University of Western Australia

What you'll study

This combined master’s brings together doctrinal and practical study in international law with social-science approaches to international relations. You will take core units that establish foundations in public international law and contemporary international relations theory, and then choose specialist electives across topics such as international human rights, international criminal law, international trade law, law of the sea, international environmental law, global governance, diplomacy, international security and international political economy.

The programme typically offers a mix of coursework and a substantial research component. Assessment modes include essays, case studies, policy briefs, negotiated simulation exercises, moot courts or advocacy projects, and a supervised research thesis or major research project. Research methods training in qualitative and quantitative techniques is provided to support independent, policy-relevant research.

• Core international law topics: principles of public international law, state responsibility, dispute settlement, human rights law, international criminal law.
• Core international relations topics: comparative foreign policy, international organisations, security studies, global governance and international political economy.
• Specialist electives: international trade and investment, maritime and resources law, climate and environmental law, migration and refugee law, diplomacy and negotiation, regional political dynamics in the Asia–Pacific.
• Research component: supervised thesis or major project that integrates legal and political analysis; options for practical placements or clinical programs where available.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree with a strong academic record. For the law component, applicants who already hold an undergraduate law degree (LLB) or an equivalent legal qualification will follow the standard pathway; non-law graduates may be eligible but could be required to complete prerequisite units or a bridging qualification. Relevant postgraduate study or professional experience in international affairs, public policy, government, NGOs or legal practice is considered favourably.

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted test or qualification. Selection may also take account of academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining study and career goals, a curriculum vitae and referee reports. Meeting minimum eligibility does not guarantee admission; competitive academic performance and clear research or professional goals strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers that require combined legal and international affairs expertise. Typical destinations include diplomatic service and foreign affairs departments, international organisations (for example UN agencies, regional bodies), intergovernmental and non‑governmental organisations, human rights and humanitarian organisations, and international or commercial law firms specialising in arbitration, trade or transnational disputes.

Other career pathways include policy analysis and advisory roles in government, think tanks and research institutes, in-house legal or compliance roles for multinational corporations, consultancy on international regulatory issues, and further academic research leading to PhD study and teaching. Practical skills in legal reasoning, treaty interpretation, negotiation and policy writing are highly transferable across these roles.

Why study at University of Western Australia

UWA combines a research-intensive law school with established strengths in Asia–Pacific and Indian Ocean studies, giving students exposure to regional legal and political issues that are increasingly important in global affairs. The University is a member of Australia’s leading research universities and offers access to supervisors and scholars working on international law, human rights, maritime law and regional security.

Studying in Perth provides proximity to government agencies, international trade and resources sectors, and engagement opportunities with visiting diplomats and regional practitioners. The programme benefits from practical learning opportunities such as legal clinics, moot competitions, internships and seminars with practitioners, and from UWA’s research centres and networks which can support applied projects and placements.

Small cohort sizes in advanced units allow close supervision of research projects and personalised academic support, while a multidisciplinary curriculum prepares graduates to navigate the legal, institutional and political dimensions of international challenges.