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Master of International Relations
Duration
18 - 24 months
10 subjects
Classes commence
September (Autumn) |
January (Winter) |
April (Spring) |
Fees*
AED 9,415.35 / USD 2,565 per subject
*VAT 5% inclusive
UOWD's Master of International Relations (MIR) degree in Dubai, students gain not only an in-depth understanding of international issues seen from a Middle East perspective, but also strengthen their abilities to analyze, now and in the future, complex issues in international politics. They are introduced to different sub-fields such as International Security (especially in its non-traditional aspects), Global Environmental Politics, Peace, Gender studies, Conflict Resolution or Geopolitics.
The MIR is an experience based on academic training but, first and foremost, it gives the students many ways to explore the job market in the UAE. To ensure that MIR graduates reach a new step in their careers, they are initiated into the skills that organizations in field want from them (negotiations, networking, project management, writing for the social media, etc.).
If you want to take a lead in tackling some of the major business, social and political issues that are impacting the international agenda, then the Master of International Relations degree is for you.
Special annual scholarship available for Master of International Relations (MIR) in cooperation with International Humanitarian City (IHC).
For more information, click here.
Students applying for a master's degree must have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) at an accredited institution of higher education and have achieved the minimum grades outlined below:
Country | Direct Admission | Probationary Entry* GPA 2.5-2.99 or equivalent |
Conditional Entry** GPA 2.0-2.49 or equivalent |
---|---|---|---|
Australia | 65% | 57% | 50% |
Brazil | 7/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 |
China | 75% | 63% | 50% |
Colombia | 3.5/5 | 3.25/5 | 3/5 |
Egypt | 65% (Good) | 57% | 50% (Pass) |
India | 50% | 45% | 40% |
10 Point System: 7.0/10.0 | 10 Point System: 6.0/10.0 | 10 Point System: 5.0/10.0 | |
4 Point System: 3.0/4.0 | 4 Point System: 2.5/4.0 | 4 Point System: 2.0/4.0 | |
Iran | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Japan | 70/100 or 4/5 | 65/100 or 3.5/5 | 60/100 or 3/5 |
Jordan | 70% | 60% | 50% |
Kenya | 50% | 45% | 40% |
Lebanon | 11 | 10.5 | 10 |
Mexico | 8/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
Nepal | 50% | 45% | 40% |
Nigeria | 50% | 45% | 40% |
Pakistan | 50% | 45% | 40% |
Russia | Average of 4 | Average of 3.5 | Average of 3 |
South Korea | 80/100 | 75/100 | 70/100 |
UAE | 3 | 2.5 | 2 |
UK | 2nd Class Honours with lower division (or min 50%) | 45% | Pass (or min 40%) |
USA | 3 | 2.5 | 2 |
* Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study, or its equivalent, with an overall GPA between 2.5 and 2.99 (on a 4.0 scale) may be conditionally admitted to a master’s program, only if they meet the necessary English language requirement. Such students must take a maximum of 18cp of subjects studied for the master’s degree during the period of conditional admission and must achieve an overall WAM of 55 in their first 3 subjects at the University. Students who fail to achieve this standard may have their enrolment discontinued.
** Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field of study, or its equivalent, with an overall GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 (on a 4.0 scale) may be conditionally admitted to a master’s degree, only if they meet the necessary English language requirement and they will be required to complete a maximum of 18cp remedial non-credit bearing subjects prior to enrolment in their chosen master’s degree. Students must achieve a minimum WAM of 55 in these subjects in order to progress to the Master’s degree or may have their enrolment discontinued.
Note:
[1] Unless otherwise stated, the entry requirements above are based on Section I institutions. Further details on alternate entry requirements can be obtained by contacting the Admissions department.
At UOWD, all classes are taught in English and in order to enrol in a master's degree you will need to submit one of the following certificate of English language proficiency:
English Language Test | Entry Score |
---|---|
IELTS Academic |
Overall score of 6.0 with 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.0 in Listening and Speaking |
TOEFL Internet based |
79 with not less than 20 in Writing, 18 in Reading, 17 in Listening, 16 in Speaking |
TOEFL Computer based |
213 with a 4.0 TWE/Essay Writing |
TOEFL* International paper based |
550 with a 4.0 TWE/Essay Writing |
EmSAT Achieve English |
1400 |
Note: Students who have achieved an overall Academic IELTS score of 6, but with a minimum of 5 in reading and writing for their relevant program, may opt to take Academic Writing as an additional subject during their first semester at an additional fee of AED 1,050/USD 286. A 50% pass rate is required to clear the post enrolment condition. Alternatively, the student may opt to retake the IELTS test.
