Overview
Overview
International relations is a dynamic, multidisciplinary field that investigates the diplomatic, normative and economic relationships between different political bodies.
This course explores contemporary global issues through various analytical frameworks of political theory, international relations theory, foreign policy, strategic studies and political history.
You'll study the art of diplomacy and policymaking, geopolitical change, and national and regional security in military, political and geo-economic contexts.
You'll also delve into the key political and regional issues impacting Australia – with an emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region – and examine statecraft, international trade, environmental change and emerging technologies.
On completing this course you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the actors, institutions and processes of international politics and organisations. In addition, you'll have developed skills in critical analysis, problem-solving and written and oral communication – all of which underpin influential careers in international relations.
International Relations is offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts. You can enhance your studies with a second major or choose from a range of elective units that support your career goals.
When coupled with Business Law or Economics you can complete this major as part of the Bachelor of Commerce.
You can increase your career opportunities by studying International Relations as part of a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce double degree.
What jobs can the International Relations course lead to?
Careers
- Diplomat
- Intelligence analyst
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Signals analyst
- Government agent
- Journalist
- Thinktank researcher
- United Nations political affairs officer
- Strategist
- Foreign policy
- Public servant
Industries
- Diplomacy
- International trade
- Intelligence
- Defence and military
- Law enforcement
- Government
- International aid and development
- International law
What you'll learn
- demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the social and political sciences; the ability to apply a political and international perspective to the study of social life;
- demonstrate the ability to think and analyse critically, creatively and reflectively within politics and international relations and across disciplinary boundaries;
- demonstrate the ability to locate relevant evidence from a wide range of sources and to make informed decisions about the significance of this information in the development of a political and international relations analysis of social life;
- demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through a variety of written, oral and other formats to diverse audiences in ways appropriate in international relations;
- demonstrate the ability to use a variety of technologies and the ability to decide on their applications appropriately;
- show sustained intellectual curiosity by taking responsibility for one's own learning and intellectual development through the recognition of a range of learning strategies;
- demonstrate the capacity to understand socio-economic and political life in a range of local and global contexts through the recognition of international practices in political and international affairs;
- embrace the importance of cultural diversity and of human rights in the making of knowledge in the social and political sciences;
- provide both accountable and ethical prescriptions/solutions to the major issues and challenges involved in national, regional and world affairs.