International Relations and National Security

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.

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

You’ll 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.

You can choose to study this course at the graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree level. Students who complete the master degree via the dissertation stream to a high standard can apply for doctoral-level studies.

Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.

Why study

• This course has an interdisciplinary approach with perspectives from political science, history, geography and anthropology.
• Our academics are also practitioners in their field of study, with many years of real-world experience.
• Our international staff provide expert teaching and learning from all over the world, including Japan, Indonesia, Russia and the UK.
• Curtin is the only university in Western Australia to offer such a course at a postgraduate level.

Career information

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.  

Industries

• Foreign affairs 
• Defence
• Security
• Intelligence 
• National security
• Law enforcement 
• State and federal public service
• 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