Make your mark on the world stage
Fast-track your career with a 12-month Master of International Relations. This specialised degree suits recent graduates and working professionals looking to advance in international roles.
You’ll learn foundational theories for interpreting the forces behind global events. Using these tools, you’ll then analyse complex geopolitical, social, and economic challenges.
You’ll extend your critical thinking skills and develop the communications, research, and policy expertise valued by employers worldwide. Throughout, you’ll be taught by world-class academics and researchers, and build the professional networks essential to your career.
Who can study for this qualification
The Master of International Relations (MIR) suits recent graduates and working professionals who want to launch or develop a career with an international focus. It’s a 12-month degree that doesn’t require an Honours degree to enrol—so it’s a good option if you want to fast-track your career.
This degree welcomes professionals from around the world who want to enhance their analytical skills and knowledge of international relations.
Our postgraduate International Relations qualifications
We offer two postgraduate qualifications in International Relations.
The 180-point Master of International Relations provides the most comprehensive study, as it combines coursework with a research course.
The 120-point Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations has in-depth study and includes the same courses as the Master’s, but without the research course.
These qualifications are ‘staircased’—if you complete the Diploma and decide to keep studying, the courses you've completed can count towards the Master’s.
What you’ll learn
The MIR is a one year, three-trimester degree. It gives you the chance to develop:
- a broad understanding of the different theories and approaches in the study of international relations
- expertise in a particular international relations area
- skills in analysing policy and issues in international relations, using a range of advanced research tools.
Learn essential theoretical approaches
The degree focuses on the key theoretical frameworks for understanding contemporary issues in international relations. You’ll focus on:
- The dominant theories that try to explain what causes nations to collide or cooperate, including:
- realism and neorealis
- liberal internationalism and new institutionalism
- the theory of international society.
- Influential approaches to the structural, institutional, normative, cultural, and civilisational forces that shape international engagement, interaction, and exchange.
- the rise of the liberal international order in the late 20th century and its transformation in the early 21st century.
Focus on your interest area
Choose courses that let you focus on:
- international political economy
- foreign policy analysis
- international organisations and global governance
- regional studies in trade, security, and geopolitics in East Asia, Europe, and the South Pacific.
For your research course, you choose a research topic that aligns with your speciality area.
How you’ll study
The 180-point MIR is delivered in two parts: taught courses and research.
With full-time study, you can complete the degree in three trimesters over one year.
Part 1: coursework
The taught component in the first two trimesters starts with a core course—Approaches to International Relations—and three other taught courses offered in the year.
These courses are taught in person. You need to attend weekly seminar sessions on campus.
Part 2: research
For the research component in Trimester 3, most students choose to combine a supervised 30-point research project with another taught course worth 30 points.
But if you have a well-developed research project, you can choose a 60-point dissertation instead. For this, you'll need to provide an agreed research proposal and suggest a supervisor when you enrol.
Part-time study option
If you’re a domestic student studying part time, you can complete the MIR in four trimesters over two years.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MIR degree shall have:
(i) completed a Bachelor’s degree or a Graduate Diploma in International Relations or a relevant area; with at least a B grade average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject or relevant area of study; and
(ii) been accepted by the head of school as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MIR
2. The course of study for the MIR shall consist of:
Part 1:
(a) Approaches to International Relations (INTP 586)
(b) 60 points from INTP 400–489
(c) 30 points from INTP 400–488, POLS 400–488, New Zealand Foreign and Security Policy (STRA 515), STRA 530–539.
Part 2:
Either:
(a) Dissertation (INTP 593); or
(b) Research Project (INTP 589) and 30 further points from INTP 400–488, POLS 400–488, New Zealand Foreign and Security Policy (STRA 515), STRA 530–539.
3. A full-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements of the degree by 28 February in the year after first enrolling for it, and a part-time candidate shall normally complete the requirements for the degree by 28 February in the second year after first enrolling. The associate dean may extend those periods in special cases.
Globally ranked
Our Political Science and International Relations subjects are ranked in the top 150 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Future careers
The MIR is useful preparation for intermediate and senior policy or research roles that require specialised and in-depth analysis.
For example, your degree builds the expertise, insights, and skills to work in:
- international sector of government agencies
- international business and trade
- regional trade and security relations and policy
- international organisations
- research organisations and think tanks
- world news reporting
- non-government organisations with international projects and programmes
The MIR is also a useful pathway towards a university teaching and research career, with further advanced study.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Postgraduate International Relations
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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The L G Peacocke Scholarship is designed to support students intending to embark upon an Honours degree or a Masters degree in the disciplines of Politics, International Relations, Strategic Studies, Public Policy, or Economics.
Scholarships for international students
We're currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Science
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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The purpose of the award is to assist postgraduate (full-time or part-time) students in the study of a Master’s of Linguistics, Applied Linguistics or TESOL by coursework at Te Herenga Waka–Victoria University of Wellington. Applicant will be assessed on the basis of academic merit. Relevant prior experience may also be taken into account.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Why Wellington
Our political science and international relations work is considered among the best in the world. Our academic staff produce world-class research that ranks first in New Zealand for its quality and engagement. We’re also linked with major research institutions worldwide.
By studying with us, you'll hear from and connect with renowned speakers, visiting academics, and politicians and government officials. You’ll also have opportunities for internships and professional networks.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Research areas
Our International Relations academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.