The Graduate Certificate in International Relations is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. It articulates with the Graduate Diploma in International Relations and the Australian program of the Master of Arts (International Relations).

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. The Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature, and may take into account relevant work experience. 

Course aims

The Graduate Certificate (International Relations) aims to:

  • provide qualified students with an introduction to the academic field of International Relations; with opportunities to gain exposure to aspects of International Relations not previously encountered and/or to consolidate aspects covered in previous studies
  • introduce key theoretical concepts, major historical themes and significant current issues within International Relations
  • provide an introduction to an International Relations perspective on the Asia-Pacific region in particular
  • develop an appreciation of the professional context in which graduates with International Relations credentials may find employment
  • assist students to further develop skills in comprehension, research, bibliography, analysis, verbal argument and professional writing.

Learning outcomes

Graduates from this course should be able to:

  • appreciate the broad dimensions and content of the academic field of International Relations
  • understand the key theoretical concepts, major historical themes and significant current issues within International Relations
  • critically read, analyse and utilise the academic and professional literature in International Relations
  • prepare themselves for more advanced studies through the Graduate Diploma in International Relations and the Master of Arts (International Relations)
  • apply further developed skills in academic research, verbal argument and professional writing.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in International Relations, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board:

  • no topic may be attempted more than twice
  • a student may not include a topic which repeats work previously undertaken.

18 units selected from

 DVST8010  Development Problems, Policies and Programs  (4.5 units)
 INTR9051  International Human Rights: Theory and Practice  (4.5 units)
 INTR9054  The Alliance and the Rise of China  (4.5 units)
 INTR9063  Debating International Relations  (9 units)
 INTR9064  The Rise of China: Dream or Nightmare  (4.5 units)
 INTR9077  Global Inequality  (4.5 units)
 INTR9078  Governing East Asia in the 21st Century  (4.5 units)