Program Requirements
The Bachelor of International Relations requires completion of 144 units, of which:
A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000 level courses;
A minimum of 18 units from completion of 3000 level courses, and
A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving
A minimum of 72 units must be selected from the following lists:
18 units from completion of the following compulsory introductory and methods courses:
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations
POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations
A minimum of 18 and a maximum of 24 units from the completion of courses in the following list:
POLS2017 International Relations Theory
POLS2094 International Political Economy
POLS2132 War and International Relations
POLS2133 Global Cooperation and Institutions
A minimum of 6 units from the completion of courses in the following list:
POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Politics and International Relations
POLS2045 Qualitative Methods in Politics and International Relations
POLS2137 Meaning in Politics: Interpretation, Method and Critique
A maximum of 6 units from the completion of the following International Relations and Social Science Breadth courses:
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1
ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research
HIST2110 Approaches to History
STAT1003 Statistical Techniques
STST1001 Introduction to Strategic Studies
SOCR1001 Foundations of Social Research
Or any other 2000-level POLS course with permission
24 units from the completion of the following 3000 level courses, of which:
A minimum of 12 units must come from the completion of courses on the following International Relations Depth list:
POLS3001 Foreign Policy
POLS3032 The Politics of Empire
POLS3035 Norms and International Law in World Politics
POLS3036 Terrorism
POLS3113 Human Rights
POLS3136 Power and Influence in World Politics
A maximum of 12 units from the completion of courses on the following Social Science Depth list:
ENVS3033 International Environmental Policy
INTR3001 Humanitarianism: Principles, Politics, Practice
INTR3002 Global Institutions in the Asia-Pacific
STST3002 Australia’s Security in the Asian Century
STST3003 Honeypots and Overcoats: Australian Intelligence in the World
Or any other POLS 3000-level course
6 units from the completion of a course from the following Area Expertise list:
ASIA2041 Mainland Southeast Asia: Colonial and Postcolonial Predicaments
ASIA2067 Asian Economies
ASIA2093 Natural Resource Conflicts in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA2301 Human Migration and Expansion in the Rise of the Asia-Pacific
DEMO2003 Migration in the Modern World
HIST1209 Terror to Terrorism
HIST1214 Empires in Global History
HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
HIST2214 The Great War: The Conflict that Changed the World
INTR2010 International Relations in the Asia-Pacific
INTR2012 Chinese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia
INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2020 (In)Stability on the Korean Peninsula
INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia
MEAS2004 Turkish Politics and Foreign Policy
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
MEAS3009 Modern Arabian Peninsula: Society, Politics and Security
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
PASI2002 Australia in Oceania in the 19th and 20th centuries
PASI3013 Environment and Development in the Pacific
STST2001 Security Concepts in the Asia-Pacific
STST2003 Australia and Security in the Pacific Islands
STST2020 Study Tour: Southeast Asia’s Security Choices
WARS2004: The Second World War in the Pacific
A minimum of 48 units and a maximum of 72 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU.
Elective Study
Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.
Admission Requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.@
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.
Domestic applicants
Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.
- Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
- completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
- previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
- previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
- Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
- ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
- English language proficiency; and
- any program-specific requirements listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here . Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission
- ATAR:
- 85
- International Baccalaureate:
- 32
Adjustment Factors
Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant’s Selection Rank (for example an applicant’s ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded.
You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:
- applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
- undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
- achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
- not previously attempted tertiary study.
Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.
Indicative fees
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $50,500.00
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
Fee Information
All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)
The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.
For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in analytics, trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree. ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations. The Bachelor of International Relations will give you world-class training in International Relations, providing the skills and background you need to understand the complex and exciting world of international affairs. Our program:
- provides an overview of the historical and intellectual background of international relations which focuses on the interaction of state and non-state actors globally across many dimensions – cultural, economic, environmental, and military to name a few;
- gives you an in-depth understanding of contemporary debates and challenges in international relations, as well as hands-on experience in policy analysis and data literacy which will prove highly useful in the workplace of tomorrow; and
- offers opportunities to study more specialised topics such as geopolitics and great power rivalry, international organisations, empire, terrorism, and human rights.
Bachelor of International Relations students can pursue many additional options, including language study, going on exchange or doing an international/national internship.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
Employment Opportunities
In an increasingly fast-paced, complex and analytics-focused world, this degree will provide the skills you need to excel in a variety of fields including government, business and the non-profit sector. Our students come from all walks of life, from every part of Australia and from all over the world.
