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International relations courses

Become an expert on the pressing issues that affect the world

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Introduction to International relations

What are the implications of one country restricting the entry of another’s citizens? Why does a nation prefer a specific neighbour as trading partner? How do China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines navigate ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea? 

Learn the answers to these questions (and more) by taking an international relations course online through Open Universities Australia. International relations dives into the complex motivations and actions of major (and minor) players around the world, and the ripple effects they cause.

With that knowledge, you can become instrumental in shaping the relationships between countries and international organisations. 

Explore international relations courses
Matthew, law student, standing outside
Matthew studied law with RMIT through Open Universities Australia

Discover international relations courses

Online international relations subjects and short courses

Curtin University

Discovering Asia

UndergraduateCUR-ASIA100

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 03 Mar 2025, 01 Sep 2025
Griffith University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 14 Jul 2025
University of Tasmania

Introduction to International Relations

UndergraduateTAS-HIR101

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 21 Jul 2025
La Trobe University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025
View all subjects

Online international relations degrees

Macquarie University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG

An arts degree that no one else has

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Ancient History
  • Creative Writing
  • English
  • Critical Indigenous Studies
  • International Relations
  • Modern History
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
University of Southern Queensland
Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

A double degree in arts and business

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
La Trobe University

Diploma of Arts

UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP

Start with the subjects you’re passionate about

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Arts stream
  • Global studies stream
  • Politics, philosophy and economics stream
  • Visual arts stream
View all bachelor degrees

Discover 50 ways to study international relations with leading Australian universities.

Explore international relations courses

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International relations study FAQs

What is an international relations degree?

An international relations degree will teach you to analyse the relationships that exist between countries and how those relationships have far-reaching impacts. You’ll understand the theories, players and mechanics behind globalisation, multinational markets, global security and crises. 

The field of international relations sits at the crossroads of political science, geography, history, economics, law, sociology, psychology and philosophy. 

What do you learn in an international relations degree?

Your degree in international relations will cover subjects such as:

  • international law, because the global legal system influences every country’s policies
  • history, to understand why today’s relationships are the way they are
  • political science, to learn why governments behave the way they do
  • comparative religion, to know about the traditions and worldviews of cultures around the world 
  • economics, to understand how people use resources and respond to incentives
  • regional studies, for example, specific units on Middle Eastern politics

Most international relations courses will also encourage you to take up at least one foreign language, preferably relevant to the region of your specialisation or one of the United Nations’ five official languages—Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish. 

In some degrees, you many have the chance to complete a parliamentary internship, work placement or field trip abroad to gain international experience. 

What is the difference between a political science and international relations degree?

Politics and international relations are very closely linked. In fact, international relations is considered a subfield of modern political science, the other two subfields being comparative politics and political theory. 

A political science degree is good for someone who might be interested in a political career as a member of parliament (or other elected official) or in the civil service, usually within their home country. In this degree, the focus is on the politics of specific countries or regions and the study of political ideologies (such as communism, libertarianism and anarchism). 

On the other hand, international relations degrees are suited for those might want to work in diplomacy or in international relations-specific areas like conflict resolution, international law, international security and sustainable development. These degrees consider the complex network of connections and interdependencies between nations, intelligence services, international aid organisations, multinational corporations and more. 

Why should I study international relations?

You should study international relations if you’re interested in other cultures, want to better the world and work overseas, or at least travel for work. 

Experts in international relations play a crucial function in keeping the world turning. Case in point—the Black Sea Grain Deal. Ukraine is a major exporter of barley, wheat, maize, which many African countries rely on. When Russia invaded Ukraine, it blockaded Ukraine’s ports, preventing it from exporting grain. To prevent potential famine, the United Nations brokered a deal with Russia to allow the passage of grain from Ukrainian ports. 

With an international relations degree, you could contribute to initiatives such as this. 

Why should I study international relations online?

Studying international relations online is a great way to study and upskill while maintaining balance in your life. 

You’ll be glad to know that most international relations degrees offered through Open Universities Australia are 100% online, with a select few combining online course work and in-person practicums. 

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

How do I enrol?

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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