* Students admitted under this criterion must complete the test at AMIDEAST.
If you are seeking credit for prior learning, you will need to submit an official academic transcripts showing all courses studied and the grades obtained, syllabus details (including information on course content) for the courses you have successfully completed and an explanation of the grading system. Your eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning will be decided in consultation with UOWD's Faculty Offices prior to the beginning of the program.
To make an application for your chosen program, complete the online application form and submit it along with all your supporting documentation (see below) prior to the application deadline.
Late applications may be accepted subject to the availability of places but applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The following records are required to process your application. Please ensure that all these documents accompany your UOWD application for admission form submittal:
- The original transcripts of your bachelor’s degree results
- A Certificate of Completion
(If the above documents are not in English, a certified English translation is required)
- Proof of your english language proficiency
(Note: Results from IELTS & TOEFL tests must be sent to the University directly from the IELTS or TOEFL testing centres quoting the UOWD institution code IELTS: AE109 / TOEFL: 7907)
- Your current resume or CV
- A copy of your UAE ID card (if applying from within the UAE)
- A copy of your passport (and Residence Visa, if resident in the UAE).
Additionally, if you are seeking advance standing in your chosen program:
- Certified copies of official academic transcripts showing all courses studied and grades obtained, syllabus details (including information on course content) of the courses you successfully completed and an explanation of the grading system.
Applications are required to obtain attestation / equivalency of their bachelor’s degree from the UAE Ministry of Education. The attestation / equivalency process is dependent upon whether you completed your bachelor’s degree within the UAE or outside the UAE.
If the bachelor’s degree was completed outside UAE, you must have your bachelor’s degree and transcripts/mark sheets certified by:
- The issuing University and/or recognised authority for tertiary education in the host country in which you completed your education
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the host country
- The UAE Embassy in that host country OR the Embassy of the host country in UAE must attest the authenticity of the documents and attestations.
Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Education must issue an Equivalency Certificate. Applicants must have a valid UAE residency visa when applying for an Equivalency Certificate. In special cases where complying with conditions (2) and (3) are not feasible, the certificates may be verified against originals by Embassies in the UAE and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If you are unable to secure the Equivalency Certificate(s) as outlined above will be asked to sign a “Consent to Provide Documents” form agreeing to secure the equivalency. You will be permitted to commence your studies at UOWD, but will be given a maximum of one semester to obtain the equivalency certificate(s). UOWD reserves the right to take appropriate action against any applicant who cannot secure the appropriate documentation in this time, which may result in the termination of the student’s enrolment at UOWD.
For more information or assistance on attesting documents from outside UAE, click here.
Program Structure
The majority of the students complete the program within six trimesters. The MIR sequencing follows the intakes. Students may start at any trimester. Autumn (September) is the main intake, with Winter (January) and Spring (as the secondary intakes for the MIR).
The three components of the program:
Core Subjects
Electives
Research
Program Outcomes
The MIR can open many doors into the job market. Given its disciplinary orientation, some subfields have been prioritized:
International cooperation (humanitarian aid, development, etc.)
The non-profit sector is expanding in the UAE. Dubai will become, if not the, then one of the main global centers for international cooperation in the coming years. It is the reason for the emphasis on international cooperation in the MIR.
IR analysis
The UAE, and Dubai in particular, are the perfect setting for young professionals who want to understand the nexus of international affairs. One of the stated objectives of the UAE is to train “solution finders” from all over the world. This spirit reflects on the students interested in the MIR. A degree in IR, delivered in Dubai by an Australian accredited university and by the UAE ministry multiplies opportunities. After graduation students can work in think-tanks or for consulting firms specializing in particular fields.
Public diplomacy
The link between International Relations and public diplomacy seems fairly straightforward. The MIR is a good springboard for Emirati and international students who want to become diplomats.
Accreditation and Recognition
All degrees at the University of Wollongong in Dubai are accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the UAE Ministry of Education and are licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). In addition, the degree is quality assured by UOW, which is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the national regulator of the higher education sector in Australia.
Students will be issued a UOW Australia degree upon graduation.



Dr William Guéraiche
Associate Professor
(Program Leader - International Relations)
Dr William Guéraiche is an Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) and currently teaches International Security at postgraduate level. He has a keen interest in International Relations, Geopolitics, Conflicts and Politics.
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