Graduate Diploma in International Relations

About the course

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, 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 which 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.

Quick details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: 8-10 hours plus own study time
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 11380
• CRICOS code: E
• Full time/part time duration: 1 year
• Degrees course is available in: Graduate Diploma in International Relations

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

• Students without a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 6 points from Group A, all 24 points from Group B, and a remaining 18 points from Group C
• Students with a bachelor's degree incorporating a relevant major take 0 points from Group A, all 24 points from Group B and a remaining 24 points from Group C

Option - Group A

• POLS5661 Approaches to International Relations (6)

Option - Group B

• POLS5631 International Relations of the Asia–Pacific (6)
• POLS5641 International Security (6)
• POLS5651 Global Political Economy (6)
• POLS5681 Governance in the International System (6)

Option - Group C

• ASIA5001 Key Debates in the Asian Region (6)
• COMM5104 Public Communication (6)
• GEOG5411 Regional Development in the Global Context (6)
• POLS5010 NGOs, Governance and Development (6)
• POLS5105 International Relations in the Indian Ocean Region (6)
• POLS5501 The Politics of Public Policy (6)
• POLS5503 Public Administration (6)
• POLS5506 Gender and International Relations (6)
• POLS5507 Geopolitical Flashpoints (6)
• POLS5611 Religion, Global Identities and World Politics (6)
• POLS5612 World Politics: Muslims in the West (6)
• POLS5684 China and the World (6)
• POLS5686 International Norms, Ethics and Human Rights (6)
• POLS5691 Global Climate Politics (6)
• WILG5001 Work Integrated Learning Internship Program (6)

Why study this course?

• Become an expert on the international relations in our region and the wider global system
• Engage with our active networks of experts, policymakers and practitioners
• Undertake a credited internship at a local, national or international organisation
• Link theory to practice in relation to major powers, regional dynamics and global issues

You'll learn to

• 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

Admission requirements

• To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have:
  • A Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA
  • The equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent
  • Successfully completed prior study in a field relevant to International Relations
• Or completed a Graduate Certificate in International Relations at UWA

Ranking and Selection Process

• Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements

English competency

• English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place
• Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0

Fees and scholarships

• Domestic Student Fees:
  • For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study
  • Fees are subject to annual indexation
• International Student Fees:
  • Annual course fee: $39,100.00 (2025)
  • Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled
  • Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load
• Scholarships:
  • Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area

Cost of living

• There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university, including lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more
• For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page

Careers and further study

• Explore the career opportunities available to you
• 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
• Upon successfully completing your course, you can choose to progress into the master's degree in International Relations
• Depending on your circumstances, this may be subject to you achieving a course weighted average mark of 65 per cent
• If you do enrol in the Master of International Relations, you will receive (subject to conditions) full credit for units completed in your graduate diploma

Articulated courses

• This course is part of an articulated sequence with the:
  • Graduate Certificate in International Relations
  • Master of International Relations

Flexibility

• We understand that life is busy
• That's why our postgraduate courses are designed so you can balance your work and studies
• Our flexible postgraduate experience includes the opportunity to study part time, a range of units that are taught after hours, and the option to learn via intensive units
• Ask our Student Central team for advice on choosing the right postgraduate route for you
• Find out more here

Study Abroad

• Travel and experience life in another country with the UWA Student Exchange Program
• We offer more than 130 student exchange partner universities across 30 countries
• Find out more

The University of Western Australia

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Overview:

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a leading research-intensive university located in Perth, Western Australia. It is renowned for its high-quality teaching, strong research output, and commitment to graduate employability. UWA is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities globally and is the number one university in Western Australia for graduate employability.

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Services Offered:

UWA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic support:

Tutoring, workshops, and study skills resources.

Career services:

Career counselling, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student wellbeing:

Mental health support, counselling, and health services.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Sports and fitness:

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.

Clubs and societies:

A vibrant student community with numerous clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

Study abroad and exchange:

Opportunities to study at universities around the world.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWA provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience for its students. The university boasts a beautiful campus with modern facilities, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Social events:

Concerts, festivals, and other social gatherings.

Sporting events:

Supporting the university's sports teams.

Volunteer opportunities:

Contributing to the local community.

Cultural events:

Art exhibitions, theatre performances, and music concerts.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class education:

UWA offers a high-quality education with a focus on research and innovation.

Excellent employability:

Graduates from UWA are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant campus life:

A diverse and engaging student community with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.

Beautiful campus:

A picturesque campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong research focus:

UWA is a leading research university with a strong commitment to innovation.

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Academic Programs:

UWA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

History, Literature, Philosophy, Languages, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and more.

Health Sciences:

Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, and more.

Law:

Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Laws, and other law programs.

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Other:

UWA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a strong focus on Indigenous education and research, and offers a range of programs and support services for Indigenous students. UWA also has a strong international presence, with students from over 100 countries studying at the university.