This degree equips future leaders of both diplomatic and legal practice with knowledge and skills to succeed in a changing geopolitical world.
Program description
There has never been a better time to study international law and diplomacy. In an age of ever-evolving realities, there’s a high demand for graduates capable of shaping our international society. Are you ready?
The Master of International Law and Diplomacy at ANU is a joint degree. The program addresses the needs that arise from the unique dynamics of the current political and business landscape where policy, law and dispute resolution intersect.
International law and diplomacy don’t operate in a vacuum in our modern world. Now, they don’t need to in your degree, either.
What you'll learn
- The nuances of diplomacy and international law, and its contemporary challenges.
- The various perspectives of multiple actors, including states, civil service departments, intergovernmental organisations, non-government organisations and multinational corporations.
- Effective research and writing skills that will enable you to address complex diplomatic and legal challenges with an international or transnational dimension.
- Diplomatic and international legal advocacy skills, including the ability to solve or avoid problems through negotiation, persuasion and advocacy.
Graduating with a Master of International Law and Diplomacy from ANU will position you firmly in the centre of a global network of leading financial and legal scholars and policy-makers.
Key facts
One of the world's top 20 law schools Times Higher Education Rankings (2024)
Five-star maximum rating for student demand, teaching quality, student–teacher ratio and staff qualifications Good Universities Guide 2022
ANU is ranked first in Australia and eleventh globally for politics, and in the top 25 for law QS World Rankings by Subject, 2022.
Duration
Two years full-time.
Make an enquiry
Call and chat to a member of our Future Student Experience team.
Future student enquiryEntry requirements
A Bachelor degree, or international equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0. Alternatively, a Bachelor degree at a pass mark of GPA 4.0/7.0, or international equivalent, with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience:
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
- Ireland
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- India
- Canada
Applicants who have completed an Australian undergraduate law degree or Juris Doctor or common law countries/regions listed below are exempted from Law and Legal Institutions (LAWS8586) and are required to complete an additional 6 units from the course list.
Domestic applications
Visit the Domestic applications - ANU Postgraduate webpage to check the admission dates.
You are a domestic applicant if you are:
- An Australian Citizen
- A New Zealand Citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
International applications
Visit the International applications - ANU Postgraduate webpage to check the admission dates.
You are an international applicant if you are:
- Not an Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Not holding an Australian permanent resident or permanent humanitarian visa
- You apply via Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) International if you are an International student who is undertaking:
- Australian Year 12 inside or outside of Australia
- An International Baccalaureate Diploma OR
- A New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
Student Experience
"When looking for Masters programs, the chance to combine international law with diplomacy was the primary reason for selecting ANU.
"The key benefit (of the Master of International Law and Diplomacy) is the ability to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to analysis – a skill that is increasingly valued by employers.
"Studying both diplomacy and international law gives students a holistic training in this field that neither program alone can deliver."
- Bhavani Kannan,Master of Diplomacy/Master of Laws (International Law) graduate.
"After practising in litigation and human rights for several years. I was keen to enhance my credentials in international law. Diplomacy seemed to me to be a natural complement to international law, so I decided to pursue this option.
"I have worked in internationally-focused jobs ever since obtaining the degrees, including in the Australian Government's Office of International Law and now as a senior lawyer at an international criminal tribunal in The Hague."
- Jane McCosker,Master of Diplomacy/Master of Laws (International Law) graduate.
Careers
This innovative program is taught in the nation’s heart of diplomacy and law, and has been designed to prepare you for an exciting career path. Previous graduates from the Master of International Law and Diplomacy at ANU have gone on to work in various fields, including:
- peace and conflict resolution
- disciplinary roles
- political journalism
- international justice
- international economic development
- humanitarian relief
- human rights advocacy
- political and economic risk analysis within the government and private sector
- international organisations.
This degree will provide you with diplomatic and legal practice, alongside skills such as critical analysis, strategic thinking and cross-cultural communication – all of which are required to succeed in a changing geo-political world.
Academic experts
You’ll be taught by internationally-recognised scholars from both ANU College of Law and Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy. You’ll also learn from senior diplomatic and international legal practitioners. Some of the areas our academics have a particular interest in include transnational diplomacy, roles of non-state actors, negotiation and conflict resolution, and international law principles.
ANU is ranked first in Australia and eleventh globally for politics, and in the top 25 for law (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2022).
Programs and courses
For information on admission requirements, fees, courses, electives, suggested study patterns and more see Programs and Courses.
Programs and courses