Courses and degrees

A-Z study options

International relations

Why research International relations?

We can supervise research in Asia and the Pacific, international relations theory, globalisation and global governance, Southeast Asian politics, Australian foreign policy, HIV/AIDS, Central and Eastern European politics, human rights, international law, international institutions and organisations, international political theory, nationalism, security and strategic studies, peace and conflict studies, democracy and democratisation, European integration, international relations of the Middle East and international history. We have several research seminar groups and you will have access to research funds.

Career opportunities

Public service, political parties, international organisations, government and non-government agencies, journalism, media, public relations, education, welfare, health policy, business administration, corporate-government relations, academia, think tanks, and research institutes.

Courses

Local students

International relations courses (Mid year entry)
Offer year	Course title	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts
2013	Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities and Social Sciences)	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent	Anytime
Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities and Social Sciences) continued… Course description Doctoral candidature is available in most of the faculty's disciplines and areas of study. The faculty supports several clusters of research expertise, in archaeology, communication and media studies, historical studies, linguistics, literary studies, philosophy, political science and sociology. Prospective candidates must contact the Postgraduate Coordinator of the relevant school or department before making a formal application. Our academics work closely with a number of research centres, some of which are based within the faculty or University. For more details on our research centres and institutes, visit our website A PhD thesis should normally not exceed 75 000 words. Prerequisite Masters or Honours degree of at least H2A standard, with dissertation demonstrating ability to undertake research at doctoral level, or equivalent qualifications and/or demonstrated skills, experience, research, or publications. Fee type Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded Additional information Prospective candidates should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator of the relevant department before making a formal application. Details are available at: www.latrobe.edu.au/humanities/research. How to apply Please download an application form here. Full course details Humanities and Social Sciences (Doctor)Melbourne Humanities and Social Sciences (Doctor)Bendigo
2013	Master of Arts	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne Other	2 years full-time or part-time equivalent	Anytime
Master of Arts continued… Course description Master's candidature is available in most of the faculty's disciplines and areas of study. The faculty supports several clusters of research expertise, in archaeology, communication and media studies, historical studies, linguistics, literary studies, philosophy, political science and sociology. Prospective candidates must contact the Postgraduate Coordinator of the relevant school or department before making a formal application. Our academics work closely with a number of research centres, some of which are based within the faculty or University. For more details on our research centres and institutes, visit our website The thesis for a research Master's degree must not normally exceed 40 000 words. Master's candidates may transfer to PhD candidature if their work is judged to be of sufficient scope and merit. Prerequisite Honours degree of at least four years' full-time duration or Master's preliminary qualification, with at least an H2A result in the relevant discipline; or Pass degree and additional qualifications or demonstrated research skills or publications, or equivalent, approved by the University's Higher Degrees Committee. Fee type Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded Additional information Prospective candidates should contact the Postgraduate Coordinator of the relevant department before making a formal application. Details are available at www.latrobe.edu.au/humanities/research How to apply Please visit this page for candidature and scholarships forms. Full course details Arts (Humanities, Social Sciences) (Master)Melbourne

How to apply

You can apply for research candidature at any time. However, applications for research scholarships close on 31 October.

To apply for Master's candidature, you need an Honours degree or Master's Preliminary. For Doctoral (PhD) candidature, you need a Master's or a Bachelor's degree with Honours, usually with a result of at least H2A.

Before applying, it's best to contact a potential academic supervisor and receive in-principle approval for your topic.

Once you've done this, you can download an application form [PDF 1.02Mb] and submit it to La Trobe's Research Services office.

Fees and scholarships

Research degrees are funded by the Commonwealth Government via the Research Training Scheme (RTS) (fees may apply to some components of some Professional Doctorates).

There are a range of scholarships available for local students.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

International relations international courses
Offer year	Course title (CRICOS)	Campus(es)	Duration	Semester starts	Annual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013	Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities and Social Sciences) (001732M)	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne	4 years	Anytime	$22 960
Doctor of Philosophy (Humanities and Social Sciences) continued… Year 2013 Course description Doctoral candidature is available in most of the faculty's disciplines and areas of study. The faculty supports several clusters of research expertise, in archaeology, communication and media studies, historical studies, linguistics, literary studies, philosophy, political science and sociology. Prospective candidates must contact the Postgraduate Coordinator of the relevant school or department before making a formal application. Our academics work closely with a number of research centres, some of which are based within the faculty or University. For more details on our research centres and institutes, visit our website A PhD thesis should normally not exceed 75 000 words. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0. TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English). TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22. La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0. Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59. Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher. Or approved international equivalent. Academic entry requirements Applicants must have completed an Australian Master's degree or Bachelo'rs degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants must also provide evidence of substantial prior research expertise. Full course details Humanities and Social Sciences (Doctor)Melbourne Humanities and Social Sciences (Doctor)Bendigo
2013	Master of Arts (002093G)	Albury-Wodonga Bendigo Melbourne	2 years	Anytime	$22 960
Master of Arts continued… Year 2013 Course description Master's candidature is available in most of the faculty's disciplines and areas of study. The faculty supports several clusters of research expertise, in archaeology, communication and media studies, historical studies, linguistics, literary studies, philosophy, political science and sociology. Prospective candidates must contact the Postgraduate Coordinator of the relevant school or department before making a formal application. Our academics work closely with a number of research centres, some of which are based within the faculty or University. For more details on our research centres and institutes, visit our website The thesis for a research Master's degree must not normally exceed 40 000 words. Master's candidates may transfer to PhD candidature if their work is judged to be of sufficient scope and merit. English Language Requirements IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0. TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English). TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22. La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website. English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted. Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English) for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0. Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59. Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher. Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher. Or approved international equivalent. Academic entry requirements Applicants must have completed an Australian Bachelor's degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants with Honours at H2B level, or equivalent, may be considered in some instances. Additional information There are a number of scholarships available for international students. Please view our website for further details. Full course details Arts (Humanities, Social Sciences) (Master)Melbourne

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fee costs for international students is indicated for each course above. There are also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Related study options

Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:

Your study experience

Grants, scholarships and prizes

Find out more about grants and scholarships to support your study.

Finding a supervisor

One of the most important aspects of your research study will be finding a supervisor in International relations.

Our staff specialising in International relations include:

Dennis' academic interests include sexuality and sexual regulation, politics of HIV/AIDS, politics and culture of the United States and Australia.

Dennis Altman, Humanities and Social Sciences

Overseas research opportunities

There are many opportunities for La Trobe students to study overseas. Students from overseas can come to La Trobe and do a short term Study Abroad program. Some short courses are also available to international students. Short courses are also available to international students. Visit International Students for more information.

Support for your research

To find out about Faculty services and facilities for your postgraduate research, contact the Faculty Office.

Student and graduate profiles

Students of the Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.