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La Trobe University

  • 24% international / 76% domestic

Graduate Diploma in International Relations

  • Graduate Diploma

We live in a time of unprecedented global change. As power structures shift, we need to anticipate, understand and take advantage of new trends, while skilfully navigating the risks.

Key details

Degree Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
1 year full-time
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$21,800 per year / $21,800 total
International Fees
$21,800 per year / $21,800 total

About this course

We live in a time of unprecedented global change. As power structures shift, we need to anticipate, understand and take advantage of new trends, while skilfully navigating the risks. As international borders continue to blur, organisations are searching for new leaders who are prepared for what's coming next - and who are determined to build a better future.

If you're passionate about global politics and want to learn how shape the future, La Trobe's Graduate Diploma in International Relations will give you the foundations to advance your career. Learn how to navigate the complex power dynamics between governments, multilateral organisations, international businesses and INGOs, and prepare to take on roles in these arenas. You'll graduate with the skills to navigate current global issues and create positive change across cultures and societies.

Delve into the history of international relations and explore contemporary approaches. Examine key frameworks and understand the complex relationships that drive global trade, security and governance.

You'll explore public policy that promotes social justice and explore key themes of poverty, gender, inequality and the threat of war. Understand how foreign policy is made and build your knowledge of international law. Then explore the sprawling networks of global economic interdependence, while investigating both the harms and benefits of globalisation. You'll understand the issues from a meta perspective, so you can help shape policies for governments and intergovernmental organisations such as the World Bank, ASEAN and the United Nations.

Learn from high-profile academic staff with extensive research and teaching experience. Outstanding educators who are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about their subject matter, our academics are renowned commentators who are frequently quoted in local and international media, and whose expertise is regularly sought by government committees.

After successfully completing the Graduate Diploma in International Relations, you could receive up to one year of advanced standing. This provides a pathway to transfer directly into the second year of La Trobe's Master of International Relations, should you decide to further your studies.

Gain the skills you need to build a successful career with an international focus. Broaden your understanding of the world around you and graduate ready to influence change on a global scale.

You'll learn:

  • Political theory
    • Uncover the systems, processes, history and actors that define modern international relations, diplomacy and trade.
  • International law and process
    • Build the skills and knowledge to navigate complex international policy and process frameworks.

  • Professional communication
    • Learn how to translate complex information into actionable outcomes and articulate your insights for a wide range of professional audiences.
  • International security
    • Build your understanding of international security in the 21st century. Understand how the notion of security has moved beyond a military perspective, and explore human and environmental security, terrorism, transnational crime and the impacts of global health crises.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Diploma.

Sample course structure

Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma in International Relations, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 1 year.

Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:

  • 120 credit points from chosen Core
Study options

Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.

Subject name Subject code Year Credit points ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE LTU0AIM 1 0 AUSTRALIAN POLITICS AND FOREIGN POLICY POL5APP 1 15 AUTHORITARIAN EMPIRES: RUSSIA, CHINA AND THE POLITICS OF EURASIA POL4003 1 15 INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANISATIONS POL4002 1 15 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY POL5GGA 1 15 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: PAST AND PRESENT POL4001 1 15 INTERNATIONAL SECURITY IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION POL5IJC 1 15 SECURITY IN A BORDERLESS WORLD POL5WPS 1 15 THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS POL4004 1 15
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details

The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.

  • Melbourne (Bundoora)

To view other campus handbook course details, please select relevant campus in the drop down.

Study locations

Melbourne

Career pathways

After graduation, you'll be prepared for a career in international diplomacy, foreign policy, governance, industry affairs, and local and international development. Work in Australia or overseas, with opportunities in non-government organisations and government agencies such as state governments, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

You could build a career in fields including:

  • Foreign affairs
    • Take a lead role in government relations. Work with foreign governments, organisations and businesses in regional and global contexts.
  • International trade
    • Support businesses to operate across borders while navigating different cultures and regulatory systems.
  • Policy analyst
    • Guide public policy by playing an important role in the creation, implementation and evaluation of policies and regulations.
  • Humanitarian support
    • Support local communities to improve their wellbeing and help them access services and basic human necessities. You could work in NGOs, as well as local and international inter-governmental agencies like Oxfam, Red Cross and Amnesty International.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Business & Management courses at La Trobe University.
74.2%
Overall satisfaction
77.8%
Skill scale
62.9%
Teaching scale
85.5%
Employed full-time
$107k
Average salary