Graduate Certificate of International Relations
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of International Relations |
| Deakin course code | A503 |
| Course Credit Points | 4 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2020 onwards |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Duration | Trimester 1: 0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent Trimester 2: 1 year part-time |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2026 This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2026 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS code | 094985J Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Other learning experiences
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Get an introduction to the forces that shape our international landscape and discover how to create practical responses to global problems in the Graduate Certificate of International Relations.
Your skills and specialist knowledge could help you secure roles across a range of sectors, including in government, non-government organisations, multicultural associations, management, and a range of businesses.
Want the skills to forge strong and impactful bonds between nations?
In core units, you will develop core understandings of how world politics have evolved into the 21st century and grow your capacity to analyse and contextualise policies and relationships in a nuanced and meaningful manner.
You will also benefit from the chance to explore a broad range of international relations units on offer under the guidance of our academics, each of whom bring unique expertise.
Plus, choose how you study – on campus, or on your own schedule, online.
In our increasingly globalised world, the skill to work strategically across nations is highly valued. International relations workers have the unique ability to shape global responses to complex global issues such as climate change or global poverty – as many Deakin graduates have.
If you are interested in furthering your expertise and analytical abilities, this course acts as a guaranteed pathway to the Master of International Relations.
Career opportunities
Deakin’s 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 business, non-government organisations, the media, consultancy, the defence forces, foreign affairs departments, immigration departments, management consultants, multicultural associations, education, health, politics and 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
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
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.
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.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Master of International Relations (Professional) (A735)
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Use specialised knowledge of International relations to review and analyse major theoretical, conceptual and policy debates and disputes in International relations. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of International Relations theories, concepts in written, oral and digital formats to a diverse range of audiences. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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 | 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, 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 others in the field of International Relations and from other backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning. |
| Global citizenship | 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 at Faculty Board July 2019
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of International Relations you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 2 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of course electives.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Units
| AIR742 | International Relations Theory |
| AIR726 | Human Rights in World Politics |
Electives
Plus 2 credit points of electives from:
| AIR701 | China and the World |
| AIR703 | The Middle East in a Multipolar World |
| AIR712 | Australian Foreign Policy |
| AIR728 | Global Political Economy |
| AIR747 | Contemporary International Politics |
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Other learning experiences
There are options for WIL and study tours across many of the SHSS courses.
Research and research-related study
Independent research components are embedded across a number of units.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.