Why study the Master of International Relations with UTS Online?
Top 100 University globally1
Australia’s leading young university2
Top 10 in Australia for graduate employability3
5-star rated for student retention4
1QS World University Rankings, 2027 2Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, 2026 3Times Higher Education Graduate Employability Rankings, 2026. 4Good Universities Guide, 2026
When the world shifts, your decisions need context
Global events no longer stay global for long. Geopolitical tension can reshape supply chains, policy decisions can alter markets and industries, and changes in security, trade, technology or climate can quickly affect organisations far from where they began. Understanding what happened is one thing. Understanding why it matters, what could come next and how to respond requires a broader view.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations builds advanced capability across diplomacy, global governance, political economy, sustainability, geopolitics, international security and Australian foreign policy. Designed for working professionals, the course also lets you shape part of your degree through a specialisation in Business, Technology Management, Sustainability, Strategic Communication or Health, or create a flexible pathway across multiple areas.
Who is this course for?
The UTS Online Master of International Relations is designed for professionals who want to understand how global forces shape policy, organisations, industries and communities, and develop the capability to respond with greater strategic insight.
Whether you work in government, policy, trade, defence, NGOs, business, technology, health, sustainability or another internationally connected field, the course can help you build a broader understanding of global change and its implications.
This course may suit professionals looking to:
- Strengthen their understanding of geopolitics and international affairs
- Build capability in policy analysis and global decision-making
- Better understand international security, diplomacy and foreign policy
- Assess how global political and economic change can affect organisations and industries
- Connect international relations expertise with an existing professional field
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Master of International Relations comprises 12 online subjects totalling 72 credit points, building advanced capability across international politics, diplomacy, global governance, security, foreign policy and research.
Complete all nine core subjects:
- Intercultural and International Communication (6CP)
- The Future of the International Order (6CP)
- Sustainability and Global Governance (6CP)
- Reframing International Political Economy (6CP)
- The Asia-Pacific in the 21st Century (6CP)
- Geopolitics and Australian Foreign Policy (6CP)
- Global Crime, Justice and Security (6CP)
- Research Design and Methods in International Relations (6CP)
- International Relations Applied Research Project (6CP)
CP = credit points. Subject descriptions and learning outcomes are available via the subject links on this page. Subject availability, sequencing and course structures are subject to change.
Explore your international relations pathway
Global challenges rarely sit within one discipline. Alongside your core studies, you’ll choose 18 credit points of electives across Business, Technology Management, Sustainability, Strategic Communication and Health, or create a flexible combination across multiple areas, helping you deepen your expertise, connect international relations with your existing profession or broaden the perspective you bring to global issues and decision-making.
Understand the commercial forces shaping global decisions.
Connect international relations with business, markets and organisational decision-making. Explore areas including leadership, economics, marketing, strategy, sustainability, analytics and regulation.
Choose three subjects from:
- Leading People and Change (6CP)
- Managerial Economics (6CP)
- Accounting for Decision Makers (6CP)
- Marketing in the Age of Technology (6CP)
- Strategy and Negotiation (6CP)
- Branding in the Digital World (6CP)
- Sustainability Practices in Industry (6CP)
- Data Ethics and Regulation (6CP)
Understand how technology is reshaping organisations and global systems.
Build capability across digital strategy, data, innovation and organisational change to better understand the role technology plays in international environments.
Choose three subjects from:
- Data Visualisation and Visual Analytics (6CP)
- Data Ethics and Regulation (6CP)
- Building Enterprise Agility (6CP)
- Digital Strategy: Aligning Business and Technology (6CP)
- Technology and Innovation Management (6CP)
- Database (6CP)
See global challenges through a climate and sustainability lens.
Explore the policies, systems, technologies and evidence shaping environmental action and international responses to climate change.
Choose three subjects from:
- Shaping Policies for the Future (6CP)
- Sustainability Practices in Industry (6CP)
- Science and Big Data (6CP)
- Science of Climate Change for Leaders (6CP)
- Innovations in Energy (6CP)
Build influence across complex international contexts.
Strengthen your understanding of stakeholder engagement, organisational narratives and contemporary communication practices.
