Undergraduate
Bachelor of International Relations
UWA’s Bachelor of International Relations is a professional and practice-oriented program that provides the crucial conceptual knowledge and real-world experience required to tackle our most pressing global challenges.
Majors available
International Relations (extended major)
The extended major in International Relations is a professional and practice-oriented program that provides the crucial conceptual knowledge and real-world experience required to tackle our most pressing global challenges.
The learning experience
UWA facilities include lecture theatres, case study rooms and break-out areas for group work and individual study.
UWA Schools
Six libraries
One of Australia’s most picturesque campuses
Five residential colleges
Vibrant student experience
Vibrant student experience
Adjacent to the Swan River, our Perth campus is among the most picturesque in Australia with iconic sandstone buildings sitting among heritage-listed gardens. We’re just 10 minutes from Perth’s main shopping and business district and close to many of the city’s stunning beaches.
On campus, you’ll have an array of essential amenities to enjoy, including cafés, libraries, bookshops, a vibrant cultural precinct and tonnes of clubs and societies to join and experience student life to its fullest. Our supportive Student Guild means you can try your hand at volunteering, get independent advice on a range of matters or attend one of the many varied events on and off campus.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.
Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.
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.
International Student Fees
Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.
Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.
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.
Careers and further study
Career Opportunities
With a Bachelor of International Relations, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to work in a range of areas and organisations.
Potential career opportunities include:
- Diplomat
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Chief Executive Officer
- Journalist
Further Study
Further study will allow you to gain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). It will open up opportunities in academia and research to help you pursue your goals in a wide range of careers, depending on your area of research.
You may also be interested in:
Entry requirements
Admission requirements
To be considered for this course you need to:
- achieve a minimum ATAR of 75
- demonstrate English language competence - applicants presenting with IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 6.5 and no band less than 6.0
- satisfy any prerequisites for your preferred majors (refer to individual major descriptions for prerequisite details)
You can view the prerequisites and recommended subjects for your chosen course here.
View our admission requirements for specific information, depending on your education history.
Assured Pathway information
If you have a professional career in mind, take advantage of one of our Assured Pathways. An Assured Pathway gives you an assured place in one of our postgraduate professional courses (such as Law, Engineering or Medicine) from the start of your studies with us. The pathways combine a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, providing you with a clearer direction to your career of choice.
Admission entry to UWA
We offer a number of other pathways for you to gain entry into our undergraduate degrees if you do not meet the standard admission requirements. Learn more about our admission entry pathways.
About the Bachelor of International Relations
Recent world events — including the pandemic, war in Ukraine, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related emergencies — underscore the need for people trained to dynamically respond to crises of a global scale.
UWA’s Bachelor of International Relations is a professional and practice-oriented program that provides the crucial conceptual knowledge and real-world experience required to tackle our most pressing global challenges. Students develop a rigorous understanding of International Relations from a range of perspectives — political, legal, historical and sociological.
In line with UWA’s expertise and Perth’s geography, students receive unique training focusing on the Indo-Pacific region. This comprehensive program includes the option of completing a language major as well as multiple opportunities to develop industry networks, including through in-country fieldwork.
Quick details
- 75
- February and July
- 3 years full time
- BP058
- 115274G
Why study International Relations at UWA?
- You’ll receive training focused on the Indo-Pacific region. This unique geographic lens focused on the Global South provides graduates with a holistic and contemporary touchstone for interpreting and responding to global complexities
- The program offers multiple opportunities to develop practical skills and industry networks, including in-country fieldwork experience. Engage directly with policymakers, practitioners and diplomats through the many seminars and lectures offered by UWA's centres and institutes
- We offer the broadest and most comprehensive suite of language offerings in WA, with multiple opportunities for language exchange
Changing the world through international relations
Interested in leading diplomatic negotiations, developing foreign policy or tackling global crises? Find out more in Changing the world through international relations.
You'll learn to
- understand the key approaches to the study of international relations from a range of perspectives – political, sociological, historical and legal
- apply these approaches to some of our most pressing global challenges to help find potential solutions
- gain crucial transferable skills in critical thinking, writing, analysis, and professional conduct
- apply your knowledge through practical experiences, such as opportunities for in-country fieldwork, language exchange and industry seminars and lectures
Hear about our degree
Put theory into practice
Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.
Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.
Graduate with two degrees
The combined degree option allows you to pair your Bachelor of International Relations degree with another passion, broadening your career options and giving you an edge in a rapidly changing workforce.
You can combine the Bachelor of International Relations with:
You’ll graduate with two Bachelor degrees in just four years, opening up a world of possible career paths while broadening your knowledge, networks and horizons.
Duration: 4 years
ATAR: 80
International Relations (extended major)
The extended major in International Relations is a professional and practice-oriented program that provides the crucial conceptual knowledge and real-world experience required to tackle our most pressing global challenges.