Applications for 2025 open in August
There's never been a better time to build new skills and follow your passion. Apply now to secure your place at La Trobe.
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.
Prerequisites
Note: You may need to complete an undergraduate major at an appropriate grade level in the area in which you want to do your honours specialisation.
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.
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.
Defer
Pathways
There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.
Use the Pathways Tool to discover other courses with pathway options available.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
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 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
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 domestic students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
$16,323 (CSP) per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
The 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.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
How your fees are calculated
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
Fee help
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
HECS-Help Loan
HECS-HELP is the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program. It enables you to borrow the amount of your student contribution and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level. A HECS-HELP loan is not means tested.
HECS-HELP is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders who are enrolled in a CSP. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Associate Degree in Urban and Regional Environments
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Global Studies
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Media and Communication
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Visual Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Diploma in Urban and Regional Environments
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in International Development
1 year part-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in International Relations
1 year part-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate of Archaeology
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Graduate Diploma in Planning
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Graduate Diploma of Archaeology
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Archaeology
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of International Development
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Master of International Relations
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Associate Degree in Urban and Regional Environments
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Diploma in Urban and Regional Environments
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora) |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2024 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $16,323 (CSP) per 120 credit points.Actual fees may vary depending on subject choice; Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
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 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Associate Degree in Urban and Regional Environments
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Global Studies
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Media and Communication
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Visual Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Diploma in Urban and Regional Environments
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in International Development
1 year part-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate in International Relations
1 year part-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Graduate Certificate of Archaeology
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Graduate Diploma in Planning
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Graduate Diploma of Archaeology
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Archaeology
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of International Development
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Master of International Relations
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Associate Degree in Urban and Regional Environments
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Online
COURSE
Diploma in Urban and Regional Environments
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Online