International relations courses

International relations is the study of global politics, diplomacy, and how countries interact. It helps us understand how nations cooperate and resolve conflicts. The field also focuses on global issues like security, trade, and human rights. As the world becomes more connected, international relations is key to shaping policies that impact economic stability and environmental sustainability.

International relations courses dive deep into the complexities of global affairs. They provide a solid foundation in key areas that shape our world. With an international relations degree, you’ll explore topics like:

• Global governance

• Diplomacy

• International law

• Trade

• Human rights

• Security

You'll also build skills in analysis, research, and problem-solving. These skills will help you understand and impact international affairs.

Interested but still not sure if international relations is the right fit for you? Consider exploring related topics such as politics, law, economics, security and counter terrorism, or human rights. These fields share similar themes and skills.

International relations focuses on global politics, diplomacy, and how countries interact. Political science is broader. It covers government systems, political ideologies, and policy making at all levels. If you're interested in global diplomacy, an international relations degree is a logical choice. Political science is a good option if you want to study governance and policy in a domestic context. 

Yes, some universities offering online international relations degrees provide work-integrated learning opportunities. For example, Griffith's political science and international relations degrees offer hands-on experiences through work placements, field study trips, and parliamentary internships. Degrees like that empower you to apply your learning in real-world settings during your studies.

If you're passionate about global issues, an international relations degree can lead to exciting careers. It offers opportunities in areas like diplomacy, policy, security, and trade.

Graduates often take on roles such as:

• Diplomat

• Foreign affairs officer

• Policy advisor

• International development officer

• Intelligence analyst

• Security consultant

• Trade specialist

• Human rights advocate

• NGO program manager

• International business analyst

An international relations degree helps you understand global governance, diplomacy, and policy making. These are all essential skills for roles in government, foreign affairs, and geopolitics. You'll also develop expertise in negotiation, critical thinking, and global strategy. These are all valuable in diplomatic or policy-focused roles.

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.

Chat with us to find out more.

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

• Browse the options on this page.

• Use our comparison tool to explore the different choices.

• Need help? Book a free phone consultation with a student advisor for personalised guidance.

2. Start your enrolment

• When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

• Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

• You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

  • Proof of identity

  • Your tax file number

  • A Unique Student Identifier (USI)

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.