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Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Academic entry requirement
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Selection criteria
Completion of a Bachelor degree in International Relations, or an undergraduate degree with a major
in Politics or International Studies, with a weighted average mark in the final year of 70 or above.
Honours in your major
You may be eligible to complete Honours in a major completed as part of your undergraduate degree. Your eligibility is subject to the availability and agreement of a suitable supervisor for the major and you meeting the entry requirements specific to that major. For more information, please see the University Handbook.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of International Relations (Honours), students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 1 year.
This is a 120 credit point course, consisting of 60 credit points of coursework and a 60 credit point thesis project of 15,000-18,000 words. The overall result for the Honours course is based on the results of coursework assessment (50%) and examination of the thesis (50%).
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 75 credit points from chosen Core
- 15 credit points from chosen Core choice
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION | ABS0WOM | 1 | 0 |
| HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH DESIGN | HUS4001 | 1 | 15 |
| HUSS HONOURS THESIS A | HUS4THA | 1 | 30 |
| HUSS HONOURS THESIS B | HUS4THB | 1 | 30 |
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
Core choice subjects are one or more subject groups you need to select in your course. Core choice subjects may be specific to your course, major, minor, specialisation or other learning requirements.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONCEPTS AND THEORY IN HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH | HUS4003 | 1 | 15 |
| DECOLONISING KNOWLEDGE | HUS4006 | 1 | 15 |
| HISTORICAL AND ARCHIVAL RESEARCH METHODS | HUS4008 | 1 | 15 |
| INTERROGATING POWER: IDENTITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION | HUS4005 | 1 | 15 |
| RESEARCH COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS | HUS4009 | 1 | 15 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS | HUS4002 | 1 | 15 |
| TEXTS, CONTEXTS, CRITICISM | HUS4004 | 1 | 15 |
| WRITING BETWEEN AND ACROSS CULTURES | HUS4007 | 1 | 15 |
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Develop a strong understanding of a body of disciplinary knowledge grounded in international relations theoretical concepts
- Use appropriate evidence to formulate and communicate coherent arguments
- Design and complete a research project relating to a current issue in the disciplinary area of study
- Demonstrate critical thinking, ethical awareness and cultural sensitivity in engagement with a diverse range of ideas and approaches
- Identify and engage with complex problems and formulate responses with intellectual independence.
Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) career opportunities
More than consolidating the skills and knowledge gained from your Bachelor's degree, Honours develops your abilities in research and enhances other essential employability skills, giving you a career-ready edge in today's competitive job market.
Honours is also the best foundation for a postgraduate coursework degree, a higher degree by research or a career in academia. Complete the Honours program with distinction, and you could qualify for entry into the Masters by Research or PhD.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
A$33 400 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships:
The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
International scholarships
This course is not eligible for international scholarships.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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How to apply
Discuss ideas for a thesis topic with your lecturers and tutors, secure the agreement of a supervisor and then apply online.
Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course’s start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.
CRICOS code: 068379C
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 068379C |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates Semester 1 (March 2024), Semester 2 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 1 year full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora) |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2023 fees A$33 400 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
About the Bachelor of International Relations (Honours)
Build on the successes in your Bachelor's degree by completing Honours to hone your skills in research, critical evaluation and communication, enhancing your employability.
By completing Honours, you'll gain a deeper understanding of research theory, design and practice. You'll study advanced theory in politics, global studies and international relations and complete a dedicated research methodology subject, further developing essential employability skills in problem solving, oral and written communication and project management. You'll apply your knowledge and skills and produce sustainable, evidence-based solutions to the world's biggest challenges by writing a thesis under the supervision of our expert staff.
By graduating with Honours, you'll not only gain an edge in an increasingly competitive job market, you'll also have the opportunity to advance to further coursework or research at Master's level or, for high achievers, direct entry into a PhD.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 – Bachelor Degree Honours.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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