International Relations

Our world is being shaped by big questions about global justice, war, peace, social movements, and inter-state relations. These questions help define what this Master of International Relations is all about. In short, this course offers students a window into the diverse and dynamic world of politics in the 21st century.

The course offers a range of topics such as global security, economics and human rights with three specialisations, focusing on:

• governance and security
• international diplomacy and trade
• political violence and counter-terrorism.

Students may also choose to complete general studies in international relations.

This course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge of international affairs, grounded in the key debates framing global politics and driven by in-depth empirical analysis. Through this, students will be able to make sense of the complexity of global politics by providing the analytical perspectives and skills needed to see both the 'bigger picture' and comprehend detailed aspects of specific issues.

Subject to conditions, students have the opportunity to study abroad, and to develop research interests in a number of areas, providing them with a potential pathway into a higher degree by research. Our graduates have gone on to a broad range of occupations and have been employed by the likes of the United Nations, the Australian Government, and non-governmental organisations such as the International Red Cross.

Specialisations

Governance and security

This specialisation provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how power, authority, and participation is managed within and amongst states as well as challenges to this domestically and internationally. Focus is on the practical applications of governance, institutions, the rule of law, and how this works in the contemporary global environment.

International diplomacy and trade

This specialisation will advance your knowledge across international trade, diplomacy, and international law. It is designed for people at the start of their careers as well as people working in the field who want to develop their careers in international public policy, NGOs and government departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Political violence and counter-terrorism

This specialisation provides students with a critical engagement with manifestations of political violence, as well as the ideologies and conditions that give rise to political violence. Focus is on understanding terrorism and political extremism, the conditions associated with preventing and combating political violence, and the impacts of these activities on democratic and civil liberties.

General international relations studies

This enables you to tailor your unit choices to suit your own interests or needs while addressing the fundamental debates framing global politics. By selecting across the range of specialisations, you will be able to examine key issues in foreign policy, international and comparative governance, world order and security, human rights, European studies, crisis management, diplomacy and trade, or terrorism.

Part A. Foundations for advanced international relations studies (24 points)

Students complete:

a. Two six point units (12 points) from the units listed below in this section under your specialisation or general studies, taken during the first full time equivalent year of study.

Governance and security

• ATS2624 Global governance
• ATS2698 Middle East politics
• ATS3340 International security studies

International diplomacy and trade

• BTF5903 Law and business decisions
• ECF5953 Economics
• MGF5020 Business ethics in a global environment
• MGF5991 Professional development - Career dynamics

Political violence and counter-terrorism

• ATS2624 Global governance
• ATS3340 International security studies
• ATS3462 Global crime and justice
• ATS3705 Knowledge and power in world politics

General studies

Students taking general studies in international relations, should select two units from:

• ATS2624 Global governance
• ATS2698 Middle East politics
• ATS3340 International security studies
• ATS3462 International crime and justice
• ATS3705 Knowledge and power in world politics

b. One unit (12 points) from the electives in Part C

Part B. Core master's study (48 points)

Students complete:

a. The following unit (12 points):

• APG5668 Advanced seminar in international relations

b. 24 points of study from the electives listed below in this section under your specialisation or general studies

Governance and security

• APG5065 Governing migration: Refugees, borders and development
• APG5337 Governance and democratisation

International diplomacy and trade

• MGF5722 Emerging economies in a globalising world (6 points)
• MGF5710 Globalisation and the governance of market societies (6 points)
• MGF5730 International trade policy (6 points)
• MGF5911 Diplomacy and statecraft (6 points)

Political violence and counter-terrorism

• APG5092 Human rights in global politics
• APG5327 Wars of recognition: Terrorism and political violence
• APG5667 Terrorism, fringe politics and extremist violence

General studies

Students taking general studies in international relations, should select units to 24 points from any specialisation in Part B(b) above

c. Capstone unit/s (12 points) from your specialisation

Governance and security

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5332 Security and securitisation
• APG5856 Research project*

International diplomacy and trade

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5856 Research project*
• BTF5340 Regional trade governance (6 points)
• MGF5760 International institutions and organisations (6 points)

Political violence and counter-terrorism

• APG5044 Professional internship
• APG5064 Gender, security and conflict
• APG5856 Research project*

* Students electing to take the research thesis option and APG5856 should consult with the course coordinator.

General studies

Students taking general studies in international relations, should select unit/s to 12 points from any specialisation.

Part C. Advanced expertise (24 points)

Students complete either a. or b. below:

a. The following unit/s:

• APG5848 Research thesis (24 points)** or APG5849 Research thesis A (12 points) and APG5850 Research thesis B (12 points)

** Students admitted to the course at entry level 3 who wish to complete this 24 point research thesis should consult with the course coordinator.

b. Elective units (24 points) from the following:

• APG5094 Global Jihad?
• APG5100 Colab M: Mentoring for Development Practice and Professional Development
• APG5324 Advanced seminar in international political economy
• APG5666 Terrorism, counter-terrorism and intelligence
• any units from any specialisation in Part B not already completed

• IELTS 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0) or equivalent approved English test as defined in the Admission to Coursework Courses and Units of Study Procedures.
• $100 applicant fee (or a waiver code)