Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Population and Migration Studies

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BINTR

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$41,300

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 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 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

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
China	Gaokao	65%
China	Maple Leaf Education Systems World School Program	67%
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
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
UK / Global	NCUK	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 Thôxwng (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of International Relations?

How do population changes impact policy and planning? How does this influence crime and criminal justice responses? With our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice majoring in Population and Migration Studies, you will discover the how and the why.

In the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree, you’ll learn to be an informed and critical user of research methods in criminal justice settings. You’ll explore the nature of crime and the key theories that explain why people commit crime.

In the Population and Migration Studies major, you’ll examine the dynamics of population growth and migration trends around the world. You'll develop expertise in research methods like data analysis, policy evaluation and case studies.

Overview

Our Bachelor of International Relations is delivered by research-active scholars. It nurtures in-demand thinking skills, with a career planning focus to help you land on your feet. You’ll explore contemporary global affairs – and Australia’s significance within the Indo-Pacific region. 

In the Population and Migration Studies major, you’ll develop the skills to understand and interpret population and migration shifts. You’ll examine big questions like: how does migration affect international politics? What factors make people move across borders? How do population shifts influence regional stability?

You’ll engage in spirited debates on current issues, unpack international policies and refine your problem-solving skills through practical case studies and simulations. Expand your networks by connecting with researchers and experts in the field. Gain valuable skills in data analysis and research.

Graduate with a keen understanding of the complexities, realities, and implications of global and Australian population dynamics and migration. You’ll be ready to help governments, businesses, and communities respond effectively to global shifts.

Key features

Investigate the causes of crime and deviance.
Gain a worldview of significant population issues and policy changes.
Explore policing and crime prevention techniques.
Develop high-level skills in demographic and socio-economic data collection, research and interpretation.
Learn from world-leading academics.
Graduate career ready by completing an industry placement with a partner organisation.

What you'll learn

Our Bachelor of International Relations is interdisciplinary, drawing on political science, economics, history, law and more. You’ll analyse crucial contemporary developments in global politics, with a specific focus on the Indo-Pacific region and Australia’s position within it.

Our research-active staff undertake leading research in international relations – and feed their expertise directly into your learning. Our team includes the two editors-in-chief of Australia’s premier academic journal in the field, the Australian Journal of International Affairs. Cutting-edge research is integrated into the curriculum and high-achieving students may have opportunities to get involved in summer research scholarships.

You’ll study international security, global governance, comparative politics and geopolitics. Explore Australia’s diplomatic strategies, trade relationships and security partnerships. Attend research seminars led by guest scholars and foreign policy experts.

In the Population and Migration Studies major, you’ll learn through practical workshops, simulations, cases studies and collaborative group projects. You’ll build valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving and report writing.

You’ll study future-focused courses, including:

Population trends and challenges
Migration and (im)mobility
Migration and development
Demographic data and techniques
Urban and rural futures
Global population and health
Migration identity, belonging and difference
Population in practice: applied research.

You’ll learn about:

The driving forces behind demographic changes
Theories, concepts and crises in historical and contemporary migration
The links between human migration and socio-economic development
The causes and consequences of urbanisation and rural-urban mobilities
Health inequities and the uneven spread of diseases, deaths and pandemics
Multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, transnationalism and diaspora
The politics of identity, belonging, integration and citizenship
Quantitative and qualitative research design in the field
Data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation.

You’ll also complete an internship centred on mentoring and networking experiences. This is all part of Adelaide University’s focus on industry engagement and career planning. We’ll help you clarify your career goals and find your effective path to reach them.

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 for all Common core, and
48 units for all Program Core

	Course code	Units
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	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

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Population Trends and Challenges	Course code SOCI1002	Units 6
Course name Migration and (Im)mobility	Course code SOCI1003	Units 6
Course name Demographic Data and Techniques	Course code SOCI2002	Units 6
Course name Urban and Rural Futures	Course code SOCI2003	Units 6
Course name Migration and Development	Course code SOCI2303	Units 6
Course name Population in Practice: Applied Research	Course code POLI3003	Units 6
Course name Migration: Identity, Belonging and Difference	Course code POLI3004	Units 6
Course name Global Population and Health	Course code SOCI3301	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 Society and Culture Internship	Course code SOCI3902	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

Career outcomes

Your specialised knowledge will give you a competitive advantage in international relations. You’ll graduate ready to pursue careers in diplomatic service, international policy development, migration analysis and strategy, international NGOs and immigration.

You might use AI algorithms to streamline resettlement for refugees. You could predict migration patterns resulting from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Perhaps you’ll forecast hotspots for population movement – or help countries plan for how to support new residents.

In Australia, you could find employment at the:

Australian Bureau of Statistics
Centre for Population
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Defence
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Department of Home Affairs
Australian Migrant Resource Centre
Regional Development Australia
Red Cross.

You might be a: 

Diplomat
Demographer  
Foreign service officer
National security agent
Cultural affairs officer
International development worker
Immigration policy analyst  
Human rights officer
Social impact assessor 
Census data analyst
Immigration officer.

Or, continue your learning with a master’s or PhD to take your knowledge and career opportunities to the next level.

Industry trends

Population and migration studies tackles some of the world's toughest issues, including:

Population ageing
The crisis of low fertility
Declining populations in industrialised countries and rural areas
Skilled and family migration
Refugees and asylum seekers
Population policy changes.

Worldwide, we're facing significant economic and demographic shifts. Climate change is creating more and more ‘climate refugees’. Some communities are displaced by wars and conflicts. We need experts who can develop policies to effectively manage how people move and integrate into new communities.

Fortunately, big data, AI and GIS technologies are enabling more precise tracking, predictions and analyses of large data sets. At Adelaide University, we equip you with relevant technical skills – and globally in demand competencies such as analytical and creative thinking (World Economic Forum, 2023). With a Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Population and Migration Studies, you’ll gain much-needed insights in the field – and the soft skills to back them up.

How 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

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

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

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: