If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.

International Relations
Undergraduate Double Degree Major
MDDU-INTRL
- Major
- International Relations Double Degree Major (BA/BCom)
- Credit
- 400
Outline
Study the art of diplomacy and policy-making, and explore contemporary global issues.

If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.
Transferable skills
Humanities courses teach transferable skills for international careers.
Global Education
You’ll have access to a range of international study opportunities.
High national ranking
Curtin is Australia's top research institution in diplomacy and international relations.
The Australian's Research 2020 Magazine.
International relations is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary field that investigates the social, economic and environmental relationships between different political bodies.
This double degree major explores contemporary global issues through political theory, international relations theory, foreign policy, strategic studies and political history.
You’ll study the art of diplomacy and policymaking, geopolitical change, and national and regional security in military, political and geo-economic contexts.
Political and regional globalisation are explored in-depth, with an emphasis on the Asia Pacific. International trade, environmental change, resource management and human rights issues are also examined.
You’ll develop skills in critical analysis, problem-solving and written and oral communications – skills that underpin influential careers in international relations.
As a Curtin student you could also participate in an international study tour to Timor Leste.
Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.
How to apply
This course sits within the double degree combination of Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts and also the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce.
Applicants have the choice of which double degree combination they would like to study.
To apply for this course, you will apply for the most preferred double degree. In step 3 of the application process, you will be asked to confirm the major you wish to study.
Applying as an undergraduate student is easy. For information tailored to your situation, visit our easy to follow instructions to get your application started.
Ready to apply?
I want to apply for the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts
I want to apply for the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts
I want to apply for the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce
Why study
- Curtin’s award-winning team of international experts offers you a quality education with a strong applied angle;
- This major offers a multidisciplinary approach, which allows you to gain perspectives from political science, history, economics, anthropology, sociology and geography; and
- You are thus provided with a unique opportunity to develop an International Relations expertise and open doors in your career in government, the business and NGO sector, or academia.
Student profile
View our student profile table to get an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Curtin University. This table provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available. It includes those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.
Career information
Careers
- Diplomat
- Embassy/Consulate/High Commission Officials
- Intelligence Analyst
- Signals Analyst
- International Trade Policy
- Strategic Policy Analyst
- Cyber-Security Analyst
- Research Officer
- Public Servant
- Law Enforcement
- Defence Force Officer
- UN Political Affairs
- Human Rights Advocate
- Multicultural Affairs Liaison
- Journalist
- Political Scientist
- Teacher
Industries
- State and Commonwealth Government
- International Non-Government Organisations
- International Trade
- International Development
- Think-Tanks
What you'll learn
- demonstrate the ability locate relevant evidence from a wide range of sources and to make informed decisions about the significance of this information in the development of a political and international relations analysis of social life
- demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through a variety of written, oral and other formats to diverse audiences in ways appropriate in international relations
- demonstrate the ability to use a variety of technologies and the ability to decide on their applications appropriately
- show sustained intellectual curiosity by taking responsibility for one's own learning and intellectual development through the recognition of a range of learning strategies
- demonstrate the capacity to understand socio-economic and political life in a range of local and global contexts through the recognition of international practices in political and international affairs
- embrace the importance of cultural diversity and of human rights in the making of knowledge in the social and political sciences
- provide both accountable and ethical prescriptions/solutions to the major issues and challenges involved in national, regional and world affairs
- demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the social and political sciences; the ability to apply a political and international perspective to the study of social life
- demonstrate the ability to think and analyse critically, creatively and reflectively within politics and international relations and across disciplinary boundaries
Advanced standing
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Webform: Submit here
Curtin Connect: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
Please view the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce degree for indicative fees.
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
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The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: MDDU-INTRL
- Last updated on: June 29, 2022
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