Examine real world issues and challenges in international affairs today through the Master of International Relations.
Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
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.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP, an earlier closing date may apply – check the closing dates section below. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
CSP closing date: 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
To qualify for the Master of International Relations you must complete 96 credit points, including:
Recognition of Prior Learning / credit for previous studies is available for this course, refer to Admission requirement below.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
All candidates for the Master of International Relations are required to complete a capstone designed to build independent research capacity. You will complete one of the following two capstone options:
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.
This degree equips you for a career in consulting, diplomacy, development, defence, government, immigration, intelligence, international business, journalism or risk management.
You may find a role in international organisations, including the United Nations or European Union, or in humanitarian, government and non-government organisations. The course also provides an opportunity for professionals in these sectors to gain advanced training to support career advancement.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
