and environmental sustainability.

Investigate relations among states and non-state actors, including the evolution of the international system.

Develop sophisticated critical thinking through this intellectually rigorous, research-intensive program.The Master of International Relations allows you to specialise in Economics, Political Economy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Sociology, Social Policy and Development, or International Law.

You will gain a deep understanding of complex problem solving in a globalised world.The Department of Government and International Relations is one of the largest of its kind in Australia, with links to some of the major policy think tanks in Australia, such as the Australian Institute of International Affairs, and the Lowy Institute.

We also house the Centre for International Security Studies and the Electoral Integrity project.Our academics are recognised experts in international relations theory, public policy, international political economy and security, Australian and comparative politics, migration, and North and Southeast Asian politics.

• American Foreign Policy (Specialisation)
• Country Risk Assessment (Specialisation)
• Human Rights (Specialisation)
• International Law (Specialisation)
• Social Research (Specialisation)

Admission requirement

Admission to candidature for the Master of International Relations (2 year full time) requires:

· A bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65 percent) average calculated over the whole degree, from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification

Candidates may apply for a Reduced Volume of Learning (RVL) if they have completed the embedded Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or if they have an Honours degree in a relevant discipline.

Candidates may also apply for a Reduced Volume of Learning (RVL) if they have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit average including a major in humanities, social sciences or law. Candidates with relevant work experience may also apply for RVL . The duration and relevance of the work experience will be assessed by the department before RVL is granted.

If you do not meet the requirements listed above for direct entry to the Master’s degree, you may be able to enter via a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the same subject area and upgrade to the Master’s after successful completion of the shorter course.

What you'll study