Bachelor of International Relations majoring in International Security

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City Campus

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BINTR

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$43,400

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115722K

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6
IELTS Listening 6
IELTS Speaking 6
IELTS Writing 6

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
Canada	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)	70%
China	Gaokao	65%
Denmark	Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma)	4 (Fair)
France	French Baccalaureate	11.5
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Norway	Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering	3.6
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
South Korea	College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)	320
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Sweden	Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate	14.0
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of International Relations?

Security is about creating environments where people feel safe and free to flourish without fear.

From cyber threats, terrorism and territorial disputes to domestic conflicts and insurgencies, security issues have never been more complex.

Whether you want to start, advance or pivot your international security career, we’ll help you contribute to a safer future for societies worldwide.

Learn to analyse risks, develop strategic responses and lead discussions on global security. Gain skills in diplomacy, negotiation, conflict resolution and crisis management. Access an international network of peers, researchers and industry experts. Nurture your resilience and adaptability for personal and professional success.

Overview

Our Bachelor of International Relations is designed and taught by active researchers in the field. You’ll explore the many complexities of global affairs, Australian foreign relations and international cooperation.

The International Security major deep-dives into regional and global security challenges, particularly those affecting Australia and its allies in the Indo-Pacific. You’ll unpack traditional and non-traditional security threats, including military conflicts, terrorism, cyber warfare and environmental security.

You’ll develop crucial analytical and strategic thinking skills. Network with experts through seminars and industry internships. Advance your cultural awareness and ethical judgement.

Participate in simulations that mirror real-world crises, preparing to make informed decisions under pressure.

You’ll graduate with advanced skills to assess and address complex regional and international security threats. You’ll be ready for dynamic careers in diplomacy, foreign affairs, defence policy, intelligence and security analysis.

Key features

Explore international security issues through in-depth case studies.
Use simulations to practise negotiation and crisis decision-making.
Engage with foreign policy experts, industry leaders and researchers in the field.
Enhance your strategic thinking and security analysis skills.
Gain hands-on guidance and professional networks through an industry internship.
Broaden your global security insights with study tours and exchanges.

What you'll learn

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of International Relations is interdisciplinary. Our courses draw on political science, economics, history, international law, sociology, philosophy, human geography, environmental studies and media studies. You’ll gain insights into global diplomacy, politics and trade partnerships. We specifically spotlight Australia's role in the Indo-Pacific. You’ll study the geopolitical tensions and economic policies affecting this crucial region.

Join seminars hosted by experts in foreign affairs. Contribute to debates and analyses of complex geopolitical issues. Learn from diverse international peers with differing perspectives. Study global governance, comparative politics, democratic and authoritarian systems and practical and moral dilemmas facing policymakers. Sharpen your research and analytical skills and critically reflect on your own viewpoints.

You’ll learn from accomplished scholars, including two editors-in-chief of Australia's premier international relations journal, the Australian Journal of International Affairs. If you excel in your studies, you may even have opportunities to work on cutting-edge research through summer scholarships.

In the International Security major, you’ll analyse a range of geopolitical and security issues around the world. You’ll develop your technical knowledge and problem-solving through case studies covering wars, conflicts, emancipatory struggles, colonialism and the establishment of international systems.

You’ll take specialised courses, including:

Introduction to international security
Security, justice and rights
Terrorism and global politics
Strategic cultures and grand strategies in the Indo-Pacific
Decolonising security
Threatening periphery: global security and state marginalisation
Security in Asia: managing critical challenges in Australia’s backyard
International negotiations and crisis decision making.

Through lively debates, practical case studies, simulations and group discovery projects, you’ll learn about:

Debates, theories and concepts in the field of security studies
International institutions and global security norms
Key issues on the global security agenda
Appropriate conduct in the pursuit of security
The causes and historical evolution of terrorism
Counter-terrorism responses and policies
State building, failure and collapse
Alternative approaches to security-seeking
Evolving threats to security and stability in Asia
Causes, challenges and solutions behind international crises.

We place a strong emphasis on career readiness, preparing you for the working world with professional planning courses and a 15-day internship. You’ll also have opportunities to join overseas study through international tours and exchanges.

