Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)
Undergraduate
USQ-BIR-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)
About this degree
On successful completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Evidence professional knowledge and skills in one or more disciplines which will equip students to be competitive in the regional and global workforce.
- Use creative and critical thinking processes to evaluate multiple sources of evidence, explore new ideas and possibilities, formulate arguments, and apply reasoning and reflection to develop solutions to complex real-world problems.
- Engage independently and collaboratively in informed debates, discussion, and activities to extend and advance effective communication skills in a range of oral, written and digital modes.
- Act as responsible, ethical professionals and global citizens by applying awareness of social responsibility and professional integrity to interactions with other professionals and the wider community.
- Show evidence of skills and capabilities, as well as initiative and resourcefulness, necessary to make a valuable contribution to the professional workplace, and respond to changing industry needs.
- Recognise and apply cultural awareness and tolerance for diversity within team, community and workplace settings.
- Do you want to discover Australia's place in the world and the way it interacts with the contemporary realm? Gain a broad perspective on current issues in the world and how these impact on Australia and its international relations by studying a range of subjects including history, international relations, languages, cultural studies and politics. Gain an edge in this competitive industry by studying this major in conjunction with studies in business or law.
Recommended study pattern
Year 1
HAC1000 The Skilful Communicator
INR1000 Introduction to International Relations
HAC1001 The Professional Self: Building Career Identity
INR1002 Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy
4 x Electives
Year 2
INR2000 Global Foreign Policy
INR2001 Australian Foreign Relations
INR2003 Strategic Studies
HAC2000 Digital Worlds: Human Futures
4 x Electives
Year 3
INR3006 Decision-Making, Terrorism and International Security
INR3007Global Environmental Politics
INR3005 Migrant Worlds: Issues in Contemporary and Global Migration
HAC3001 The Emerging Professional
4 x Electives
Award requirements
Completion of 24 units as outlined in the Recommended Study Pattern section.Exit points
Associate Degree of Arts, Diploma of Arts.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$16,363
Indicative total fee $49,089
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
As Australia’s #1 university for graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2022), University of Southern Queensland is the right place to make real progress. Regardless of your education history, your age or your aspirations, at UniSQ you’ll be inspired by quality learning experiences matched with top resources and research. Having delivered distance and online learning for over 40+ years, UniSQ supports you to learn at your own pace—exactly how it suits you.
Learn more about USQ.
Explore USQ courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 24
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 24
How to apply
University of Southern Queensland manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to University of Southern Queensland who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
- ATAR - 58.00 or equivalent; proof of meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements is also required.
- Completed VET qualifications can be used to derive an ATAR score or Selection Rank which may be used to meet the Entry Requirements for the program. We encourage you to reach out to the UniSQ team to discuss your options further.
- Work and Life experience may be used to derive an ATAR score or Selection Rank which may be used to meet the Entry Requirements for the program. We encourage you to reach out to the UniSQ team to discuss your options further.
- Exemptions/credit will be assessed based on the UniSQ Credit and Exemption Procedure. Claims for credit for previous study should be submitted prior to or at the time of enrolment. Each claim will be assessed on individual merit in line with UniSQ policy.
Career opportunities
As a graduate, you will be equipped to work in areas such as international business, foreign affairs, foreign trade or research and development. The graduates of this program have been employed across the range of international fields from government analysis to foreign aid work. Individual graduates have worked in overseas aid projects; as imagery and signals intelligence analysts in Australia; teaching English as a second language overseas; as counter-terrorism advisers in Australia; helping asylum seekers in the Pacific; and following further studies, as school teachers in Australia.
Career outlook
- Legislators:
- Data unavailable
- Members of Parliament:
- Data unavailable
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
- Tribunal Members:
- Data unavailable