International Relations

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