Why study the Master of International Relations with UTS Online?
Top 100 University Globally1
Top Performing Young University2
Ranked in the Top 10 nationally for graduate employability3
100% online with support from enrolment through to graduation
¹QS World University Rankings, 2025 ²THE Young University Rankings, 2024 3QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2024
- Professional Readiness
Employ effective strategies to navigate professional interactions across diverse cultural contexts in Australia and internationally. - Critical and Creative Inquiry
Apply advanced understanding of international relations theories and concepts to the analysis of real-world case studies and complex global issues. Apply advanced research methods and data analysis techniques to address complex global issues. - International and Intercultural Engagement
Demonstrate proficiency in navigating intercultural dynamics in Australia and internationally. - Indigenous Competencies
Critically reflect on ethical Indigenous research practices to work with and for Indigenous peoples across international relations research and professions. - Active Citizenship
Demonstrate an informed, critical perspective on current sustainability practices and act in socially responsible ways in both Australian and international settings. - Effective Communication
Effectively communicate evidence-based solutions to complex global issues using advanced research methods and data analysis techniques.
CORE SUBJECTS
Complete the following subjects (54 CP):
This subject is designed to provide essential intercultural skills crucial for success in today's interconnected professional realm. Delve into both theoretical and practical dimensions of intercultural communication, facilitating effective engagement across diverse organisational and governmental contexts. Explore key debates in intercultural theory, analyse real-world scenarios, and develop strategies to navigate cross-cultural situations. Mastering this subject empowers you to excel in a global work environment, creating a significant influence.
This subject delves into comprehending the intricacies of the international order, exploring its foundational theories, influential players, pivotal institutions, and potential trajectories. Students analyse prevalent theories like Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism, dissecting diverse entities and establishments shaping the global system. Historical insights uncover its evolution, from transformative events to the role of ideology, power, and norms. By examining contemporary challenges and potential directions, students refine their expertise in international relations.
In this subject, explore global environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. Acquire essential skills for sustainable development, understanding multi-scalar environmental policies and international law. Analyse the roles of states, international bodies, civil society, and the private sector in advancing sustainability. Assess the efficacy of diverse collaboration methods in addressing specific environmental concerns. Engage in theoretical study and case analysis to comprehend international environmental governance and sustainable development strategies.
This subject equips you to unravel the complexities of the international political economy, a vital skill in today's global landscape. Explore the intricate interactions between global dynamics and local governance, dissecting economic, political, and social forces' interplay. Gain a comprehensive grasp of key economic concepts and theories, assessing their relevance on a global scale. Investigate how international organisations, multinational corporations, sovereign states, and NGOs shape global economic policies and influence local communities. Address critical issues like trade liberalisation, economic inequality, sustainable growth, and international development through critical analysis and contemporary governance frameworks. Through diverse perspectives, empirical data, and real-world case studies, this subject provides a holistic view of the global economy and governance's pivotal role in shaping its future.
In this subject, you'll explore the evolving dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region, a global economic powerhouse anticipated to shape the strategic landscape of the 21st century. Investigate crucial trends, challenges, and opportunities, including the ascent of East Asia as a significant global economic and political entity. Analyse the changing power dynamics, territorial disputes, and diplomatic relations among major regional players like China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Australia. Evaluate the socio-economic, political, and security implications of regional integration and the influence of bodies like ASEAN in shaping the Asia-Pacific's future. Through case studies and theoretical perspectives, you'll critically examine how power, territory, and diplomacy shape the region.
In this subject, you'll delve into the intricate interplay of geography, geopolitics, and security, crucial for shaping Australia's foreign policy strategies in today's complex global landscape. Explore a comprehensive understanding of state power, territorial control, and national security and their pivotal roles in Australia's foreign policy decision-making. Analyse the influence of geopolitics on state behaviour, power competition, and dynamics of influence. Examine the evolving concept of sovereignty in a globalised world, studying the relationship between state security, national interests, and strategies encompassing military power, intelligence, and diplomacy. Through theoretical insights and real-world case studies, grasp how geopolitics shapes Australia's foreign policy and influences the global system.