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 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 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 Core course	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 Security	Course code POLI1009	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 Security, Justice and Rights	Course code POLI1010	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Approaches in International Relations	Course code POLI2002	Units 6
	Course name Strategic Cultures and Grand Strategies in the Indo-Pacific	Course code POLI2008	Units 6
	Course name Professional Pathways and Destinations 2	Course code SOCI2019	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Global Environmental Politics	Course code POLI1005	Units 6
	Course name Terrorism and Global Politics	Course code POLI2007	Units 6
	Course name Decolonising Security	Course code POLI2009	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Global Political Economy	Course code POLI3012	Units 6
	Course name Threatening Periphery: Global Security and State Marginalisation	Course code POLI3018	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Ethics of War and Peace	Course code POLI3013	Units 6
	Course name Security in Asia: Managing Critical Challenges in Australia’s Backyard	Course code POLI3019	Units 6
	Course name International Negotiations and Crisis Decision Making	Course code POLI3020	Units 6
	Course name Internship: Society and Culture	Course code SOCI3903	Units 6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Introduction to International Security	Course code POLI1009	Units 6
Course name Security, Justice and Rights	Course code POLI1010	Units 6
Course name Terrorism and Global Politics	Course code POLI2007	Units 6
Course name Strategic Cultures and Grand Strategies in the Indo-Pacific	Course code POLI2008	Units 6
Course name Decolonising Security	Course code POLI2009	Units 6
Course name Threatening Periphery: Global Security and State Marginalisation	Course code POLI3018	Units 6
Course name Security in Asia: Managing Critical Challenges in Australia’s Backyard	Course code POLI3019	Units 6
Course name International Negotiations and Crisis Decision Making	Course code POLI3020	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	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 Security	Course code POLI1009	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 Security, Justice and Rights	Course code POLI1010	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Approaches in International Relations	Course code POLI2002	Units 6
	Course name Strategic Cultures and Grand Strategies in the Indo-Pacific	Course code POLI2008	Units 6
	Course name Professional Pathways and Destinations 2	Course code SOCI2019	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Global Environmental Politics	Course code POLI1005	Units 6
	Course name Terrorism and Global Politics	Course code POLI2007	Units 6
	Course name Decolonising Security	Course code POLI2009	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Global Political Economy	Course code POLI3012	Units 6
	Course name Threatening Periphery: Global Security and State Marginalisation	Course code POLI3018	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Ethics of War and Peace	Course code POLI3013	Units 6
	Course name Security in Asia: Managing Critical Challenges in Australia’s Backyard	Course code POLI3019	Units 6
	Course name International Negotiations and Crisis Decision Making	Course code POLI3020	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 Core course	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 Security	Course code POLI1009	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 Security, Justice and Rights	Course code POLI1010	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Approaches in International Relations	Course code POLI2002	Units 6
	Course name Strategic Cultures and Grand Strategies in the Indo-Pacific	Course code POLI2008	Units 6
	Course name Professional Pathways and Destinations 2	Course code SOCI2019	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Global Environmental Politics	Course code POLI1005	Units 6
	Course name Terrorism and Global Politics	Course code POLI2007	Units 6
	Course name Decolonising Security	Course code POLI2009	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Global Political Economy	Course code POLI3012	Units 6
	Course name Threatening Periphery: Global Security and State Marginalisation	Course code POLI3018	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Ethics of War and Peace	Course code POLI3013	Units 6
	Course name Security in Asia: Managing Critical Challenges in Australia’s Backyard	Course code POLI3019	Units 6
	Course name International Negotiations and Crisis Decision Making	Course code POLI3020	Units 6
	Course name Internship: Society and Culture	Course code SOCI3903	Units 6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

	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 Core course	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 Security	Course code POLI1009	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 Security, Justice and Rights	Course code POLI1010	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Approaches in International Relations	Course code POLI2002	Units 6
	Course name Strategic Cultures and Grand Strategies in the Indo-Pacific	Course code POLI2008	Units 6
	Course name Professional Pathways and Destinations 2	Course code SOCI2019	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Global Environmental Politics	Course code POLI1005	Units 6
	Course name Terrorism and Global Politics	Course code POLI2007	Units 6
	Course name Decolonising Security	Course code POLI2009	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Core course	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Global Political Economy	Course code POLI3012	Units 6
	Course name Threatening Periphery: Global Security and State Marginalisation	Course code POLI3018	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Ethics of War and Peace	Course code POLI3013	Units 6
	Course name Security in Asia: Managing Critical Challenges in Australia’s Backyard	Course code POLI3019	Units 6
	Course name International Negotiations and Crisis Decision Making	Course code POLI3020	Units 6
	Course name Internship: Society and Culture	Course code SOCI3903	Units 6

Career outcomes

You’ll be equipped to pursue careers in a range of strategic organisations, from Australia’s Department of Defence to the United Nations.

You might become a defence analyst, assessing risks and proposing plans to prevent conflicts. You could develop security protocols for national governments or international organisations. Perhaps you’ll advise on policy, working closely with international agencies to promote global peace and stability.

You could also be a:

Security analyst
Risk assessment coordinator
Intelligence officer
Counterterrorism analyst
Customs and border protection officer
National security agent
Foreign service officer
Diplomat
Cultural affairs officer
Consular assistant
Cultural exchange coordinator
Journalist
Global business development manager.

Or, consider pursuing a master's – and even PhD – to multiply your expertise and job prospects.

Industry trends

Australia needs people with skills in diplomacy, defence strategy and regional security analysis. Security and cybersecurity jobs, as well as jobs in partnerships and alliances are included in the top 100 fastest growing roles worldwide (World Economic Forum, 2023).

There is also a promising labour market in the defence sector of South Australia, which is home to over 300 world-class defence industry and infrastructure companies across the maritime, aerospace, land, systems and cyber industries (Government of South Australia, 2024). Many of these have their headquarters – or at least significant operations – in the state, right next to Adelaide University.

Graduate with some of the most relevant and in-demand qualities needed in the modern workforce, including analytical, creative thinking and leadership skills (World Economic Forum, 2023). Be equipped with everything you’ll need to launch a successful international security career.

Ready to apply?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

Ask Adelaide University

When is the last date to apply?

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When will my studies commence?

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View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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.

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Bachelor of International Relations majoring in International Security