Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations

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Key facts

ATAR

Burwood:

60.15

Online:

NP?

Lowest selection rank

Duration

4.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Gain a deep understanding of the political forces that shape the world, while graduating with two versatile degrees that set you up for a global career. You will major in international relations (IR) as part of your arts degree, and enhance your career options by choosing a complementary major and electives from more than 30 disciplines on offer. Then in the masters component, you will explore global governance and the United Nations, IR theory, contemporary international politics and security and strategy.

Boost your employability and broaden your horizons through international experience opportunities. Working alongside leaders from diverse cultures will allow you to see international relations from a unique perspective – an important skill for your career and your life.

Want to know more about Australia’s position in the world of international relations?

Challenge perceptions, test theories and discover solutions to the relationship challenges between countries with the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations.

When completing your masters degree, choose a specialisation within IR and complete a research project that puts into practice all that you have learnt throughout your studies. Your specialisation allows you to delve into a crucial aspect of IR and become a subject matter expert in your field. Choose to specialise in:

conflict and security
diplomacy and activism
human rights and international law

There is no better way to learn about IR than by gaining hands-on international experience. As leaders in mobility, we work with you to tailor your international experience depending on your study major or geographic interest around the world*. You can even apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios by gaining professional experience through an internship. Spend time immersing yourself in organisations including NGOs, agencies and private sector corporations and arm yourself with skills that prepare you for the industry.

*Overseas study programs to be confirmed in 2023

Award granted: Bachelor of Arts / Master of International Relations
Year: 2023 course information
VTAC code: 1400510411 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610411 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code: D305
CRICOS code?: 0101372 Burwood (Melbourne)
Level: Undergraduate
Approval status: This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition: The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7/9.

Course structure

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations, students must complete 36 credit points as follows:

Bachelor of Arts component (24 credit points):

AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
An approved Bachelor of Arts major sequence in International Relations
An approved Bachelor of Arts minor sequence of at least 4 credit points, or a second approved Bachelor of Arts major sequence of at least 8 credit points
No more than 10 credit points of units at level 1
At least 6 credit points of units at level 3

Students must have completed 24 credit points of study successfully and achieved a WAM of 60 to continue through to the Master of International Relations. Students not having fulfilled this requirement are eligible to graduate with the Bachelor of Arts as an alternative exit.

Master of International Relations component (12 credit points):

4 core units
8 credit points of study from one of the Minor Thesis, Research Paper, or Professional Experience Pathways. Course Elective units may be used to form a Specialisation. ^

^ Course elective units may be used to form up to 2 specialisations

The Faculty offers 2 units AIX160 Introduction to University Study and AIX117 Professional Writing for Work, that are specifically designed to ease the transition into university study. New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.

Core units

The United Nations and International Organisation

AIR707

International Relations Theory

AIR742

Contemporary International Politics

AIR747

Security and Strategy

AIR748

Research Pathways

Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway

Research Design

AIX706

Plus 2 credit points of research units:

Minor Thesis A

AIX704

Minor Thesis B

AIX705

Plus 5 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives

Research Paper – non PhD Pathway ^

Research Paper

AIX701

Plus 7 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives

Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway ^

Internship Capstone

APE701

Plus 6 credit points chosen from the specialisations and/or course electives

^ The Research Paper and Professional Experience options are not PhD Pathways.

Course Electives and Specialisations

Students who complete a specialisation of 4 or 5 credit points will have the specialisation indicated on their academic transcript.

Specialisations are available in the following areas:

Conflict and Security

Diplomacy and Activism

Human Rights and International Law

Course Electives are available from the following:

Course Electives

Major sequences

Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.

Animation - minor study only

Design Thinking - minor study only

Education

English - Children's Literature

English - Creative Writing

English - Literature

Film and Television studies

Gender and Sexuality Studies

History

Indigenous Studies - minor study only

Indonesian

Media and Communication

Media Studies

Middle East Studies

Philosophy

Politics and Policy Studies

Public Relations Studies

Religious Studies

Social Media

Sociology

Sport and Society - minor study only

Sport Journalism

Spanish

Strategic Advertising

Visual Arts and Photography

Visual Communication Design

Web Design - minor study only

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

Start date: March
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online

Trimester 2 - July

Start date: July
Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online

Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Entry requirements

Current or recent Year 12

If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

VCE Prerequisite subjects

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

Higher education study

If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

VET study

If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

Education

This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

Personal statement

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

Selection adjustments

Subject adjustment

A study score of 35 in Art, Dance, Drama, any English, any Humanities, any LOTE, Media, any Music, Studio Arts, theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Access and equity

Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?

$14,320 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.

The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

Learn more about fees and available payment options.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

Apply now

Apply through VTAC

Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.

Apply direct to Deakin

Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:

recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
applicants with work and life experience
applicants with TAFE study
applicants with higher education study.

Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.

Apply through Deakin

Download the course flyer

To learn more about what the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.

PDF - 833 KB

Indigenous Access Scheme

The Indigenous Access Scheme is a pathway to undergraduate study for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and looks beyond academic results to recognise all the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university.

To apply, complete the online application form.

Research Information

Students will complete a research pathway in 1 of the 3 following options:

Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway ; or
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^ ; or
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^ .

Entry pathways

View pathways into the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations with our pathways finder.

Alternative exits

Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
Submit an online enquiry
Help hub find common and trending questions and answers

Careers

Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

Graduate job ready through work placements

Combine travel and study to broaden your experience

Advance your career by studying a combined degree

Top 1% of universities worldwide**

Career outcomes

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations, you will be equipped with a unique skill set that will set you apart. Find employment across a range of organisations including:

consulting agencies
defence forces
education
foreign affairs departments
immigration departments
media
multicultural associations
NGOs
private sector corporations
research.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts	Course Learning Outcomes Master of International Relations
Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice.	Review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International Relations pertaining to foreign policy, conflict and security, international and regional politics, globalisation, and international law with reference to empirical cases.
Communication	Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers.	Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts and their application to real-world contexts, in a selection of written, oral and digital formats, to a range of audiences.
Digital literacy	Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment.	Employ a range of digital communication technologies and platforms appropriately to conduct research, engage in debate, communicate findings, and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences.
Critical thinking	Use critical and analytical thinking and judgment in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts.	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.
Problem solving	Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches.	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.
Self-management	Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts.	Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of International Relations.
Teamwork	Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community.	Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning.
Global citizenship	Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community.	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.
Approved by Faculty Board July 2019