Apply for Graduate Diploma in International Relations and National Security

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GD-INTRNS

International Relations and National Security

Graduate diploma

Advance your expertise in analysing global trends, international diplomacy and addressing security challenges.

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Course outline
  • Qualification
    Graduate Diploma in International Relations and National Security
  • Duration

    Duration

    1 year full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    074660G
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Semester 1, 2024

1 May 2023

Applications now closed!

Semester 2, 2024

Applications now open!

4 July 2024

Semester 1, 2025

12 August 2024

6 February 2025

Semester 2, 2025

7 April 2025

3 July 2025

Course outline

Outline

Outline

This course is designed for people who want the expertise to understand, analyse and critically assess the increasingly complex problems of international relations and national security.

This course builds on the curriculum of the graduate certificate to provide you with the opportunity to complete further specialist topics.

You will gain the knowledge and skills to understand contemporary international relations, global trends, diplomacy, security challenges and strategic affairs from an interdisciplinary perspective.

As you progress through the graduate program, you’ll further explore the key characteristics of the international system, nation-states, balance of power, security and the domestic influences on foreign policy.

You’ll also study optional units that support your career goals, analysing topics such as the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region, through to intelligence, terrorism, strategic geography and energy security.

Graduates of this course have gone on to work for government ministers, Commonwealth and State government agencies, Australian Intelligence Community, Australian Defence Force, international non-government organisations, media outlets and research centres.

Completing this course makes you eligible for the Master of International Relations and National Security.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

What jobs can the International Relations and National Security course lead to?

The future of international relations and national security

From climate change to terrorism, cyber threats to the plight of refugees and mass human displacement, the international system is growing evermore complex. To address contemporary challenges, international relations and national security professionals require diverse theoretical and practical training that responds to real-world situations.

This course provides such theoretical underpinnings and practical skills which gives you much sought after employment capabilities.  

Areas of work:

  • Foreign affairs 
  • Defence
  • National security
  • Intelligence
  • Law enforcement 
  • State and Federal public service
  • Research
  • Media and journalism
  • International trade
  • Global NGOs

What you'll learn

  • apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international relations and national security in work related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects
  • critically analyse and interpret major political, security, socio-economic and policy issues using an international relations and security studies framework; think creatively to develop effective policy solutions to national and international challenges
  • identify, systemise, process, and critically evaluate and synthesise relevant data from a range of appropriate sources; create an effects-based policy product
  • communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international relations and national security data or theories
  • use relevant technologies to effectively collect and interrogate data, and communicate findings
  • develop strong independent learning and analytical skills
  • develop skills to think strategically and in the global context
  • develop strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments
  • develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

A bachelor degree in any field of study from a recognised tertiary institution.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Domestic fee paying postgraduate

2024 Fee year:

$20,341*

Domestic

Domestic

Fees are indicative only.

* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
  • Online
Semester 2
  • On campus
  • Online

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
  • Online
Semester 2
  • On campus
  • Online

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus
  • Online
Semester 2
  • On campus
  • Online

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: GD-INTRNS
  • CRICOS code: 074660G
  • Last updated on: 16 April 2024

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Apply for Graduate Diploma in International Relations and National Security