Graduate Diploma in International Relations

The Graduate Diploma in International Relations aims to provide students with advanced understanding of international relations.

The Graduate Diploma in International Relations requires 1 year of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

The course articulates with the 18 unit Graduate Certificate in International Relations and the 72 unit Master International Relations, and the sequentially developed topics enable progression through the three awards.

Recommended study pattern

The Graduate Diploma in International Relations requires 1 year of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). The course is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

The course articulates with the 18 unit Graduate Certificate in International Relations and the 72 unit Master International Relations, and the sequentially developed topics enable progression through the three awards.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in International Relations, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Not all topics are necessarily available each year.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Topics cover areas such as governance in a global world, policy analysis, public management, international security, huElectives can be incorporated from public policy, public administration or international law.man rights, inclusion and innovation in public leadership, and professional ethics and public administration.

Exit points

Graduate Certificate in International Relations

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $27,900

The amount shown here is 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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Students who have completed a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, or an approved equivalent, but not an undergraduate degree, must also meet a GPA requirement.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.