Deakin University
Graduate Certificate of International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Gain the theoretical and policy insight to interpret international relationships, examine global political change and develop informed responses to contemporary issues.
Course overview
Gain the perspective to interpret global events, question competing political narratives and understand why international actors respond differently to shared challenges. Deakin University’s Graduate Certificate of International Relations develops the analytical insight needed to examine an increasingly interconnected world.
You will learn to analyse major theories and policy debates, investigate how international politics has evolved and place contemporary challenges within their wider regional and global context. The course also strengthens your ability to conduct research, evaluate different viewpoints and communicate complex findings clearly.
Alongside core study in international relations theory and human rights, you can focus on issues that reflect your interests. Elective options address the international role of China, political change in the Middle East, Australian foreign policy, the global political economy and contemporary international politics.
Studied at Deakin’s Burwood campus, the course can be completed in six months full-time from Trimester 1. Students commencing in Trimester 2 study part-time over one year. Published career settings include government, international organisations, non-government organisations, consultancy and research. The graduate certificate can also provide a pathway to further postgraduate study in international relations at Deakin University, subject to meeting the relevant entry requirements.
Key facts
June, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate of International Relations, you must successfully complete units totalling 4 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 1 credit point.
Core units
- International Relations Theory
- Contemporary International Politics
Electives
Select 2 credit points from the following:
- China and the World
- The Middle East in a Multipolar World
- Australian Foreign Policy
- Global Political Economy
- Contemporary International Politics
Entry Requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Have at least two years of relevant work experience or part-time equivalent.
Relevant experience may include work in Army or defence services, International non-government organisations, Security, Emergency services within government or commercial organisations, International affairs and The United Nations.
Selection also considers academic history, work and life experience and individual circumstances. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of at least one of the following:
- A bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
- An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0, or an accepted equivalent.
- Other accepted evidence of English-language proficiency.
Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Use specialised knowledge of International relations to review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International relations.
- Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts in written, oral and digital formats to a diverse range of audiences.
- Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings, and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences.
- Analyse, critically evaluate and synthesise theoretical conceptualisations of international politics and policy responses by a range of actors in the context of the changing international political system.
- Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real-world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in the areas of conflict and security, globalization, international crises and risks, foreign policy and international law.
- Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations.
- Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning.
- Analyse and respond to issues in global politics in domestic, regional and international contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into account cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards.
Career outcomes
Graduate Certificate of International Relations is designed for those looking to advance their careers in areas such as:
- All levels of government
- Private-sector corporations and small businesses
- Non-government organisations
- Media
- Consultancy and management consulting
- Defence forces
- Foreign affairs departments
- Immigration departments
- Multicultural associations
- Education
- Health
- Politics
- Research
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for organisations such as:
- Australian Government
- Australian Defence Force
- United Nations
- World Vision
- Save the Children
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2027: $14,000 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.