Applications now open
There's never been a better time to build new skills and follow your passion. Apply now to secure your place at La Trobe.
Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).
Prior learning developed through relevant work experience or professional accreditation, where it is deemed to be at least equivalent to that obtained through a Bachelor's degree, may be considered. In making an offer to an applicant, the University will give consideration to a range of factors, including academic record, English proficiency and/or employment experience.
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.
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
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 Graduate Certificate in International Relations, students must complete a total of 60 credit points across 1 year.
Year 1 requires the completion of 60 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
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 |
| INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANISATIONS | POL5IOL | 1 | 15 |
| INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: PAST AND PRESENT | POL5RIC | 1 | 15 |
| THEORIES OF WORLD POLITICS | POL5TWP | 1 | 15 |
| TOTALITARIANISM REBORN: RUSSIA, CHINA, AND THE NEW COLD WARS | POL4003 | 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 Online
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.
Graduate Certificate in International Relations 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
- Apply an advanced understanding of key knowledge and advanced academic skills to evaluate theories and practices of international relations
- Critically analyse the complex systems, structures, laws and practices that shape international relations from a range of national, regional and global perspectives
- Communicate professionally to others using a range of appropriate communication methods
Graduate Certificate in International Relations career opportunities
After graduation, you'll be prepared for a career in international diplomacy, foreign policy, governance, industry affairs, and local and international development. Work in Australia or overseas, with opportunities in non-government organisations and government agencies such as state governments, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
You could build a career in fields including:
- Foreign affairs
- Take a lead role in government relations. Work with foreign governments, organisations and businesses in regional and global contexts.
- International trade
- Support businesses to operate across borders while navigating different cultures and regulatory systems.
- Policy analyst
- Guide public policy by playing an important role in the creation, implementation and evaluation of policies and regulations.
- Humanitarian support
- Support local communities to improve their wellbeing and help them access services and basic human necessities. You could work in NGOs, as well as local and international inter-governmental agencies like Oxfam, Red Cross and Amnesty International.
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 (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
A$11 500 full course duration (per 60 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
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.
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:
Ready to apply?
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.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of International Relations (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year 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
Graduate Certificate in International Development
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
Bachelor of Archaeology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years 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/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 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
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 | Graduate Certificate in International Relations |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Online |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2024 fees A$11 500 full course duration (per 60 credit points).Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
About the Graduate Certificate in International Relations
If you're keen to rapidly build your knowledge of global affairs, La Trobe's Graduate Certificate in International Relations will give you the foundational skills to take the next step in your career. Explore the complex power dynamics between governments, multilateral organisations, international businesses and INGOs, and prepare to take on roles in these arenas. You'll graduate with an understanding of current global issues and key historical developments.
Examine global political frameworks and understand the complex relationships that drive global trade, security and governance. You'll explore public policy that promotes social justice and explore key themes of poverty, gender, inequality and the threat of war. Understand how foreign policy is made and build your knowledge of international law.
Learn from high-profile academic staff with extensive research and teaching experience. Outstanding educators who are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about their subject matter, our academics are renowned commentators who are frequently quoted in local and international media, and whose expertise is regularly sought by government committees.
After successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in International Relations, you could receive up to one semester of advanced standing. This provides a pathway to transfer directly into the second semester of La Master of International Relations, should you decide to further your studies.
Learn how to see complex issues from multiple perspectives. Understand the political, social and economic aspects of different arenas and gain the skills you need to build a career in government, international business and not-for-profits.
You'll learn:
- Political theory
- Uncover the systems, processes, history and actors that define modern international relations, diplomacy and trade.
- International law and process
- Build the skills and knowledge to navigate complex international policy and process frameworks.
- Professional communication
- Learn how to translate complex information into actionable outcomes and articulate your insights for a wide range of professional audiences.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Certificate.
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.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of International Relations (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year 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
Graduate Certificate in International Development
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
Bachelor of Archaeology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years 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/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 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
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