Choose four subjects from:
- Emergent Communication Practices (6CP)
- Driving Stakeholder Engagement (6CP)
- Organisational Storytelling and Engagement (6CP)
- Understanding Communication in Society (6CP)
Understand the global systems shaping health.
Explore health policy, global health systems, population health and healthcare decision-making through an international and systems-focused lens.
Choose three subjects from:
- Planetary Health + Global Health Systems (6CP)
- Social Perspectives in Public Health (6CP)
- Health Promotion (6CP)
- Policy, Power and Politics in Health Care (6CP)
- Using Health Care Data for Decision Making (6CP)
- Managing for Value-Based Care (6CP)
Build around the global issues you want to understand.
Prefer more flexibility? Select three electives across the available specialisation areas to create a study pathway aligned to your professional interests and career direction.
Flexible course options
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or prefer to start with a shorter qualification, begin with the Graduate Certificate in International Relations and continue into the Master of International Relations when you’re ready.
Learning outcomes
The UTS Online Master of Strategic Communication gives you the capability to turn communication insight into strategy, engage diverse stakeholders, shape compelling narratives and lead communication through complexity and change.
Navigate global political and cultural landscapes
Develop the expertise to engage effectively across diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts. Strengthen your ability to think critically and creatively about complex international issues and make informed decisions that shape global outcomes.
Lead with ethical and socially responsible practices
Critically assess sustainability practices, Indigenous research methodologies and ethical considerations in international contexts. Advocate for socially responsible and inclusive policies that contribute to positive change in Australia and around the world.
Apply advanced research and analytical skills
Master qualitative and quantitative research methods to interpret data, evaluate policy and address complex global challenges. Use analytical techniques to deliver evidence-based insights that inform international decision-making and build high-demand skills in data analysis and project management.
Communicate and collaborate across global networks
Refine your ability to communicate with influence and clarity through policy briefs, presentations and simulations. Develop the confidence to collaborate across cultures, engage diverse stakeholders and lead initiatives that make a meaningful impact in global affairs.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Master of International Relations builds capability relevant across international policy, government, trade, development, advocacy and globally connected organisations.
Depending on your professional background, chosen study pathway and experience, graduates may explore opportunities such as:
- Policy Advisor
- International Affairs Specialist
- Senior Policy Leader
- Global Development Manager
- Humanitarian Program Director
Course information
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor’s honours degree, graduate diploma, graduate certificate, master's degree or doctorate, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree, or overseas equivalent, in Management and Commerce, Society and Culture, or Creative Arts
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree, or overseas equivalent, in any field of study AND A minimum of 2 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional work experience#
#Relevant professional work experience is defined as employment within OSCA groups: 01 Managers and 02 Professionals.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria above should consider applying for C11374 Graduate Certificate in International Relations.
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate professional work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
- A statutory declaration confirming professional work experience (Australian residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor, on company letterhead, confirming the applicant’s professional work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
$153,140 Median annual earnings
Policy and Planning Managers in Australia earn median annual earnings of $153,140, highlighting the earning potential of careers in policy development and strategic planning.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
Expanding strategic focus on international engagement in Australia
Australia maintains over 170 diplomatic posts worldwide and directs around 75% of its international engagement and development efforts toward the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the growing importance of expertise in diplomacy, regional security and global cooperation, key capabilities developed through studying International Relations.
(Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
40.3% hold a postgraduate qualification
Over 40% of Intelligence and Policy Analysts in Australia hold a postgraduate qualification, highlighting the value of advanced study in policy and intelligence careers.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
Upcoming intakes
UTS Online courses have 6 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes. Our next intake is highlighted below.
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Jan
2027 -
Mar
2027 -
May
2027 -
Jul
2027 -
Aug
2027 -
Oct
2027
Meet our faculty
“Understanding international relations has never been more important in today’s interconnected and interdependent world. We have developed this course to equip you with practical skills in research, policy, and global analysis to thrive in your chosen field, whether that is diplomacy, international business, the United Nations, public service, development, or the humanitarian sector. This program is designed to assist you in taking the next step in achieving your goals and developing as a leader in a globalised world.”
