If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.

International Relations and National Security
Masters by Coursework
MC-INTRNS
Outline
Advance your expertise in analysing global trends, international diplomacy and addressing security challenges.

If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.
High national ranking
Curtin is Australia's top research institution in diplomacy and international relations, with more citations in top journals than other Australian university in the past five years.
The Australian's Research 2020 Magazine
Industry links
Learn from staff experienced in the relations of countries including Japan, Russia, Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Top 1 %
Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021.
This course is designed for people who want the expertise to understand, analyse and critically assess the increasingly complex problems of international relations and national security.
You will gain the knowledge and skills to understand contemporary international relations, global trends, diplomacy, security challenges and strategic affairs from an interdisciplinary perspective.
You’ll explore the key characteristics of the international system, nation-states, balance of power, security and the domestic influences on foreign policy.
You’ll also study optional units that support your career goals, analysing topics such as the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region through to intelligence, terrorism, strategic geography and energy security.
You can choose to study this course at the graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree level. Students who complete the master degree via the dissertation stream to a high standard can apply for doctoral-level studies.
Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.
Why study
- This course has an interdisciplinary approach with perspectives from political science, history, geography and anthropology.
- Our academics are also practitioners in their field of study, with many years of real-world experience.
- Our international staff provide expert teaching and learning from all over the world, including Japan, Indonesia, Russia and the UK.
- Curtin is the only university in Western Australia to offer such a course at a postgraduate level.
Career information
The future of international relations and national security
From climate change to terrorism, cyber threats to the plight of refugees and mass human displacement, the international system is growing evermore complex. To address contemporary challenges, international relations and national security professionals require diverse theoretical and practical training that responds to real-world situations. This course provides such theoretical underpinnings and practical skills which gives you much sought after employment capabilities.
Industries
- Foreign affairs
- Defence
- Security
- Intelligence
- National security
- Law enforcement
- State and federal public service
- Media and journalism
- International trade
- Global NGOs
What you'll learn
- apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international relations and national security in work related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects
- critically analyse and interpret major political, security, socio-economic and policy issues using an international relations and security studies framework; think creatively to develop effective policy solutions to national and international challenges
- identify, systemise, process, and critically evaluate and synthesise relevant data from a range of appropriate sources; create an effects-based policy product
- communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international relations and national security data or theories
- use relevant technologies to effectively collect and interrogate data, and communicate findings
- develop strong independent learning and analytical skills
- develop skills to think strategically and in the global context
- develop strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments
- develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics
Admission criteria
Applicants require a four year bachelor degree in any field OR a 3 year bachelor degree in any field PLUS one of the following, Honours, a Graduate Certificate in any field, a Graduate Diploma in any field or 1 year relevant work experience. Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in International Relations and National Security or the first four units in that course will also be considered for entry.
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
---|---|
Writing | 6.0 |
Speaking | 6.0 |
Reading | 6.0 |
Listening | 6.0 |
Overall band score | 6.5 |
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
Advanced standing
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Webform: Submit here
Curtin Connect: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
Domestic fee paying postgraduate
Fee year: 2022
Student type | Cost |
---|---|
Domestic | $18,500* |
Fees are indicative only.
* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).
Location
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
2022
Semester 2
- On campus
- Online
2023
Semester 1
- On campus
- Online
Semester 2
- On campus
- Online
2024
Semester 1
- On campus
- Online
Semester 2
- On campus
- Online
2025
Semester 1
- On campus
- Online
Semester 2
- On campus
- Online
All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.
The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.
Apply nowHelp is at hand
See our frequently asked questions or get in touch with us below.
- What are the alternative pathways into Curtin?
- What scholarships are available?
- What are my options to manage my study load?
- Browse all FAQs
- Opening hours:
- Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm, except Tues: 9.30am – 4.30pm (AWST). Closed public holidays.
- Curtin course code: MC-INTRNS
- CRICOS code: 074662E
- Last updated on: 04/08/2022