Why Bachelor of International Relations?
Explore international relations through a different lens – and through the ages.
History is a living part of our daily decisions and discussions. The echoes of the past influence contemporary culture, political debates and challenges we face in society – especially in international relations.
In this dynamic degree, you’ll explore how history has shaped the world today. Gain analytical skills to decipher complex global issues. Professionally arm yourself with information.
You’ll meet historians, foreign policy experts and peers from all around the world. You’ll open doors to exciting international careers, including in diplomacy, international NGOs, government and global business.
Overview
This three-year degree prepares you for exciting careers navigating major global affairs. We specialise in Australia’s diplomatic strategies, trade relationships and security partnerships.
In your History major, you’ll learn how historical events have influenced international relations today. You’ll explore different time periods and societies from around the globe and investigate patterns of historical change. You’ll ask big questions about empires, ideologies and revolutions.
How does bias affect historical accounts? What role did religion play in medieval conflicts? In what ways have Aboriginal and settler relations impacted contemporary Australia?
Examine the historical roots of different civilizations and crises. Network with international peers, researchers and experts in the field. Gain real-world experience through case studies, simulations and internships. Build cultural awareness, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
You’ll graduate skilled in both history and international relations. This combination will prepare you for a rewarding career on the world stage.
Key features
Gain a global network of peers, researchers and industry experts. - Explore the forces shaping international policies and relationships.
- Challenge yourself with case studies, simulations and debates on current events.
- Access research seminars led by visiting scholars and foreign policy professionals.
- Meet mentors and get real-world experience with a 15-day internship.
- Travel to new countries through study tours and exchange programs.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of International Relations is interdisciplinary, drawing on political science, economics, sociology, human geography and much more. It has a specific focus on Australia’s foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific. You’ll explore geopolitical tensions, economic integration and security challenges in the region.
You’ll compare the political systems of major global powers. Study practical and moral dilemmas facing policymakers worldwide. Benefit from research seminars led by visiting scholars and foreign policy professionals. Reflect on your values and biases. Develop your leadership, research, analytical and communication skills.
Our research-active scholars, including the two editors-in-chief of the Australian Journal of International Affairs, integrate their expertise directly into your courses. High-achieving students will be eligible for summer research scholarships not just engage with cutting-edge research, but also contribute to it.
Your History major will deep-dive into major events and cultural shifts in history, from the rise and fall of empires to the making of modern societies. You’ll study thought-provoking courses, including:
- Empires in world history
- History today
- Medieval worlds: 500-1500
- The making of modern Australia
- Europe in turmoil: 1900-1989
- Early modern worlds: 1500-1800
- Beyond the frontier: Aboriginal/settler Australia
- Memory wars: history and society.
Through case studies, simulations, collaborative group projects and lively classroom debates, you’ll explore:
- How empires grew and thrived and why they disintegrated.
- How public historical memory is made and remade.
- The causes, experience and outcomes of world wars.
- Totalitarian ideologies of the right and the left.
- European civilisation in the Middle Ages, including art, religion and warfare.
- Europe’s intellectual, religious and cultural shift from ‘medieval’ to ‘modern’.
- Major events and milestones defining Australia’s identity and international affairs.
- Relations between our Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, from the pre-colonial era to today.
You’ll also spend 15 days on placement with one or more partner organisations. Or, choose to head off on an international exchange experience. We have a strong focus on personal development and career planning, with dedicated courses to help you refine your professional goals and get experience in the field.
Majors
The Bachelor of International Relations is also available with majors in:
- Environmental Management
- 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 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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empires in World History
|
Course code
HIST1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
History Today
|
Course code
HIST1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Medieval Worlds: 500-1500
|
Course code
HIST2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Making of Modern Australia
|
Course code
HIST2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Europe in Turmoil: 1900-1989
|
Course code
HIST2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Early Modern Worlds: 1500-1800
|
Course code
HIST3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Beyond the Frontier: Aboriginal/Settler Australia
|
Course code
HIST3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Memory Wars: History and Society
|
Course code
HIST3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Empires in World History
|
Course code
HIST1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
History Today
|
Course code
HIST1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Medieval Worlds: 500-1500
|
Course code
HIST2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Making of Modern Australia
|
Course code
HIST2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Europe in Turmoil: 1900-1989
|
Course code
HIST2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Early Modern Worlds: 1500-1800
|
Course code
HIST3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Beyond the Frontier: Indigenous/Settler Australia
|
Course code
HIST3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Memory Wars: History and Society
|
Course code
HIST3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empires in World History
|
Course code
HIST1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
History Today
|
Course code
HIST1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Medieval Worlds: 500-1500
|
Course code
HIST2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Making of Modern Australia
|
Course code
HIST2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Europe in Turmoil: 1900-1989
|
Course code
HIST2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Early Modern Worlds: 1500-1800
|
Course code
HIST3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Beyond the Frontier: Aboriginal/Settler Australia
|
Course code
HIST3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Memory Wars: History and Society
|
Course code
HIST3003
|
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 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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empires in World History
|
Course code
HIST1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
History Today
|
Course code
HIST1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Medieval Worlds: 500-1500
|
Course code
HIST2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Making of Modern Australia
|
Course code
HIST2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Europe in Turmoil: 1900-1989
|
Course code
HIST2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Early Modern Worlds: 1500-1800
|
Course code
HIST3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Beyond the Frontier: Aboriginal/Settler Australia
|
Course code
HIST3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Memory Wars: History and Society
|
Course code
HIST3003
|
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 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
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empires in World History
|
Course code
HIST1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
History Today
|
Course code
HIST1001
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Medieval Worlds: 500-1500
|
Course code
HIST2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
The Making of Modern Australia
|
Course code
HIST2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Europe in Turmoil: 1900-1989
|
Course code
HIST2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Early Modern Worlds: 1500-1800
|
Course code
HIST3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Beyond the Frontier: Aboriginal/Settler Australia
|
Course code
HIST3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Memory Wars: History and Society
|
Course code
HIST3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate from Adelaide University ready to contribute positively to international change and cooperation. Your history expertise will mean you have deep insights into why countries behave the way they do – and implications of actions on the international stage.
You might be an analyst, deciphering past events to predict future trends. You could work with the United Nations or European Union, using your knowledge of history to inform diplomatic strategies. Perhaps you’ll join a thinktank, researching the historical roots of international issues and presenting your findings to global leaders.
You could also be a:
- Policy analyst
- Diplomat
- Consultant
- Historian
- Foreign service officer
- International trade specialist
- Immigration officer
- Mediator
- Human rights officer
- Cultural affairs officer
- Archivist
- Educator
- International development worker.
Or, continue on to a master’s or PhD in either area to boost your expertise and career prospects.
Industry trends
Government agencies seek graduates with skills in international relations for roles in policy development, international legal and security matters, and economic analysis. This includes the Department of Defence and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Expertise in international relations is also valuable in the public sector, United Nations-affiliated organisations, public relations, consulting, media and more.
At Adelaide University, we’ll equip you with analytical, critical thinking, digital literacy and leadership skills to get you career-ready. These are some of the most in demand and relevant skills needed in today’s workforce (World Economic Forum, 2023).
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.
