Programme overview

Main Subject

International Relations/Studies/Affairs

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Drawing on UC's teaching and research strengths, graduates can obtain a master's-level capstone qualification in the popular area of international relations and diplomacy. This degree will offer you an innovative, interdisciplinary programme of taught courses with a strong professional emphasis. Note: This is a sister qualification to the Master of Policy and Governance, which caters for students interested in advancing a policy and/or governance career in local, regional, national, and third sector/not-for-profit sectors. The MIRAD caters perfectly for students interested in careers in foreign affairs or inter-state coordination. While Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not require specific tertiary pathways, applicants can find it advantageous to have a postgraduate degree in an analytical subject such as law, political science, international relations, economics, or science.

Graduates will leave UC having:

advanced knowledge of current research in international relations
advanced knowledge of current professional practice in diplomacy and related fields
the ability to understand theoretical and practical problems in international relations and diplomacy
proven expertise in research processes (eg, formulating a research question, data collection and analysis, case study analysis, and hypothesis testing)
engaged with senior university staff and senior figures in politics and policy.

Programme overview

Main Subject

International Relations/Studies/Affairs

Degree

Other

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

Drawing on UC's teaching and research strengths, graduates can obtain a master's-level capstone qualification in the popular area of international relations and diplomacy. This degree will offer you an innovative, interdisciplinary programme of taught courses with a strong professional emphasis. Note: This is a sister qualification to the Master of Policy and Governance, which caters for students interested in advancing a policy and/or governance career in local, regional, national, and third sector/not-for-profit sectors. The MIRAD caters perfectly for students interested in careers in foreign affairs or inter-state coordination. While Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not require specific tertiary pathways, applicants can find it advantageous to have a postgraduate degree in an analytical subject such as law, political science, international relations, economics, or science.

Graduates will leave UC having:

advanced knowledge of current research in international relations
advanced knowledge of current professional practice in diplomacy and related fields
the ability to understand theoretical and practical problems in international relations and diplomacy
proven expertise in research processes (eg, formulating a research question, data collection and analysis, case study analysis, and hypothesis testing)
engaged with senior university staff and senior figures in politics and policy.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor GPA

3+

IELTS

6.5+

TOEFL

90+

Cambridge CAE Advanced

176+

PTE Academic

58+

To qualify to enrol, you will need either: a bachelor's degree in any subject, normally with at least a B Grade Point Average in 60 points of 300-level courses in the majoring subject; or a bachelor's degree and a qualifying course, with at least a B Grade Point Average in 60 points of 300-level courses; or a bachelor's degree, and evidence of relevant professional or other work experience; or other approved qualifications of an equivalent standard. All students will also need approval to enrol.

Application Deadline

01 Dec 2025

Program Duration

1 Year

Starting Month(s)

Feb

Tuition fees

Domestic

Starts from

12,718 NZD

International

Starts from

48,600 NZD

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

12 monthsProgramme duration

48,600 NZDTuition Fee/year

01 Dec, 2025Application Deadline

International Relations/Studies/AffairsMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Programme overview

Main Subject

Degree

Study Level

Study Mode

Admission Requirements

Exam Scores

Important Dates

Tuition fees

Tuition Fee

Domestic

International

Scholarships

Scholarships

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