Why Bachelor of International Relations?
From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and European Union, Italy’s social, cultural and political influence is undeniable.
As the third largest economy in the European Union, and one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich countries, it continues to shape global affairs.
With Adelaide University’s Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Italian Studies, you’ll explore global politics, development and security, all while building your Italian language proficiency and intercultural capability.
Join 85 million Italian speakers worldwide. Develop an understanding of global dynamics and become a confident multilingual and intercultural citizen of the world, ready to make an impact internationally.
Overview
An Adelaide University degree in International Relations will open your eyes to the forces shaping relations in our interconnected world.
Explore Australia’s foreign and security policies and the critical debates that shape them. Gain a broad understanding of global politics and the effects of globalisation. Discover how countries and organisations respond to humanitarian and environmental issues, and how this influences international development.
With a major in Italian Studies, you’ll immerse yourself in one of the world’s most politically and culturally influential nations. From the Renaissance to modern fashion, technology, engineering and design, Italy’s cultural, artistic and historical legacy is unparalleled.
Navigate the complexities of global politics and international affairs with a major in Italian. Sharpen your communication skills and intercultural capability by studying the language of an influential Group of Seven (G7) country. Let this degree be your passport to a global career in foreign affairs, international business or diplomacy.
Key features
Immerse yourself in global politics and deepen your understanding of the world. - Gain the skills to speak, read, write and negotiate with confidence in Italian.
- Experience the richness of Italian language and culture, and its lasting global impact on society.
- Expand your global network by connecting with leading researchers and scholars in Italian Studies and international relations.
- Build the intercultural awareness and sensitivity essential for diplomacy and international relations.
- Undertake an industry internship tailored to your passions and career goals.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of International Relations is a three-year degree designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of world affairs and the skills to succeed in today’s globalised environment.
Core courses will introduce you to topics relating to international relations, international security, global governance, comparative politics, geopolitics and international development. You’ll also develop your critical and analytical thinking and extend your research and writing skills in at least two languages, English and Italian – preparing you for careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs and the private sector.
The Italian Studies major will immerse you in Italian language, film, media, translation and literature. Learn to communicate across cultures in one of the world’s most beautiful and widely spoken languages. Develop your proficiency and intercultural expertise, ready to confidently write, speak and negotiate in Italian in a range of contexts, both formal and informal. You can start in the Beginners stream if you have little or no prior experience or join a Continuers stream if your Italian skills are more advanced.
Depending on your starting level, you’ll take courses in:
- Beginners Italian I
- Beginners Italian II
- Intermediate Italian I
- Intermediate Italian II
- Upper-Intermediate Italian I
- Upper-Intermediate II
- Advanced Italian: Translation I
- Advanced Italian: Translation II
- The language of Italian media
- Italy close-up: the language of Italian cinema.
Throughout your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to research and explore various career paths. In your final year, you'll undertake an internship with a relevant organisation, where you’ll receive mentorship and build your professional network through 5–10 days of hands-on placement.
Graduate as a multilingual speaker with a global outlook. Take your seat at the table and play your part in creating a more informed, peaceful and interconnected world.
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
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
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
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
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
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
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
European Languages In-Country
|
Course code
LANG3003
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Languages Studies: Translation and Research
|
Course code
LANG3004
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 1A
|
Course code
LANG1410
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 1B
|
Course code
LANG1407
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 2A
|
Course code
LANG1409
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 2B
|
Course code
LANG1408
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 3A
|
Course code
LANG3411
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 3B
|
Course code
LANG3412
|
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
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
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
European Languages In-Country
|
Course code
LANG3003
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Languages Studies: Translation and Research
|
Course code
LANG3004
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 2A
|
Course code
LANG1409
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 2B
|
Course code
LANG1408
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 3A
|
Course code
LANG3411
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Italian 3B
|
Course code
LANG3412
|
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
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
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
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
As a Bachelor of International Relations graduate majoring in Italian Studies, you’ll be qualified for a range of careers in multilingual contexts. You could represent your country as a diplomatic officer within a foreign embassy or consulate. Or you might help Australian businesses navigate Italian markets and legal frameworks as an international business consultant. You might work at the United Nations as an interpreter, translating during important international negotiations or conferences.
Other career paths may include:
- Diplomat
- Interpreter/translator
- Market research analyst
- NGO policy officer
- Community development officer
- Community outreach worker
- Policy developer
- Cultural heritage officer
- UN human rights officer
- Journalist
- Ministerial adviser
- Foreign correspondent.
Industry trends
Rising geopolitical tensions and competition are reshaping the field of international relations. Ongoing conflicts, natural disasters and economic instability are creating humanitarian crises and driving migration trends. At the same time, regional trade agreements and economic partnerships are becoming increasingly important as nations look to bolster their economic resilience. With a degree in International Relations (Italian Studies), you’ll have the skills to contribute to major world issues and devise strategies to address critical emerging challenges.
In 2022, Italy ranked as the fifth most visited country worldwide (Statista, 2022), with Italian a widely spoken language in Australia and globally. With your Italian language skills, you’ll be ready to pursue a career locally or internationally, in fields such as translation, diplomacy, arts and culture, healthcare, business, government and tourism.
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.
