Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
- Degree Structure - Start In
- February
180
Overview
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Introduction
Drawing on UC's teaching and research strengths, graduates can obtain a master's-level capstone qualification in the popular area of international relations and diplomacy. This degree will offer you an innovative, interdisciplinary programme of taught courses with a strong professional emphasis.
UC also offers a Master of Policy and Governance for those interested in advancing a policy and/or governance career in local, regional, national, and third/not-for-profit sectors.
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Why study a Master of International Relations and Diplomacy at UC?
- Advanced academic principles are investigated through applied tasks such as case studies and field trips.
- The compulsory course will feature a professional seminar series.
- Carry out a substantial piece of independent research.
- Utilise UC's teaching and research strengths across various departments, such as Mātai Tōrangapū, Hononga Tāwāhi | Department of Political Science and International Relations, Tāhuhu Kōrero | Department of History, and Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law.
- Benefit from on-campus research resources, for example the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) and the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies.
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Entry requirements
To qualify to enrol, you will need either:
- a bachelor's degree in any subject, normally with at least a B Grade Point Average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject; or
- a bachelor's degree and a qualifying course, with at least a B Grade Point Average in 60 points of 300-level courses; or
- a bachelor's degree, and evidence of relevant professional or other work experience; or
- other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard.
All students will also need approval to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of International Relations and Diplomacy or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
How do I plan my degree?
The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRAD) comprises 180 points as follows:
- 30-point compulsory course
- 90 points of elective courses, chosen from a variety of options
- 60-point research dissertation.
You will start studies in February, and the normal enrolment would be full-time for 1 year. However, with approval, you can study part-time up to 3 years.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of International Relations and Diplomacy.
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Subjects and courses
Compulsory courses
- POLS441 Principles and Practice of International Relations and Diplomacy
- POLS688 Dissertation (15–20,000 words)
Elective courses
- 60 points of courses chosen from these options
- 30 points of courses chosen from these options
Field trip
Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara Wellington field trip is a two-day trip, which includes meetings with senior figures in Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Manatū Kaupapa Waonga | Ministry of Defence, a variety of Embassies and High Commissions, and senior figures in government, including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition.
The field trip also includes a formal networking and senior peer mentoring event with UC alumni now working in Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara Wellington. This is an effective professional networking event.
Domestic students
2024 tuition fee estimate: $11,998 (180 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $12,718 (180 points)
International students
2024 Special Programme Fee: $46,350 (180 points)
2025 Special Programme Fee: $48,600 (180 points)
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Further study
You can go on to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science and International Relations.
Master of International Relations and Diplomacy
Career opportunities
The MIRAD caters perfectly for students interested in careers in foreign affairs or inter-state coordination.
While Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not require specific tertiary pathways, applicants can find it advantageous to have a postgraduate degree in an analytical subject such as law, political science, international relations, economics, or science.
Graduates will leave UC having:
- advanced knowledge of current research in international relations
- advanced knowledge of current professional practice in diplomacy and related fields
- the ability to understand theoretical and practical problems in international relations and diplomacy
- proven expertise in research processes (eg, formulating a research question, data collection and analysis, case study analysis, and hypothesis testing)
- engaged with senior university staff and senior figures in politics and policy.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
