Program 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, 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. 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 theory: Uncover the systems, processes, history and actors that define modern international relations, diplomacy and trade.
• International security: Build 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 development: Develop the skills to interpret, operationalise and develop policy in a complex and interconnected global environment.
• International law and process: Build the skills and knowledge to navigate complex international policy and process frameworks.
• Professional communication: Learn how to translate complex information into actionable outcomes and articulate your insights for a wide range of professional audiences.