Why Bachelor of International Relations?
China is one of the world’s most fascinating superpowers – home to 1.4 billion people, the second-largest economy, and a 5,000-year-old unbroken civilisation.
With its rich history, vibrant culture and robust economy, China’s impact spans global politics, trade and society. Mastering Chinese and understanding Chinese cultural insights will give you a nuanced perspective on international relations, equipping you to navigate and influence the interconnected world.
Immerse yourself in global politics, history, development and security with Adelaide University’s Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Chinese Studies. Become a skilled global communicator, prepared for a dynamic career in foreign affairs, international business or diplomacy.
Overview
Discover the forces shaping our world with Adelaide University’s Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Chinese Studies.
Analyse global politics by exploring how key historical events, leaders and institutions continue to influence the world today. Understand how globalisation has transformed trade and migration. Investigate Australia’s foreign and security policies. Learn how different countries address humanitarian and environmental challenges, and the role of foreign aid. You’ll also study international security, global governance and development.
In your major, you’ll investigate China’s pivotal role in Asia and beyond. Build invaluable expertise by learning Chinese, and gain insights into China’s language, culture, history and business practices.
Sharpen your critical thinking, research and writing skills, and graduate ready to build an international career in diplomacy, global organisations, NGOs or the private sector.
Key features
Deepen your understanding of global politics. - Recognise and be able to critically analyse contemporary Chinese politics, society and governance.
- Gain confidence in reading, writing, speaking and negotiating in Chinese.
- Explore the influence of China and Asia more broadly on modern society.
- Expand your global network by connecting with leading researchers and guest scholars.
- Develop the cultural insight and sensitivity essential for success in diplomacy and international relations.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of International Relations is a dynamic three-year program designed to give you a deep understanding of global affairs. It will equip you with the skills to thrive in today’s connected and fast-paced world.
The Chinese Studies major equips you with additional expertise and career opportunities as you learn the Chinese language alongside cultural awareness and understanding.
You will develop proficiency in Chinese, progressing from foundational grammar and conversation skills to intermediate/advanced reading, writing and translation, alongside with gaining further understanding of Chinese culture, society, institutions and intercultural awareness. With three language streams – Beginners, Continuers and Background Speakers – you can tailor your study to your experience level:
- Beginners: for those new to Chinese or with some school experience.
- Continuers: for those with high grades in previous Chinese study (e.g. SACE & IB).
- Background Speakers: for native or near-native speakers.
You’ll also explore key topics in global politics, global governance, comparative politics, geopolitics and international development. Extend your critical and analytical thinking and enhance your research and writing skills. As a part of Chinese Studies major, you’ll study future-focused courses, including:
- Asia and the World
- Introduction to Asian Cultures
- Asia: Cultures and Identities
- China Today: Ideology, Party and Society
- Ten Things You Should Know about China
- Asia Beyond Climate Change.
Throughout your degree, you’ll research and explore potential career options. You will graduate with a global outlook and the expertise towards an international career.
Majors
The Bachelor of International Relations is also available with majors in:
- Environmental Management
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
Or, with a major in another language, such as:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- 48 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for all Electives
Complete 66 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 48 units for all Program Core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IA
|
Course code
LANG1101
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IB
|
Course code
LANG1102
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIA
|
Course code
LANG1103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIB
|
Course code
LANG1104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIIA
|
Course code
LANG2101
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIIB
|
Course code
LANG2102
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Asia Beyond Climate Change
|
Course code
POLI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
China Today: Ideology, Party & Society
|
Course code
LANG2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ten Things You Should Know About China
|
Course code
LANG2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Asia: Cultures & Identities
|
Course code
LANG2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Asia and the World
|
Course code
LANG1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Asian Cultures
|
Course code
LANG1003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Asia and the World
|
Course code
LANG1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Asian Cultures
|
Course code
LANG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIA
|
Course code
LANG1103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIB
|
Course code
LANG1104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIIA
|
Course code
LANG2101
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese IIIB
|
Course code
LANG2102
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Translation for Chinese Speakers: Chinese-English
|
Course code
LANG2107
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
English-Chinese Translation for Chinese Speakers
|
Course code
LANG2108
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Asia Beyond Climate Change
|
Course code
POLI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
China Today: Ideology, Party & Society
|
Course code
LANG2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ten Things You Should Know About China
|
Course code
LANG2008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Asia and the World
|
Course code
LANG1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Asian Cultures
|
Course code
LANG1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Translation for Chinese Speakers: Chinese-English
|
Course code
LANG2107
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
English-Chinese Translation for Chinese Speakers
|
Course code
LANG2108
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Understanding Chinese for Chinese Speakers
|
Course code
LANG3103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Issues in Chinese Culture for Chinese Speakers
|
Course code
LANG3104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Asia: Cultures & Identities
|
Course code
LANG2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
China Today: Ideology, Party & Society
|
Course code
LANG2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ten Things You Should Know About China
|
Course code
LANG2008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
This degree prepares you for exciting careers strengthening ties across the globe. You could become an international business development manager, helping companies expand into China by identifying opportunities and forging strategic partnerships. Perhaps you’ll lead cultural exchange programs, facilitating workshops, discussions and collaborations between nations. Or you might represent Australia as a diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, negotiating treaties and advancing bilateral relations with China.
You could also be a:
- Diplomat
- Market research analyst
- Interpreter/translator
- Policy officer
- Community development officer
- Community outreach worker
- Cultural heritage officer
- International business expert/consultant
- Journalist
- United Nations human rights officer
- Ministerial adviser
- Foreign correspondent.
Industry trends
Across the globe, rising geopolitical tensions and competition are transforming international relations. Ongoing conflicts, natural disasters and economic instability are driving humanitarian crises. As nations look to strengthen their economic and military resilience, international partnerships are becoming crucial. With an Adelaide University degree in International Relations, you’ll gain the skills to tackle these urgent global issues – and meet emerging challenges.
As China continues to grow as an economic powerhouse (Asia Society, 2024) the demand for experts in Chinese culture and language are on the rise. Proficiency in Chinese is particularly sought after in multinational corporations, where a strong grasp of China's business practices and etiquette is vital for successful international collaboration.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