Dr Caitlin Biddolph
Course Coordinator, Master of International Relations
Dr Caitlin Biddolph brings expertise in international relations, global politics and policy-focused education. As Course Coordinator, she supports a course designed for professionals who want to strengthen their global perspective and build practical capability in research, policy and international analysis.
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
“I was looking at postgraduate study in international relations to support a career pivot and found the online Master’s at UTS to be a strong fit for my work and lifestyle.”
Brendan Howard, UTS Online Graduate
“I have undertaken this course post career. As I am 75 years old, education is still something I am passionate about and I wanted to compliment my career overseas and travelling, to better understand how we’re all intertwined. It also helps me with my consulting work in media.”
Bill Pezzimenti, UTS Online Graduate
Frequently asked questions
A Master of International Relations is a postgraduate degree focused on how countries, institutions and other global actors interact across areas such as diplomacy, foreign policy, security, political economy, global governance and international cooperation.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations combines these foundations with applied study in intercultural communication, sustainability, geopolitics, global crime and justice, research and policy analysis.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of global affairs and build the analytical, policy and communication capability needed to work across international contexts.
It can suit professionals working in government, policy, international development, NGOs, consulting, trade, research, communication, business or other roles that engage with global issues and cross-border relationships.
You’ll build capability across diplomacy, global governance, political economy, geopolitics, Australian foreign policy, sustainability, international security, intercultural communication and applied research.
You’ll also strengthen your ability to analyse complex international issues, evaluate evidence, communicate across cultures, develop policy-informed responses and understand how global systems shape decisions across government, organisations and communities.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations comprises 12 subjects totalling 72 credit points.
You’ll complete nine core subjects:
• Intercultural and International Communication
• The Future of the International Order
• Sustainability and Global Governance
• Reframing International Political Economy
• The Asia-Pacific in the 21st Century
• Geopolitics and Australian Foreign Policy
• Global Crime, Justice & Security
• Research Design and Methods in International Relations
• International Relations Applied Research Project
You’ll also complete three elective subjects through a specialisation or Flex pathway.
You can tailor the UTS Online Master of International Relations through one of five specialisation areas:
• Business
• Health
• Strategic Communication
• Sustainability
• Technology Management
To complete a specialisation, you select three approved elective subjects from that area. You can also choose the Flex option and select three electives across different areas, subject to current availability.
The Flex option allows you to choose three elective subjects across different study areas instead of completing all three electives within one specialisation.
This can help you combine international relations with capability from areas such as Business, Health, Strategic Communication, Sustainability or Technology Management, allowing you to shape the degree around your professional interests.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations can be completed in a minimum of two years.
The course comprises 12 online subjects totalling 72 credit points, with students studying one subject at a time through the UTS Online study model.
Yes. The UTS Online Master of International Relations is designed for professionals who want to complete postgraduate study alongside existing work and personal commitments.
You’ll study one subject at a time through structured online learning, allowing you to focus on one area of study at a time and apply new perspectives to your professional context as you progress.
How you balance work, study and personal commitments will depend on your individual circumstances, so it is important to plan for the weekly study requirements of each subject.
Yes, there may be another pathway into the UTS Online Master of International Relations if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree.
You may be eligible to start with the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations. After successfully completing the Graduate Certificate, you may be able to continue into the master’s with credit for your completed subjects, subject to the current entry and articulation requirements.
Applicants who already hold another eligible postgraduate qualification, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or higher degree, may also meet the direct entry requirements.
Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations provides a pathway into the Master of International Relations.
The Graduate Certificate comprises four subjects. If you successfully complete it and receive credit for those four subjects towards the 12-subject master’s degree, you will have eight additional subjects remaining, subject to current UTS credit rules.
You may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, if your previous study or professional experience meets the relevant UTS course requirements.
UTS assesses RPL after an offer of enrolment has been accepted. The amount of credit available depends on your individual circumstances and the evidence provided.
The Graduate Diploma in International Relations is available as an exit qualification for eligible students who begin the Master of International Relations but do not complete the full master’s degree.
Current course information states that students who successfully complete the first eight subjects of the master’s may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in International Relations, subject to current UTS course rules.
Yes, although UTS Online does not offer an official accelerated double master’s degree combining International Relations and Strategic Communication.
