Master of Arts (International Relations)/Master of International Business
ObjectivesThis combined course brings together two successful Masters programs which tap into different but related areas of academic expertise and student interest - International Relations and International Business. One area of study usefully enhances the other. For any business to occur within, but especially across national borders, students require more than business training; they also need to understand the historical, cultural, sociological and international context in which business occurs. Those engaged in international business will gain knowledge of the international system and the countries and regions in which they are operating; while those interested in international relations can focus on the economic and business dimensions of relations between states. In so doing, the combined course offers a unique professional edge to students.
Entry requirementsTo be eligible for admission into the Master of Arts (International Relations)/Master of International Business, applicants must have a Bachelors' degree in a business discipline from an approved tertiary institution.
Academic titleMaster of Arts (International Relations)/Master of International Business
Course descriptionFees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Fee paying place - Domestic (DFP)
A Fee paying place is one for which the university does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fee paying places are available to domestic students. Domestic students are those who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of a permanent visa.
*Indicative course fees should be used as a guide only. Deakin University assumes no responsibility for persons relying on indicative course fees to calculate the total future cost of their course. The indicative course fee is an estimate based on a typical enrolment a student may have for their first year of study in 2009 for their course. The indicative course fee is based on historical first year enrolments within the course, reflecting the discipline cluster of the units which may be studied within the course. The actual fees charged will depend on the individual units chosen. The cost of each unit can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php. Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and services.
Career opportunities
This course is designed to allow students who are interested in international business and trade to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the geo-political system in which such activity occurs. It also allows those students who are interested in the international geo-political system to focus on the economic dimensions of that system.
For those already in business, it will provide additional insights into the contexts in which business has to operate - the treaty systems, the historical dimensions of relations between states, current security concerns and issues - all of which impact on international trade. For those who are perhaps already working in the diplomatic arena or in other public sector organisations dealing with international relations, this course will allow a greater focus on the trade and economic dimensions of these relations.
Course rules
The Master of Arts (International Relations)/Master of International Business is a 16 credit point course including 8 credit points of core units from the Master of International Business, 4 credit points of core units from the Master of Arts (International Relations) and 4 credit points of elective units.
Course structure
Core units
AIR728 International Political Economy
AIR742 Theories of International Relations
AIR747 Contemporary International Politics
ALC706 Culture, Communication and Globalisation: Critical Practices in/and Local Cultures
MPE707 International Banking and Finance
MPE711 Global Trade and Markets
MPE781 Economics for Managers
MPF753 Finance
MPR732/MPK732 Marketing Management *
MPK736 International Marketing
MPM703 Business Strategy and Analysis
MPT735/MPM735 International Business Management #
*MPR code denotes residential version of the unit.
#MPT code denotes study tour version of the unit.
Elective units
Select four credit points from:
Trimester 1
AIH759 The Cold War: An International History
AIH760 The Contemporary South Pacific: Governance and Crisis
AIR712 Australia in the World *
AIR716 Gender, War and Peace
AIR726 Human Rights in the International System
AIR732 Terrorism in International Politics
AIR750 European Security Issues
ALC705 Organisational Communication: Culture, Diversity, Technology and Change
Trimester 2
AID742 Political Development in South East Asia
AIH753 Genocide
AIP776 Contemporary Perspectives on European Integration
AIR719 The United Nations and International Law
AIR729 Refugees in Global Politics
AIR748 Contemporary Security and Strategy
AIR749 Security in the Asia-Pacific Region
AIR751 International Humanitarian Law
*AIR712 is also offered in trimester 3
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide
Admission requirements - specific
To be eligible for admission into the Master of Arts (International Relations)/Master of International Business, applicants must have a Bachelors' degree in a business discipline from an approved tertiary institution.
Advanced standing - general
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
Applications must be made directly to the university through the Applicant Portal referring to closing dates for applications as dates for particular courses may vary.
Your faculty may require further information from you when submitting your application. Please refer to the faculty information website for further details.
Alternate exits
Graduate Certificate of International Business (M572)
Graduate Certificate of International Relations (A513)
Graduate Diploma of International Business (M651)
Graduate Diploma of International Relations (A613) Master of Arts (International Relations) (A726)
Master of International Business (M723)