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Overview

If you’re keen to address the biggest global challenges of our time, La Trobe's Master of International Relations will give you the interdisciplinary skillset to make a real difference. Develop a solid grounding in international political theory and learn how to navigate the complex power dynamics between governments, multilateral organisations, … For more content click the Read more button below. In this comprehensive degree, you’ll focus on public policy that promotes social justice and explore key themes of poverty, gender, inequality and the threat of war. Understand how foreign policy is made and build your knowledge of international law. Examine the role of international institutions in humanitarian law, international environmental law, refugee law and the laws of war. Then explore the sprawling networks of global economic interdependence, while investigating both the harms and benefits of globalisation. You’ll understand the issues from a meta perspective, so you can create policies for governments and intergovernmental organisations such as the World Bank, ASEAN and the United Nations. Learn from high-profile academic staff with extensive research and teaching experience. Outstanding educators who are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about their subject matter, they also have vast professional networks which students can access via placements and research. You’ll learn from renowned commentators who are frequently quoted in local and international media, and whose expertise is sought by government committees. Pursue your area of interest and gain high-level skills when you choose a specialisation. You’ll graduate with your specialisation on your academic transcript, so future employers can recognise your expertise. If you choose to specialise in advanced research, you’ll complete a research thesis where you can address core public policy issues and develop your professional networks. A thesis could also provide a pathway to study a Master’s by Research or PhD once you’ve successfully completed your Master’s by Coursework. In this highly practical degree, you’ll gain the skills you need to build a successful career with an international focus. Expand your networks and build your experience while you study, with the opportunity to undertake a work placement both in Australia and overseas.[1] Further your career with a placement that’s tailored to your ambition, interest and experience. You’ll learn:Practical political theoryUncover the systems, processes, history and actors that define modern international relations, diplomacy and trade.International securityBuild your understanding of international security in the 21st century. Understand how the notion of security has moved beyond a military perspective, and explore human and environmental security, terrorism, transnational crime and the impacts of global health crises.Policy analysis and developmentDevelop the skills to interpret, operationalise and develop policy in a complex and interconnected global environment.International law and processBuild the skills and knowledge to navigate complex international policy and process frameworks.Professional communicationLearn how to translate complex information into actionable outcomes and articulate your insights for a wide range of professional audiences.[1] Subject to availability and meeting requirements. International travel may be subject to government restrictions.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

Course coordinator

Michael O'Keefe

Location(s)

On-Line

Course instance contact

Michael O'Keefe

Course duration (full time)

2 years

Course duration (part time)

4 years

Course duration (accelerated)

1.5 years

Study level

Postgraduate

AQF level

Level 9 - Masters Degree

Available only as an exit award

No

Study options

Domestic

International offshore

Completion requirements

The Master of International Relations is a 240 credit point course that consists of: Successful completion of 120 credit points of disciplinary core subjects; and Successful completion of 60 credit points of an International Relations specialisation Successful completion of 60 credit points of an additional International Relations specialisation or elective … For more content click the Read more button below. LTU0AIM is a not-for-credit subject that you are required to complete at the commencement of your first semester. The subject is designed to enhance your knowledge and awareness of issues concerning academic integrity.  

Additional explanatory information

Students entering this course with a cognate undergraduate degree will be credited with the following subjects:

  • POL5IOL
  • POL5TWP
  • and 30 credit points of non specified elective subjects

Applicants with an Australian Honours degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline or related area will receive credit of up to 120 credit points, including the subjects listed above.

Applicants with over 2 years of relevant work experience may be eligible to receive credit of up to 60 credit points.

Course structure
240 credit points

Level two120 credit points

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Apply an advanced and integrated understanding of international relations to critically reflect on specialised theories and concepts and synthesise complex information about international politics
2.
Critically analyse the complex systems, structures, laws and practices that shape international relations from a range of national, regional and global perspectives
3.
Combine specialised theoretical knowledge and research skills to independently evaluate complex practices of international relations
4.
Critically analyse international problems and design innovative solutions to them by applying advanced disciplinary knowledge and academic skills
5.
Communicate professionally and effectively with a range of specialist and non-specialist audiences, for a variety of purposes, using appropriate communication methods

Course features

Work based learning (placement) requirements

Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area. 

Career outcomes

After graduation, you'll be prepared for a career in international diplomacy, foreign policy, governance, industry affairs, and local and international development. Work in Australia or overseas, with opportunities in non-government organisations and government agencies such as state governments, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

You could build a career in fields including:

  • Foreign affairs
    • Take a lead role in government relations. Work with foreign governments, organisations and businesses in regional and global contexts.
  • International trade
    • Support businesses to operate across borders while navigating different cultures and regulatory systems.
  • Policy analyst
    • Guide public policy by playing an important role in the creation, implementation and evaluation of policies and regulations.
  • Humanitarian support
    • Support local communities to improve their wellbeing and help them access services and basic human necessities. You could work in NGOs, as well as local and international inter-governmental agencies like Oxfam, Red Cross and Amnesty International.

Other course instances

Internal course relationships

Nested

Graduate Certificate in International Relations

Graduate Diploma in International Relations

Pathways from

Graduate Certificate in International Relations