Master of International Relations

3 trimesters

The MIR is a one calendar year full-time, or two years part-time, Masters degree that includes both taught courses and a research thesis.

Courses begin at the end of February each year.

The aim of the degree is to provide students with the tools to think critically about key conceptual and practical issues in contemporary international relations. The scope of study is wide and multi-faceted, including: core concepts, theoretical debates and current issues in international relations. The choice of elective courses allows the course of study to be wide in both geographical scope and thematic content.

The degree will be of special interest to those who in their careers have encountered or worked within international relations and who would like to development their knowledge of the subject in a coherent and comprehensive way. The degree might also be of interest to students who have already encountered aspects of international relations in previous study outside of Victoria University and would like to expand their knowledge further in this direction.

Past students have gone on to work in the New Zealand Treasury, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Diplomatic corps, and various International Organisations and Non Governmental Organisations. A few have gone on to do PhDs and have received scholarships to study in Australia, the UK, Europe and North America. Many students have used the MIR to enhance their prospects in an existing career, or have used the MIR to effect a change of career. Additionally, a few past students have, during the course of their degree, arranged internships or exchanges with other institutions - academic and non-academic – in and outside of New Zealand.