Master of International Relations and Diplomacy MIRAD

at University of Canterbury

The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRAD) comprises 180 points as follows:

• 30-point compulsory course

• 90 points of elective courses, chosen from a variety of options

• 60-point research dissertation.
   

You will start studies in February, and the normal enrolment would be full-time for 1 year. However, with approval, you can study part-time up to 3 years.
 

Compulsory courses
 

• POLS441 Principles and Practice of International Relations and Diplomacy

• POLS688 Dissertation (15–20,000 words)

Elective courses
 

• 60 points of courses chosen from these options

• 30 points of courses chosen from these options

Field trip
 

Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara Wellington field trip is a two-day trip, which includes meetings with senior figures in Manatū Aorere | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Manatū Kaupapa Waonga | Ministry of Defence, a variety of Embassies and High Commissions, and senior figures in government, including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition.
 

The field trip also includes a formal networking and senior peer mentoring event with UC alumni now working in Te Whanga-nui-a-Tara Wellington. This is an effective professional networking event.

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.
 

English language requirements for postgraduate qualifications
 

If you want to study towards a postgraduate qualification, eg a Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, or PhD you must have one of the following:
 

FEES (NZD) 2022    180        $42,300

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.