Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRAD) at the University of Canterbury is a 180-point, interdisciplinary taught Master's degree with a strong professional emphasis.
• It combines advanced academic study with practical learning through case studies, professional seminars, a substantial research dissertation and a Wellington field trip.
• The programme draws on expertise from Political Science and International Relations, History and Law.
• Students can access on-campus research resources including the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE) and the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies.
• The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in foreign affairs, diplomacy, international policy, inter-state coordination and international affairs.
• The Wellington field trip provides exposure to senior figures from New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Defence, embassies, high commissions and government, together with networking and mentoring opportunities with UC alumni working in Wellington.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The 180-point MIRAD consists of:

• 30 points compulsory study
• 90 points elective courses
• 60 points research dissertation

The compulsory component includes:

• POLS441 – Principles and Practice of International Relations and Diplomacy, 30 points
• POLS688 – Dissertation, 60 points, approximately 15,000–20,000 words.

Disciplines / Specialisations

MIRAD does not currently advertise formal majors or named specialisations.

Instead, the programme is interdisciplinary and allows students to select from approved elective areas. Relevant academic disciplines include:

• International relations
• Diplomacy
• Political science
• International affairs
• International human rights
• International law
• Development studies
• Regional politics
• European studies
• Pacific and New Zealand policy
• History
• Political economy

Programme Highlights

• 180-point Master's qualification.
• One-year full-time study option.
• February start.
• Interdisciplinary study across international relations, diplomacy, political science, history and law.
• 30-point professional core course.
• 90 points of elective study.
• 60-point independent dissertation.
• Dissertation of approximately 15,000–20,000 words.
• Professional seminar series.
• Applied case studies.
• Two-day Wellington field trip.
• Meetings with senior officials and representatives from government, foreign affairs, defence, embassies and high commissions.
• Networking and mentoring with UC alumni working in Wellington.
• Access to UC research resources including NCRE and the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies.
• Potential progression to a PhD in Political Science and International Relations

Career Outcomes

UC specifically positions MIRAD for students interested in:

• Foreign affairs
• Diplomacy
• Inter-state coordination
• International policy
• International affairs
• Government and public-sector roles
• Policy-related careers
• International organisations and related professional environments
• Research and analytical roles

UC says graduates develop:

• Advanced knowledge of current international-relations research.
• Advanced knowledge of professional practice in diplomacy and related fields.
• The ability to understand theoretical and practical problems in international relations and diplomacy.
• Research expertise including research-question development, data collection and analysis, case-study analysis and hypothesis testing.
• Exposure to senior figures in politics and policy.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current UC programme page continues to list February as the start and 180 points as the programme requirement.
• UC's current programme page states that all students require approval to enrol.
• International applicants who do not meet the direct requirements may be able to use UC's International Pre-Master's pathway.
• The current programme has a substantial 60-point dissertation, so applicants should be prepared for independent academic research.
• The Wellington field trip is an important professional component of the programme.
• The current UC international entry document identifies MIRAD as a taught programme and specifies programme-specific academic equivalencies for international qualifications.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying MIRAD in New Zealand, the relevant visa will generally be the Fee Paying Student Visa, subject to the student's individual circumstances.

Immigration New Zealand states that applicants must generally have:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees or an acceptable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• The other evidence required by Immigration New Zealand for the visa application.