Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD)

Programme Description

The Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy is designed for current and aspiring diplomats, foreign affairs professionals, government officials, military and security personnel, policy analysts and professionals whose responsibilities involve engagement with regional and international organisations, including agencies of the United Nations. The programme is also well suited to graduates seeking advanced knowledge and leadership skills in international affairs.

The programme combines rigorous coursework with a supervised research project, enabling students to develop advanced expertise in international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, global governance and strategic analysis. Through a blend of theoretical learning and applied research, students will strengthen their analytical, policy, negotiation and research skills while addressing contemporary regional and global challenges. Graduates will be well prepared for leadership positions in government, diplomatic services, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, think tanks, academia and the private sector, as well as for further doctoral studies.

Admission Requirements

Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) if they have:
1. Complete the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations or its equivalent with:
✅A GPA of at least 3.0; or
✅A GPA of at least 2.5 but under 3.0 and have relevant professional and/or research experience as determined by the Dean of the School of Law.

Strands
Students can specialise under 3 optional strands if they choose to do so. They must complete any 3 courses under a specific strand’s list to qualify for a specialisation. Students are allowed to take courses listed under other strands, but may only claim 1 specialisation.

1. Economics and Trade:
✅INRD407 – Global Business Management,
✅INRD408 -The Politics of International Trade ,
✅INRD411 -Development Studies Aid and International Change,
✅and INRD414 -The United Nations: System and Operations,

2. Politics and Diplomacy:
✅INRD402 – International Cooperation and Organization,
✅INRD406 – Multilateral Diplomacy,
✅INRD414 -The United Nations: System and Operations,
✅INRD415 – US Foreign Policy: Foundations and Practice,
✅INRD417 – Treaty Negotiations and Drafting,
✅INRD419 – International Law of the Sea.

3. Defense and Security:
✅INRD403 – The Politics of International Justice,
✅INRD405 – Conflict and Peace in the Pacific,
✅INRD409 – Negotiating Peace and Security Internationally,
✅INRD410 – The Geopolitics of the South Pacific,
✅INRD413 – Contemporary Strategic Issues in Asia Pacific,
✅INRD414 – The United Nations: System and Operations.

Courses Per Semester/Year

Only MAIRD-level students may enrol in INRD416 – Diplomacy Practice and Procedure and INRD418 Public International Law
INRD Course List – University Handbook – PGs 154 & 155