International Relations

The Master of International Relations (MIR) equips students for a career with an international focus and to provide professionals with skills in the analysis of International Relations, Strategic Studies and Political Science.

The MIR includes taught courses and a dissertation, research project or thesis. Courses focus on the shifting geopolitics of the great powers, global political economy, environmental cooperation and conflict, and the transformation of the Asia-Pacific region. The choice of elective courses allows the programme of study to be wide in both geographical scope and thematic content.

The programme begins in Trimester 1 each year. Students enrolled full-time will complete their degree in one calendar year; while part-time students will complete within two years.

The MIR degree is composed of two parts - a taught and a research component. Students are required to complete:

PART 1

1. INTP 586 Approaches to International Relations - the 30-point core course
2. 60 points from INTP 400-489
3. 30 points from INTP 400-488, POLS 400-488 or STRA 530-539. In certain cases, students may be permitted to substitute up to 30 points offered by other programmes.

PART 2

Either

1. INTP 593 Dissertation (60 points) or
2. INTP 589 Research Project (30 points) and 30 further points from INTP 400-488, POLS 400-488 or STRA 530-539.

Note: With the Head of School's permission, a candidate may replace Part 1 (3) and Part 2 with INTP 595 (Thesis, 90 points).

Full-time students should normally complete the requirements for the degree by 28 February in the year after first enrolling for it, and part-time students by 28 February in the second year after first enrolling.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
• IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0
• TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing
• Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58)
• EPP: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
• Global Education
• Wellington U3A Award
• VUW Hardship Fund Equity Grants
• Karis Boyd Scholarship
• Victoria Graduate Award
• International Student Achievement Scholarship
• Graduate Women Wellington - First in Family Scholarship