Graduate Diploma of International Relations
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of International Relations |
| Deakin course code | A603 |
| Course Credit Points | 8 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2020 onwards |
| Campus | This course is an exit only option from A703 Master of International Relations |
| 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
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.
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) to be completed in the first trimester of study
- 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.
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 |
| AIR747 | Contemporary International Politics |
Elective units
Choose six course electives from the following units:
| AHA721 | Humanitarian Knowledge and Principles |
| AIP781 | Political Communication: Public Watchdog Or Propaganda Machine? |
| AIR701 | China and the World |
| AIR707 | The United Nations and International Organisation |
| AIR712 | Australian Foreign Policy |
| AIR717 | International Conflict Analysis |
| AIR703 | The Middle East in a Multipolar World |
| AIR726 | Human Rights in World Politics |
| AIR728 | Global Political Economy |
| AIR732 | Terrorism in International Politics |
| AIR748 | Security and Strategy |
AIR720 Transnational Activism and Policy [No longer available for enrolment, AIR703 replaces this unit]
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.