Why Bachelor of International Relations?
Germany is an economic powerhouse – Europe’s largest economy and home to some of the world’s leading engineering, automotive and pharmaceutical companies.
With a Bachelor of International Relations majoring in German Studies, you’ll gain the skills to navigate the ever changing global political and economic landscape. Dive into international politics, history, and development while mastering German.
Connect with over 100 million native German speakers and expand your opportunities across Europe and beyond. Whether you're negotiating trade deals, building international partnerships, or addressing major global challenges, your fluency in German – alongside your expertise in international relations – will set you up as a future leader on the world stage.
Overview
Explore the forces and political structures that underpin our world with Adelaide University’s Bachelor of International Relations majoring in German Studies.
If you’ve ever pondered how events in one nation ripple across the world, or how diplomatic efforts can prevent global conflicts, this degree is for you. Immerse yourself in global politics – examining the key historical events, influential figures, and global institutions that shape the world today. Study Australia’s foreign and security policies. Learn how globalisation continues to impact trade and migration. See how nations respond to major issues like climate change, refuge crises and global pandemics.
In your final year, gain hands-on experience with an industry placement that connects you to mentors and enhances your employability.
With the German Studies major, you'll develop strong skills in reading, writing, listening comprehension and speaking German. From the start, you'll actively use the language, engaging with German films, literature and music. You'll explore cultural topics and build the communication and intercultural understanding necessary for a career in foreign affairs, international business or diplomacy.
Key features
Deepen your understanding of global affairs by examining politics, economics and sociology from various perspectives.- Master the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding spoken German.
- Explore Germany’s rich culture and economy, and its impact on today’s world.
- Be taught by top researchers and guest experts.
- Develop the cultural awareness and intercultural sensitivity essential for success in diplomatic and international relations roles.
- Forge your own career path with an industry internship tailored to your passions and professional goals.
What you'll learn
Taught over three years of full-time study, the Bachelor of International Relations provides you with a deep understanding of global affairs and the skills to thrive in our interconnected and fast-paced world.
The program covers key topics such as international relations, international security, global governance, comparative politics, geopolitics and international development. With a strong emphasis of developing research and writing skills, it also enhances your critical and analytical thinking.
Your German Studies major introduces you to the German language within a rich cultural context. Two language streams are available: Beginners – for those new to German or with some school experience – and Continuers, for those with high grades in previous study or native proficiency. Both streams will advance your language skills, starting with effective communication about personal information, daily routines and everyday situations, before progressing to more complex topics.
Explore Germany’s 21st-century perspectives through courses taught in German, designed to both deepen your understanding and improve your language proficiency. You will also reflect on German films, music, literature, and social issues, enriching your cultural insight.
Depending on your chosen stream, courses may include:
- Beginners German
- Intermediate German language
- Upper-intermediate German language
- Advanced German: language and culture
- Germany today
- Introduction to German literature.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore career options and complete a 5-10-day industry internship aligned with your goals.
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
|
| 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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
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
|
| 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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
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
|
| 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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to German Literature
|
Course code
LANG3304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
German in Germany (Level 3)
|
Course code
LANG2308
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Beginners German A
|
Course code
LANG1305
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Beginners German B
|
Course code
LANG1306
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate German A
|
Course code
LANG2304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate German B
|
Course code
LANG2305
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Germany
|
Course code
LANG2306
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
German in Germany (Level 2)
|
Course code
LANG2307
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German A
|
Course code
LANG3305
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German B
|
Course code
LANG3306
|
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
|
| 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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to German Literature
|
Course code
LANG3304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
German in Germany (Level 3)
|
Course code
LANG2308
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate German A
|
Course code
LANG2304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate German B
|
Course code
LANG2305
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Germany
|
Course code
LANG2306
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
German in Germany (Level 2)
|
Course code
LANG2307
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German A
|
Course code
LANG3305
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German B
|
Course code
LANG3306
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced German A
|
Course code
LANG3307
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced German B
|
Course code
LANG3308
|
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
|
| 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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to German Literature
|
Course code
LANG3304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
German in Germany (Level 3)
|
Course code
LANG2308
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German A
|
Course code
LANG3305
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German B
|
Course code
LANG3306
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced German A
|
Course code
LANG3307
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced German B
|
Course code
LANG3308
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
German in Germany (Level 2)
|
Course code
LANG2307
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Germany
|
Course code
LANG2306
|
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
|
| 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
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
You’ll be prepared for a range of exciting careers. You could work as a foreign diplomat, working in an embassy in Germany, Austria or Switzerland to promote bilateral relations. You could analyse trade agreements and trends in Germany and the European Union to support Australian businesses to expand in these markets. You may report on European politics, economics and culture as a foreign correspondent.
Other career paths may include:
- Diplomat
- Interpreter
- Market research analyst
- Non-Government Organisation policy officer
- Community development officer
- Community outreach worker
- Policy developer
- Cultural heritage officer
- UN human rights officer
- Journalist
- Ministerial adviser
- Foreign correspondent.
Industry trends
Around the world, escalating geopolitical tensions and competition are reshaping international relations. Conflicts, natural disasters, and economic uncertainty are fuelling humanitarian crises, while nations turn to international alliances to bolster their economic and military defences. With a degree in International Relations, you'll be equipped to address these pressing global challenges and navigate an evolving political landscape.
Learning a language like German is a powerful asset in today’s complex global environment. As a key player in the European Union, Germany’s influence extends across business, science, and culture throughout Europe. Mastering the language and gaining insight into German-speaking cultures can open doors to careers in high-growth sectors like renewable energy, automotive, engineering, digital innovation, biotech, healthcare, and finance. These skills will set you apart in the global job market, particularly within German-speaking regions.
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.