Learning Outcomes
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international system's historical development and contemporary status: its principal events, actors, ideas, institutions, and outcomes of interest;
- apply the key international relations theories and concepts to historical and contemporary cases, across multiple issue-areas;
- demonstrate knowledge of a specific region/historical era of relevance to international relations; apply international relations theories and concepts to that region/era; reflect critically on the theories' applicability and explanatory power;
- apply analytical tools from political science and other social sciences to the evaluation of international phenomena across of a wide variety of issue-areas that are relevant to scholars and policymakers; and
- communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a wide variety of media.
Inherent Requirements
Information on inherent requirements is not currently available for this program.
Further Information
Completing the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Course Requirement
Students completing the Bachelor of International Relations are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD) courses as part of their program. TD courses in the Bachelor of International Relations include:
MEAS3009 Modern Arabian Peninsula: Society, Politics and Security
PASI2001 Pacific Studies in a Globalising World
POLS2102 Political Belief and Deceit
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
POLS3029 Comparative Federalism
POLS3032 Politics of Empire
If you would prefer to complete courses outside this list to fulfill the TD course requirement, you may use your electives to choose any other accredited TD course at ANU. To find a list of TD courses, please visit Programs and Courses and select the Transdisciplinary filter.
Back to the Bachelor of International Relations page
Enrolling for the first time can be overwhelming. Below, you will find information that will assist. Please note that advice on this page is indicative, and you are encouraged to contact the CASS Student office at students.cass@anu.edu.au or visit the the CASS student office website if you require tailored information.
Important items to note:
- We recommend you start a CASS Program Plan. This is a way to track how the courses you take fit within the overall structure of your degree and will help you plan for your later year courses.
- The Bachelor of International Relations can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of International Relations is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.
Semester 2 commencers
Please note that if you are commencing your studies in Semester 2 there may be restrictions on the courses available for enrolment. If you have concerns, please contact?students.cass@anu.edu.au
Single degree
The Bachelor of International Relations requires 144 units (24 courses), including:
- A maximum of 60 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 10 x 6 unit courses)
- A minimum of 18 units from completion of 3000-level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 unit courses)
- Three compulsory courses
- A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)
Double degree
The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination e.g. Of which a minimum of 12 units (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses) must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD. The Bachelor of International Relations component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:
- A maximum of 36 units from 1000-level courses (i.e. 6 x 6 unit courses)
- A minimum of 18 units from completion of 3000-level courses (i.e. 3 x 6 unit courses)
- Three compulsory courses
- A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (i.e. 2 x 6 unit courses)
Enrolment Status
Duration
The Bachelor of International Relations typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four x six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.
In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of International Relations. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.
If you combine the Bachelor of International Relations with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses) depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree on a full-time basis.
Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.
If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.
International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.
Maximum time for completion
- The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of International Relations degree is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This 10 years includes any periods of leave.
- The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is 10 years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.
A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
In your first year, you will typically enrol in 1000-level courses – these courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code. E.g. POLS1002, POLS1005. Many 2000 and 3000 level courses build upon the specific knowledge achieved through 1000-level courses.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than 10 x 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or 6 x 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your International Relations half of the double degree.
Electives
Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).
In the Bachelor of International Relations, you can select a minimum of 48 units and a maximum of 72 units of electives.? You can try a range of courses such as computing, history, or marketing. The choice is yours.
We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.
Study Options
Bachelor of International Relations - single degree
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
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FDD
For study plans, please visit cass.anu.edu.au/current-students/degrees-and-program-plansStudy Options
| Year 1 48 units | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
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Disciplines
Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving Courses (TD)
Transdisciplinary courses at the ANU are?courses that encourage students to collaborate across different disciplines and perspectives to solve complex problems. These courses help students develop skills to synthesise knowledge from different fields.
In this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and Courses search engine.
You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices.
Academic Advice
Course credit
If you have undertaken previous study that is relevant to your current academic program, you can request to receive course credit. For more information and how to apply, see the CASS credit application webpage, or contact the CASS Student Office.
For further information on prerequisites and Arts and Social Science disciplines you can:
- Email us at students.cass@anu.edu.au, or
- Come and talk to someone - you can attend a drop in session with an academic advisor here