Course overview
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 professionals need diverse theoretical and practical training to respond to real-world situations.
This course provides such theoretical underpinnings and practical skills to give you much sought after employment capabilities. A career in international relations is about making and supporting the key decisions that promote the international rules-based order and determine our collective future.
You will be equipped with critical thinking skills and specialist knowledge in international relations, preparing you to be an effective leader and decision-maker in a rapidly changing world. As a graduate of this course, you can find work in various settings such as federal government, global organisations like the UN or the WHO, multinational firms, media companies, or academia and research.
If you choose to complete a research dissertation as part of this course and complete it to a high standard, you may be eligible for entry into a doctoral degree.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Diplomat
- Strategic/foreign policy officer
- Intelligence analyst
- Humanitarian aid worker
- International development officer
- Researcher and consultancy
- UN political affairs advisor
- International correspondent
Industries
- Foreign affairs
- Defence Intelligence
- State and federal government
- Media and journalism
- International trade
- Global NGOs
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
How Curtin can help me get career-ready
At Curtin, we’re here to support you in boosting your employability and achieving your professional goals.
Discover why international students love Western Australia
Choosing where to study for your degree is a major decision. You want to enjoy your university years in a place that is welcoming, offers unique experiences, and will give you a globally recognised degree.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
In this course, you’ll be equipped to shape global policy and lead meaningful change.
Across two years of study, you’ll gain expertise in diplomacy, foreign policymaking, analysis, international politics and statecraft.
Under the guidance of academics with practical experience at senior-levels in policymaking and intelligence analysis, you’ll explore the traditional topics of statecraft, such as armed conflict, diplomacy, international trade and competition between major powers.
You will also explore contemporary global challenges including environmental change and climate change, disinformation and espionage, humanitarian and cultural issues, the rise of political extremism and emerging technologies.
You can also choose to focus your skills in a particular area of interest such as strategic studies, intelligence, human security or in specific countries/regions.
You may be able to exit this course early with a Graduate Certificate in International Security or a Graduate Diploma in International Security once you have completed the required units.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
A three- or four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant field, OR successful completion of a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations or related field.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Check the Handbook for course-specific details about credits.
Fees
2026 International indicative fees
Indicative year 1 fee
$38,424*
Total indicative course fee
$76,848*
2027 International indicative fees
Indicative year 1 fee
$41,112*
Total indicative course fee
$82,224*
Important information about fees
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Fees are indicative only.
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*First-year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
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Tuition fees may increase by up to 8 percent each year and are subject to legislative changes.
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This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit fees and charges for more information.
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These fees apply to international students enrolled at one of Curtin’s Australian campuses. For information about fees at Curtin’s global locations, visit the relevant campus website.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
Curtin Global Future Leaders Scholarship
Curtin Global Future Leader Scholarship provides eligible students a one-off credit of AUD$12,500 against the tuition fee of the course they are undertaking.
Curtin English Scholarship
When you complete a Curtin English course as a pathway into a Curtin University degree course, you will receive a one-off credit of up to AUD$7,496 towards your tuition fees.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
Apply through an agent
A registered Curtin agent will lodge your application to Curtin on your behalf. They can also answer any questions you may have about applying, courses, student visas and scholarships.
Apply directly to Curtin
Depending on your country’s requirements, you may be able to apply directly to Curtin without using an agent.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | 21 Apr 2025 | Applications now closed |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Applications now open | 5 Jul 2026 |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Applications now open | 28 Jan 2027 |
| Semester 2, 2027 | 1 Mar 2027 | 1 Jul 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.