University of Western Australia
Graduate Diploma in International Relations
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
A professionally oriented course for graduates and practitioners seeking expertise in international relations.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in International Relations is a professionally oriented postgraduate course studied over two semesters (full-time equivalent). It offers you the opportunity to gain expertise in international relations, with a particular focus on our dynamic Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
The course provides you with knowledge, skills and networks to prepare you for a rewarding career in foreign affairs and diplomacy, government, international and non-governmental organisations, the media and education. The program is structured by a core component, where you will gain knowledge of the major sub-fields, including International Relations Theory and Practice, International Security, International Political Economy and the Evolution of International Society and Governance in the International System. Elective units include a focus on important cross-cutting themes such as human rights, democracy, religion and non-governmental organisations, as well as on key global regions and powers.
The course offers a credited internship unit that can be undertaken with local, national and international organisations, such as government departments, embassies, think tanks, NGOs, or regional institutions. High-achieving students can undertake research design training. Students can also engage directly with our UWA and affiliated research and policy centres, including the Public Policy Institute, the Centre for Muslim States and Societies, the Africa Research & Engagement Centre, the Korea Research Centre, the Australia India Institute, the Australia Indonesia Institute, the Perth USAsia Centre and the Australian Institute of International Affairs, as well as our international networks including the Worldwide Universities Network and the Matariki Network.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Diploma in International Relations, students must take 48 credit points, comprising one of the following:
- Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major must take six points from Group A, all 24 points from Group B and the remaining 18 points from Group C.
- Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major must take zero points from Group A, all 24 points from Group B and the remaining 24 points from Group C.
Each unit is valued at six credit points.
Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major must take the following unit:
- Approaches to International Relations
Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course, an applicant must have one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA and the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent; and successfully completed prior study in a field relevant to International Relations.
- Completed a Graduate Certificate in International Relations at UWA.
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA. You will also need to meet the University's English language requirements to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse complex global problems.
- Develop expertise in policy analysis and writing.
- Link international relations theory to policy and practice.
- Conduct research in your field.
- Engage with professionals in your field.
Career Outcomes
Knowledge of international relations is valuable to employers in many international companies, government and non-government organisations as well as the media. Expertise in international relations complements qualifications in a range of areas and is applicable to a variety of employment options.
Fees and CSP
Estimated total course fee in 2025: $16,992 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The estimated total fee is calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL).
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- 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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.