Masters (Coursework)
We live in one vast, interconnected world. While nation states and local economies still dominate the overall playing field, there's an ever-increasing flow between countries - of trade, capital, information and people. And it's irreversibly transforming our lives. In this time of unprecedented change, there are more global challenges and they need urgent solutions. While we can't predict the future, we do know this - we need more highly skilled professionals who can help us navigate this complex and delicate environment, and ensure we build a better world for all.
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, international businesses and international NGOs. You'll graduate with the skills to work on current global issues and create positive change across cultures and societies.
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, such as international development, political communication, international business or advanced research. 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:
[1] Subject to availability and meeting requirements. International travel may be subject to government restrictions.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of International Relations, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.
Advanced standing provided for prior study and professional experience.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
Subject name Subject code Year Credit points ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE LTU0AIM 1 0 AUSTRALIAN POLITICS AND FOREIGN POLICY POL5APP 1 15 AUTHORITARIAN EMPIRES: RUSSIA, CHINA AND THE POLITICS OF EURASIA POL4003 1 15 INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANISATIONS POL4002 1 15 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY POL5GGA 1 15 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: PAST AND PRESENT POL4001 1 15 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION POL5IJC 1 15 SECURITY IN A BORDERLESS WORLD POL5WPS 1 15 THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS POL4004 1 15
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
To view other campus handbook course details, please select relevant campus in the drop down.
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: