Why Bachelor of International Relations?
International development is about understanding and advancing social, economic, political and cultural progress around the world.
The challenges in the field – things like poverty, inequity and environmental degradation – demand urgent and informed action. That’s where you come in.
Be part of the solution, contributing to empowerment, equality and sustainability efforts. Build practical skills to support meaningful and lasting change. Make a real difference in the lives of communities around the globe.
You’ll build an international network of peers, researchers and industry professionals. When you graduate, you’ll be ready to lead positive change in NGOs, government agencies, aid organisations and more.
Overview
Ready to deep-dive into global affairs like never before?
In our Bachelor of International Relations, you’ll learn from industry experts and research-active scholars. You’ll explore contemporary global affairs – and Australia’s significance within the Indo-Pacific region.
The International Development major covers policies, strategies and initiatives to reduce poverty, inequality and exclusion in the global South. You’ll unpack major development issues – from governance and security to health, education, environmental management and legal reform.
You’ll study success stories and ongoing challenges in development projects across continents. Get familiar with the communities and organisations involved. Learn through case studies, field trips and exchange opportunities overseas.
You’ll get hands-on experience through an industry internship. Immerse yourself in an independent research project of your choosing. Gain valuable skills in analytical reasoning and policy analysis.
Graduate with advanced cultural awareness and communication skills, equipped to work as a development program manager, policy advisor or in foreign affairs.
Key features
Investigate global development issues through case studies and simulations.- Build skills in program design, implementation and assessment.
- Complete a 15-day placement with one or more partner organisations.
- Learn to manage projects and communicate across cultures.
- Benefit from our staff’s significant global policy and aide experience.
- See development in action through study tours and exchanges overseas.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of International Relations pulls from a wide range of disciplines. Over three years, you’ll explore significant contemporary developments in global politics. You’ll dissect complex geopolitical conflicts, economic partnerships and security issues defining our world today.
Adelaide University specifically focuses on the evolving role of Australia in the Indo-Pacific – and its diplomatic strategies, trade relationships and security partnerships.
You’ll attend seminars from research-active scholars and foreign-policy professionals. Debate global issues and ethics with peers from around the world. Reflect on your existing preconceptions. Develop skills in critical analysis, negotiation and conflict resolution. Study the challenges of international policymaking.
Our program is led by accomplished researchers, including key figures in national academic circles. This includes the two editors-in-chief of the Australian Journal of International Affairs. For high-achieving students, there are opportunities to engage with real-world research through summer scholarships.
In the International Development major, you’ll undertake practical exercises designed to help you build real-world international development skills.
You’ll take impactful courses, including:
- Introduction to international development
- Poverty reduction: doing international development
- Empowerment, gender and community development
- How to change the world: practicing development
- Humanitarian emergencies, aid and action
- Environment and development
- International development practice: design project
- Rights and development.
Through case studies, group discovery projects and practical exercises, you’ll learn all about:
- Key concepts and debates in international development.
- The history of development policies and practices.
- The current framework of Sustainable Development Goals.
- How markets, finance and trade affect poverty and prosperity.
- Organisations currently engaged in the development field.
- How poverty is assessed and strategies for reducing it.
- Women’s financial empowerment and the ‘girl effect’.
- Corporate community development.
- Volunteer and cultural tourism.
- Links between capitalism, development and environmental issues.
- Human rights and social change.
- How to deliver humanitarian aid during emergencies.
We help you prepare for the professional world with career-focused courses and a 15-day internship. Or, choose to see the world with an overseas study adventure.
Majors
The Bachelor of International Relations is also available with majors in:
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
|
Course code
-
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
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
|
Course code
-
|
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
Introduction to International Development
|
Course code
POLI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Poverty Reduction: Doing International Development
|
Course code
POLI1008
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Empowerment, Gender and Community Development
|
Course code
POLI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How to Change the World: Practicing Development
|
Course code
POLI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Humanitarian Emergencies, Aid and Action
|
Course code
POLI2006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environment and Development
|
Course code
POLI3015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Development Practice: Design Project
|
Course code
POLI3016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Rights and Development
|
Course code
POLI3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Your studies will prepare you to manage and implement programs that deliver real, sustainable change to communities in need.
You could lead projects for international development organisations. You might specialise in crisis management, coordinating rapid responses to emergencies. Perhaps you’ll influence policy at a high level, advocating for funding and effective, equitable changes at global summits.
You could also be a:
- Development program manager
- International aid worker
- Diplomat
- Policy advisor
- Social impact assessor
- Disaster relief coordinator
- NGO director
- Foreign service officer
- Field coordinator
- Cultural affairs officer
- Cultural exchange coordinator
- Humanitarian response officer
- Media relations coordinator.
Or, advance your qualifications and career prospects with a master’s – or even a PhD.
Industry trends
The COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed attention to critical global concerns like population growth, food security, climate change, health issues, human rights, economic globalisation and neoliberal capitalism.
In 2023, the Australian Government unveiled a $1.7 billion initiative to expand Australia's contributions to international development. The policy aims to tackle a range of political, economic, cultural and environmental challenges (Minister for Foreign Affairs, 2023).
So, what does this mean for you? The international relations and development knowledge you gain at Adelaide University will prepare you to meet the growth in this sector. Harness your specialised insights and your analytical, critical thinking and leadership skills – which are highly valuable and sought-after qualities 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.
