Graduate Diploma of International Relations

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Graduate Diploma of International Relations
Deakin course code	A603
Faculty	Faculty of Arts and Education
Campus	This course is available as an exit only option from A703 Master of International Relations
Online	No
Duration	1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
This course is an A703 Master of International Relations exit only option

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Develop a systematic understanding of the international forces that shape our environment, as well as the skills to analyse and interpret international events. Study international relations at Deakin and be ready to further your professional aspirations within foreign affairs, politics, research, and media.

The forces of globalisation are generating profound effects on many spheres of economic, social and political activity. As such, a deeper knowledge of international relations is becoming necessary in many areas of public life.

Deakin’s international relations courses are professional development programs providing relevant and respected postgraduate qualifications for those who work, or aspire to work, in the public service, commercial organisations, humanitarian organisations, and the not-for-profit sector.

The Graduate Diploma of International Relations (IR) aims to provide you with high-level skills in analysis and interpretation of global issues and events, plus an understanding of the complexities of contemporary international relations. You’ll get a broad view of the world’s various political, economic and social landscapes, and an understanding of the often delicate relationships that exist between them.

You’ll choose from electives that explore topical subjects such as the rise of China, terrorism in international politics, global political economy, and Australian foreign policy.

Career opportunities for IR graduates exist in 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 consultancies, multicultural associations, education, health, politics and research.

Career opportunities

Graduates of Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of International Relations have gone on to work for organisations such as:

Australian Government
Australian Defence Force
United Nations
World Vision
Save the Children.

The nature of international relations roles is changing due to the impacts of climate change, the rise of China and other forms of geopolitical change. After examining key contemporary issues and developments around the world, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, you will enter the industry with current and best practice knowledge to make your impact.

Opportunities to make your impact exist in:

all levels of government
private sector corporations and small business
non-government organisations (NGOs)
the media
management consultancies
multicultural associations
education
health
research.

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.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Use advanced and specialised knowledge of International relations to 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	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	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	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 Diploma of International Relations students must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
2 credit points of core units
6 credit points of course electives

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.