Course overview
Gain a deep understanding of the political forces that shape the world, while graduating with two versatile degrees that set you up for a global career. You will major in international relations (IR) as part of your arts degree and enhance your career options by choosing a complementary major and electives from more than 30 disciplines on offer. Then in the masters component, you will explore global governance and the United Nations, IR theory, contemporary international politics and security and strategy.
Boost your employability and broaden your horizons through international experience opportunities. Working alongside leaders from diverse cultures will allow you to see international relations from a unique perspective – an important skill for your career and your life.
Want to know more about Australia’s position in the world of international relations?
Challenge perceptions, test theories and discover solutions to the relationship challenges between countries with the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations.
When completing your masters degree, choose a specialisation within IR and complete a research project that puts into practice all that you have learnt throughout your studies. Your specialisation allows you to delve into a crucial aspect of IR and become a subject matter expert in your field. Choose to specialise in:
- conflict and security
- diplomacy and activism
- human rights and international law
There is no better way to learn about IR than by gaining hands-on international experience. As leaders in mobility, we work with you to tailor your international experience depending on your study major or geographic interest around the world. You can even apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios by gaining professional experience through an internship. Spend time immersing yourself in organisations including NGOs, agencies and private sector corporations and arm yourself with skills that prepare you for the industry.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Arts / Master of International Relations
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400510411 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610411 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D305
- CRICOS code?
- 0101372 Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations, students must complete a total of 36 credit points consisting of 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts and 12 credit points from the Master of International Relations, which must include the following:
- Course requirements for both Bachelor of Arts and Master of International Relations, must be satisfied.
- Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students must complete 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts, including:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- An approved Bachelor of Arts major sequence in International Relations
- An approved Bachelor of Arts minor sequence of at least 4 credit points, or a second approved Bachelor of Arts major sequence of at least 8 credit points
- No more than 10 credit points of units at level 1
- At least 6 credit points of units at level 3
- Remaining credit points may be used to undertake an additional minor or major sequence or to take elective units.
Students must have completed 24 credit points of study successfully and achieved a WAM of 60 to continue through to the Master of International Relations. Students not having fulfilled this requirement are eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Arts as an alternative exit.
Master of International Relations studies
Students must complete 12 credit points from the Master of International Relations, including:
- 4 core units
- 8 credit points of study from one of the Minor Thesis, Research Paper, or Professional Experience Pathways. Course Elective units may be used to form a Specialisation.
Bachelor of Arts
International Relations major
Core units:
Plus 3 units selected from:
Note: A study tour program is available as part of this major sequence. Please contact the Course Director for further information.
Choose a minor or second major from the Bachelor of Arts
Electives may also be chosen from the above Bachelor of Arts.
Master of International Relations
Core units:
Pathways
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Plus 2 credit points of research units:
Plus 5 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 7 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 6 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives
^ The Research Paper and Professional Experience options are not PhD Pathways.
Course Electives and Specialisations
Students who complete a specialisation will have the specialisation indicated on their academic transcript.
Specialisations are available in the following areas:
Human Rights and International Law**
*Trimester 3 study is required
** Available as a part-time study option for Research Option 2 in Trimester 1 & 2 only
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Animation - minor study only
Design Thinking - minor study only
English - Children's Literature
Global Challenges - minor study only
Sport and Society - minor study only
UX Design - minor study only
Web Design - minor study only
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in Art, Dance, Drama, any English, any Humanities, any LOTE, Media, any Music, Studio Arts, theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
You can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme, which recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university.
Research Information
Students will complete a research pathway in 1 of the 3 following options:
- Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
- Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
- Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations, you will be equipped with a unique skill set that will set you apart. Find employment across a range of organisations including:
- consulting agencies
- defence forces
- education
- foreign affairs departments
- immigration departments
- media
- multicultural associations
- NGOs
- private sector corporations
- research.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts | Course Learning Outcomes Master of International Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. | Review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International Relations pertaining to foreign policy, conflict and security, international and regional politics, globalisation, and international law with reference to empirical cases. |
| Communication | Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. | Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts and their application to real-world contexts, in a selection of written, oral and digital formats, to a range of audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. | Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings, and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgment in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. | Analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors in the context of the changing international political system. |
| Problem solving | Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. | Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real-world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in the areas of conflict and security, globalization, international crises and risks, foreign policy and international law. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. | Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. | Analyse and respond to issues in global politics in domestic, regional and international contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into account cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. |
Approved by Faculty Board July 2019
Footnotes
**ARWU Rankings 2022