Master of International Law and Diplomacy

COURSE CURRICULUM

The Masters of International Law and Diplomacy at Australian National University is a 96-unit postgraduate program designed to integrate advanced legal knowledge with diplomatic practice, preparing students for careers in international organisations, foreign services, and global policy institutions. The degree is structured around core diplomacy and international law foundations, beginning with compulsory courses in Transnational Diplomacy and Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, alongside key legal studies such as Principles of International Law and Law and Legal Institutions. Students then complete a substantial component of diplomatic studies, selecting from a wide range of subjects covering contemporary diplomacy, international development, Pacific diplomacy, non-state actors, Indigenous diplomacy, ethics of peace and war, foreign policy analysis, and global political dynamics in regions such as Asia and the Pacific. In parallel, students undertake a major body of international law coursework, including advanced legal methods and specialised law electives. The program also allows up to 24 units of research-focused study through options such as a diplomacy research project or a postgraduate law dissertation, enabling students to develop independent analytical expertise. Additionally, up to 6 units of experiential learning may be completed through internships in diplomacy, international relations, or law. Overall, the program combines theory, practice, and research to develop highly skilled professionals capable of addressing complex global legal and diplomatic challenges with strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.