Why Bachelor of International Relations?
Explore how nations interact, negotiate treaties and overcome challenges while mastering the Spanish language.
Steeped in history and cultural diversity, Spain continues to make an impact on the world. Gain insights into Spain’s global authority and their role as the sixth largest economy in Europe. With a Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Spanish Studies, you’ll explore international political systems while advancing your Spanish speaking and writing skills.
Build a career in global affairs. Develop into a proficient global communicator. Get ready for an exciting future in foreign affairs, international business or diplomacy.
Overview
Develop a strong foundation in international relations while gaining confidence in Spanish with Adelaide University.
Foster a deep understanding of global affairs and the skills needed to navigate our complex world. Engage in a worldview of the geopolitical, economic and sociocultural factors that govern foreign policy. Critically analyse and understand complex environmental issues. Explore the impact of the pandemic and subsequent policy responses. Discover Australia’s foreign and security policies that shape our international affairs.
You’ll critically analyse global politics through traditional and modern approaches. An internship and specialised research topics will provide a clearer understanding of potential career destinations.
Your Spanish major will dive into contemporary issues that affect the modern Spanish citizen. Enhance your language skills while cultivating an appreciation for the country’s diverse culture.
Further your language skills and international relations knowledge to explore careers in diplomacy, international organisations and global business.
Key features
Gain intercultural awareness and sensitivity around political systems, diplomacy and international relations. - Develop advanced reading, writing, speaking Spanish language skills.
- Explore a deeper cultural insight into the global influence of Spanish culture.
- Analyse current events and contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world.
- Broaden your global network with expert researchers and scholars.
- Connect with industry through an internship that aligns with your career goals.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of International Relations is an engaging three-year program crafted to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of global affairs. You’ll be equipped with the skills necessary to excel in our interconnected world.
Core courses will cover topics such as origins and historical evolution and the impact of the pandemic. Discover comparative politics to uncover political systems and major global powers. Enhance your critical and analytical thinking while refining your research and writing abilities.
Build an understanding of Spanish in your major, including vocabulary and grammatical understanding in written and spoken forms.
Your major will also explore contemporary Spanish culture. Gain a deeper perspective into the modern Spanish citizen through topics in Spanish film, TV and music.
Dedicated research courses will give you a chance to identify potential professional pathways and career opportunities. Supported by community and industry partners, you’ll also complete a 5 to 10 day placement to expand your network.
Enhance your employability and gain valuable real-world experience with Adelaide University.
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
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
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
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
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
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
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
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
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Beginners Spanish A
|
Course code
LANG1609
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Beginners Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG1606
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
LANG2603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG2604
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
HLTH1030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG3605
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Spanish Literature
|
Course code
LANG3603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Spain
|
Course code
LANG2605
|
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
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
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
LANG2603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG2604
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish A
|
Course code
HLTH1030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate Spanish B
|
Course code
LANG3605
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Spanish Literature
|
Course code
LANG3603
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Spain
|
Course code
LANG2605
|
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
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
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Graduate ready for diverse career opportunities across a range of sectors with the Bachelor of International Relations majoring in Spanish Studies at Adelaide University.
You could negotiate global agreements and liaise with foreign correspondents. Maybe you’ll initiate international trade with Spanish markets. You might even work in a humanitarian organisation, bringing your expertise to critical projects.
Careers also include:
- Interpreter.
- Market research analyst.
- Non-Government organisation policy officer.
- Community development officer.
- Community outreach worker.
- Policy developer.
- Cultural heritage officer.
- UN human rights officer.
- Journalist.
- Ministerial adviser.
- Foreign correspondent.
Industry trends
In today's global society, the ability to understand international dynamics and communicate across language barriers is not just beneficial, but often essential. Companies and organisations are increasingly valuing diplomatic and cross-cultural communication skills.
Spanish is ranked as the fifth most popular spoken language in the world (Babbel, 2024). As a top tourist destination, Spain is also home to lively festivals, diverse ecosystems and rich cultural history. Join a growing number of Spanish speakers in global markets including international trade and investment.
With a resilient economy and major growth potential, you’ll be prepared to take on a range of careers in areas like agribusiness, energy, tourism and life sciences.
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.
