University of Queensland
Graduate Certificate in International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop a deeper understanding of how states and other political entities shape the international system and how you can play a part in it.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in International Relations is a coursework program aimed at developing conceptual and empirical understanding and skill sets in research and knowledge development in the International Relations field.
You'll work with world-class teachers and researchers who are in touch with industry partners and participate in regular public commentary and debate in their fields and you'll study alongside students from many different countries and backgrounds.
UQ’s Graduate Certificate in International Relations will equip you with the analytical and practical skills for a career in diplomacy, government, think tanks, non-governmental organisations, the UN, international journalism, or development.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete eight units for one of the following:
- Eight units for all GCIR Foundational Courses
- Eight units for all GCIR Core Courses
- Eight units for GCIR Core and Program Elective Courses
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth two units.
Complete eight units for all of the following:
- Writing Politics (four units)
- Foundations in Politics, Policy and International Relations (units)
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
- To have completed post-secondary studies and have two years of full-time equivalent relevant work experience with documented evidence (such as references). Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
Relevant Work Experience
Relevant work experience may be paid or voluntary and includes work:
- In planning, management and/or implementation of international policy and/or governance initiatives, including work for international organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, social movements and the international business community.
- A demonstration of basic computer literacy, research and writing skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following:
- That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation.
- The nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities.
- The length of time that you worked there (i.e. three years).
- Whether your employment was full-time, part-time* or casual*.
*If you worked part-time or casually, please list the average number of hours worked per week.
Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- International Aid Coordinator
- Asia-Pacific International Relations Adviser
- Policy and Advocacy Adviser
- Policy Officer
- Ministerial Officer
- External Affairs Officer
- Senior Compliance Officer
- International Aid Coordinator
- Overseas Development Manager
- Human Rights Advocate
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $16,280 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The Indicative annual fee is based on your approximate yearly cost of tuition (eight units).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.