In this subject, you'll delve into the critical realm of global crime and security, equipping yourself to address significant security challenges such as terrorism, organised crime, and cyber threats. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, you'll unravel the intricate connections between criminology, criminal justice, policing, and security within a global context. Develop both theoretical and practical tools to analyse the causes, patterns, and impacts of global crime and security issues. The subject encompasses three key themes:
- Understanding the catalysts behind increased flows of goods, money, and people and their effects on crime.
- Examining international collaboration in crime control and prevention.
- Exploring the institutionalisation of international responses to global crimes and emerging discussions on justice and security.
Through case studies and real-world examples, gain a profound understanding of the complexities of global crime, justice, and security and their implications for criminology, international relations, and broader social sciences.
This subject is your path to mastering research within the realm of international relations. Uncover vital research skills and methodologies essential for navigating the complexities of global relations and achieving impactful outcomes. Delve into research design fundamentals, from method selection and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Learn to craft research questions, develop hypotheses, and choose fitting data sources and analysis techniques. Ethical and practical challenges of international research are explored. By the subject's end, you'll be empowered to conduct your applied research projects confidently and critically evaluate existing research in this domain.
This subject empowers you to engage in applied research projects within international relations, refining critical thinking and research methodologies for significant contributions to the field. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to design and conduct original applied research projects, delving into topics of your choice within international relations. Building on your theoretical knowledge and methodological expertise gained in prior coursework, this subject provides hands-on experience in the research process. You'll collaborate with instructors to formulate research questions, identify suitable methods and data sources, and execute your research projects. Your projects may employ quantitative, qualitative, or a blend of both methods to analyse current international relations issues, fostering problem-solving skills critical to the field.
What you will study
The Master of International Relations comprises 12 subjects (72 credit points [CP] in total), with 9 core subjects and 3 electives.
Note: Most subjects at UTS are worth 6CP (credit points) but this can vary across courses
ELECTIVES
Option 1: Specialisation
Tailor your degree by choosing to specialise in one of the areas below. Simply select three subjects (18CP) from your chosen specialisation.
Option 2: Flex Choice
Design your own pathway by selecting three electives (18CP) across any specialisation. See an example of a ‘Flex Stream’ below.
Specialisation Areas
Upcoming study periods
UTS Online courses have six intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming
intakes, with the next intake highlighted in blue.
Course information
English language requirements apply to both international and domestic students. Please refer to the UTS English language requirements for further information on how to satisfy the requirements for the course/s.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of 6.5 and a writing score of 6.0.
For applicants without an Academic IELTS score, refer to the UTS Register of English Language Proficiency Requirements for other methods of satisfying the English Language requirements for the course(s).
For more information, schedule a 15-minute call with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
Applicants must have completed a UTS-recognised academic qualification, or equivalent (according to NOOSR or UK NARIC), as follows:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Master’s degree OR
- Doctoral degree or equivalent
Applicants with a bachelor’s qualification must also satisfy one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in the ASCED Field of Education group of 08 (Management and Commerce), 09 (Society and Culture) or 10 (Creative Arts); OR
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline other than ASCED Field of Education group of 08 (Management and Commerce), 09 (Society and Culture) or 10 (Creative Arts) AND a minimum of two (2) years relevant work experience#
# Relevant work experience is defined from within the ANZSCO Groups 01 Managers or 02 Professionals AND demonstrated through a CV and Statement of Service confirming the dates of employment, and the position held within the organisation.
Note: Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for the Master of International Relations may use the successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in International Relations as a pathway, provided they meet the specific entry requirements.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.
To assist with all or some of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their tuition fees.
To check your eligibility, feel free to speak with an Enrolment Advisor today.
Unsure about your situation?
One of our Student Enrolment Advisors can assist you with more information, including alternative pathways.