Students who complete the Master of International Relations with Strategic Communication electives may be able to apply for the Master of Strategic Communication and seek Recognition of Prior Learning for eligible completed study.
RPL is assessed individually, so the amount of credit and the number of additional subjects required should be confirmed with UTS before commencing the second degree.
Political science is the broader study of political systems, institutions, governance, political behaviour and public power at local, national and international levels.
International relations focuses more specifically on relationships between states and other global actors, including diplomacy, foreign policy, international security, global governance, political economy and international cooperation.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations is designed for professionals who want to specialise in this global and cross-border context.
A Master of International Relations can build knowledge and skills relevant to diplomacy, including foreign policy analysis, intercultural communication, geopolitics, research and understanding international institutions.
However, the degree does not by itself qualify you for a diplomatic role. Diplomatic and foreign-service positions have their own recruitment and eligibility processes, and career outcomes will depend on your experience, skills and the requirements of the organisation you apply to.
A Master of International Relations can support career pathways across government, foreign affairs, policy, international development, NGOs, consulting, trade, research and organisations that operate internationally.
Career directions can include:
• Policy Advisor or Policy Officer
• International Affairs Specialist
• Diplomatic or Foreign Service roles
• International Development Specialist
• Trade and Investment Analyst
• Political Risk or Intelligence Analyst
• Humanitarian Program Coordinator
• Research Analyst
• International NGO Program Manager
• International Business or Policy Consultant
Career outcomes will depend on your previous experience, professional goals and the requirements of individual employers.
Whether a Master of International Relations is worthwhile depends on your career goals, previous experience and the expertise you want to build.
For professionals interested in global policy, diplomacy, international development, security, trade or organisations operating across borders, a master’s degree can provide a structured way to deepen knowledge of global systems while strengthening research, analysis, communication and policy capability.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations also allows you to connect part of the degree to areas such as Business, Health, Strategic Communication, Sustainability or Technology Management.
The current indicative tuition fee for the UTS Online Master of International Relations is $43,020 in total, with an indicative fee of $3,585 per subject.
Fees are indicative and subject to change. Your total course fee may vary depending on your study plan, Recognition of Prior Learning and the fees applicable at the time of enrolment, so refer to the UTS Online fees page for the latest information.
Yes. FEE-HELP is available to eligible students studying the UTS Online Master of International Relations.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that can help eligible full-fee-paying students cover some or all of their tuition fees.
Eligibility requirements apply, so check the current FEE-HELP information before enrolling.
UTS Online courses have six intakes per year, giving you multiple opportunities to commence the Master of International Relations.
Intake dates can change from year to year, so refer to the course page for the next available intake and current application dates.
For a standard six-credit-point UTS Online subject, you should typically allow around 15–20 hours per week for study.
This can include working through weekly learning materials, completing readings and activities, participating in online discussions and preparing assessments. Your actual study time may vary depending on the subject, your previous experience and assessment deadlines.
UTS Online students generally study one subject at a time, helping you focus your study around your professional and personal commitments.
For more information, read our guide to study resources with an example study schedule.
Assessment in the UTS Online Master of International Relations varies by subject and is designed to reflect practical, real-world international relations, diplomacy and global policy challenges.
Depending on the subject, assessments may include written assignments, policy or research papers, case analyses, presentations, simulations, proposals, applied research projects, oral assessments and collaborative activities.
Assessment requirements, including whether exams or group assessments apply, are subject-specific, so refer to the individual subject information in the UTS Handbook for current details.
The UTS Online Master of International Relations is delivered online through Canvas, with students studying one subject at a time through structured weekly modules. You’ll engage with practical activities, multimedia learning, peer discussions and assessments designed to connect your studies with real-world international relations, diplomacy and global policy challenges.
Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to support including:
• A dedicated Student Success Advisor
• Academic and assignment support
• UTS Career Hub resources and networking opportunities
• Peer learning and presentation support
• Confidential health and wellbeing services
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
Or read our tips for balancing postgraduate study with work and life: https://studyonline.uts.edu.au/blog/balancing-postgraduate-study-and-life-commitments-practical-tips-success
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