Deakin University

Graduate Certificate of International Relations

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Examine world politics, human rights and international policy while developing the analytical skills to evaluate complex global challenges and potential responses.

Course overview

Learn to look beyond the headlines and understand the political forces, competing interests and international relationships behind global events. Deakin University’s Graduate Certificate of International Relations helps you place complex challenges in context and evaluate how governments and other international actors respond.

You will explore major international relations theories and apply them to policy debates, political disputes and real-world events. The course develops your ability to place global issues in context, evaluate competing perspectives and communicate informed analysis to different audiences.

Core study in international relations theory and human rights is complemented by electives that allow you to examine a region or policy area in greater depth. You may investigate China’s international role, political change in the Middle East, Australian foreign policy, global political economy or contemporary international politics.

Delivered online, the course can be completed in six months full-time when commencing in Trimester 1. A Trimester 2 commencement is available part-time over one year. It may support work across 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

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,500
More Information
The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Intake
February, 2027
June, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
4
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

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.