Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

The Master of International Relations enables graduates to acquire, at an advanced level, theoretical and practical knowledge and skills relevant to the analysis of contemporary international relations, with particular reference to the Asian region.

The Master of International Relations is designed both for those purely interested in acquiring a better understanding of global governance and politics and for those seeking a qualification to enhance their career prospects. Strongly-performing students have the option of writing a dissertation and thus qualifying to enter higher degree research programs, including the PhD.

How will completing this course help my career prospects?

Completing further study beyond a Bachelor degree will enhance your ability to compete for employment and advancement. The Master of International Relations provides students with a qualification relevant to professional employment in a range of business, government and non-government organizations in Australia and overseas. The course develops students’ capacities to collect and interpret information; to analyze arguments, policies and developments; and to construct cogent verbal and written arguments on international relations subjects. It also gives students an understanding of the ways in which knowledge of international relations is utilized, including in professional employment.

Course outline

By coursework

The Master of International Relations by way of coursework consists of:

• POLS8601 Identities in Global Politics: Nationalism, Ethnicity and Religion ^S2
• POLS8602 The International Political System: Evolution and Contemporary Issues ^S1
• POLS8603 International Relations in the Asia–Pacific Region ^N/A
• POLS8604 Problems of International Security ^S1
• POLS8605 States and International Political Economy ^N/A
• POLS8606 Theory and Method in International Relations ^S2

By coursework and dissertation

The Master of International Relations by way of coursework and dissertation consists of:

POLS8700¹/POLS8701²

as well as four units chosen from:

• POLS8601 Identities in Global Politics: Nationalism, Ethnicity and Religion ^S2
• POLS8602 The International Political System: Evolution and Contemporary Issues ^S1
• POLS8603 International Relations in the Asia–Pacific Region ^N/A
• POLS8604 Problems of International Security ^S1
• POLS8605 States and International Political Economy ^N/A
• POLS8606 Theory and Method in International Relations ^S2

^N/A Not available in 2011. Units will be available in semester 1 2012.
^S1 Semester 1
^S2 Semester 2
¹ Full time
² Part time

Key information

• 72 credit points
• 1.5 years full time, 5 years (max) part time
• Course code: 11580

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this course a student must have:

• A relevant bachelor's degree with an average mark of at least 65% in Level 3 units of the major, or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty.

English Language Competence
All UWA coursework programs have a minimum level of English language competence necessary, for both Domestic and International students.

Useful links

• Information on the Handbook about this course
• Rules relating to this course

Course enquiries

For more information on courses at FAHSS please contact the FAHSS Student Office.