Course overview
The Bachelor of Arts / Master of Arts (International Relations) aims to produce graduates who are able to demonstrate high level skills of theoretical and empirical analysis and interpretation of global issues and events. In addition, the course will give students a substantial understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations.
Our course is unique, providing students with the knowledge to examine key contemporary issues in a global context. Students gain skills in policy analysis and develop a systematic understanding of the threats to peace and security, and the global forces shaping political, social and economic life.
The program also offers study abroad and internship programs, giving students the opportunity to gain international and professional experience.
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 Arts (International Relations)
- Year
- 2018 course information
- Deakin code
- D305
- CRICOS code?
- 092875J
- Approval status
- This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- 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 (Years 1 to 3), students must complete 24 credit points as follows:
- An approved Arts major sequence in International Relations
- An approved Arts minor sequence of at least 4 credit points, or a second approved Arts major sequence of at least 8 credit points as listed below
- No more than 10 credit points of units at level 1
- A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3.
Note: Students completing minors in Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian and Spanish are permitted to complete 4 cp across any 2 levels, i.e. students may complete 2 credit points at level 2 and 2 credit points at level 3
* Students must have completed 24 credit points of study successfully and achieved a WAM of 60 to continue through to the Master of Arts (International Relations). Students not having fulfilled this requirement are eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Arts as an alternative exit.
To qualify for the award of Master of Arts (International Relations), students must complete 12 credit points including two core units and one of the following streams:
- 2 core units AIR726 and AIR728
Option 1
- 6 credit points of research project units (AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708; AIX702 (2cps); AIX703 (2cps))
- 4 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 2
- 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
- 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 3
- 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706)
- 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Students must also complete AIX703 (2cps))
- 4 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 2
- 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
- 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 3
- 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706)
- 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Students must also complete AIX703 (2cps))
Option 2
- 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
- 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 3
- 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706)
- 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Students must also complete AIX703 (2cps))
- 4 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 2
- 4 credit points of research units (AIX704; AIX705; AIX706; AIX707 or AIX708)
- 6 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 3
- 2 credit point of research units (AIX701 and AIX706)
- 8 credit points of electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Students must also complete
The Faculty offers two units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work, that are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.
Core units
Options 1, 2 & 3
Option 1
Plus either
or
Plus 4 electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 2
Plus either
or
Plus 6 electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
Option 3
Plus 8 electives chosen from the specialisations or general electives
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.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work 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. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
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.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations with our pathways finder.
Contact information
Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Burwood (Melbourne)
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Warrnambool
Tel 03 5563 3489
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Cloud (online)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
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.
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 | Course Learning Outcomes |
| 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 | ||
Footnotes
**ARWU Rankings 2022