Bachelor of International Relations

Your passport to success

The world is changing. What is causing that change? Can conflict be contained? How can nation-states and citizens influence the course of climate change?

International Relations examines the political and societal forces of international change. To study it is to delve into politics, history, economics, sociology and international law.

What will you do?

In our Bachelor of International Relations you can specialise in international relations and security, global governance, global justice, citizenship and human rights. In core studies you will:

  • study key actors in global politics and the challenges they face
  • consider relationships that involve power, authority, influence, conflict, and cooperation
  • analyse political institutions and business-government relations
  • learn about the history of globalisation and foreign-policy making.

You can also boost your employability and cross-cultural awareness by:

  • studying a language
  • going on overseas study tours
  • completing an internship
  • enrolling in overseas exchange programs.

Where could it take you?

Our graduates emerge ready for exciting roles across Australia and around the world. You might find yourself at the United Nations as a human rights officer. You could work as a policy advisor or an intelligence analyst in a government agency or a non-governmental organisation. You might be a public relations expert or marketing consultant for an international business. Perhaps you’ll write political news. Or you could work in foreign affairs, strengthening partnerships and providing aid to developing countries.


Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte. You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.


  • Get a clear understanding of big picture global politics
  • Intern with a NGO or organisation concerned with international affairs.
  • Ranked in top 200 globally for Arts and Humanities^

^QS World University Rankings, by subject, 2022

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code 334021
2023 CSP ATAR 71.15
2023 CSP IB 26
Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 70
Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 25.5
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2024. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2024 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2023 or 2022), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2022). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
Other Entry Pathways

2023 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 66.1
Median ATAR to receive an offer 94.3
Highest ATAR to receive an offer 99.45
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 71.15
Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 97.48
Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95
Minimum eligibility score 65
Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    13 36.1%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5 N/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    17 47.2%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5 N/A
    International students <5 N/A
    All students 36 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $11,755

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.


Graduates of international relations build careers in Australia and internationally in both the public and private sectors, including:

  • Non-government organisations
  • Amnesty International
  • AusAid
  • Australian Red Cross
  • Australian Secret Intelligence Service
  • Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
  • CARE Australia
  • Caritas Australia
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Department of Immigration and Border Protection
  • Migration Solutions
  • Multicultural Youth SA
  • World Vision Australia
  • Journalism and media
  • The United Nations
  • The World Bank, financial services, international businesses, investment banks
  • Tourism and trade
  • Humanitarian aid and human rights organisations

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Member of Parliament;  NGO Policy Officer;  Community Development Officer;  Community Outreach Worker;  Policy Developer;  Cultural Heritage Officer;  Translator;  UN Human Rights Officer;  Journalist;  Ministerial Adviser ...

Degree Structure

Students can take a minor in:
  • Chinese Studies
  • French Studies
  • Geography, Environment and Population
  • German Studies
  • History
  • Indonesian Studies
  • International Business
  • International Development
  • Italian Studies
  • Japanese Studies
  • Modern Greek Studies
  • Spanish Studies

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

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Last updated: Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023