La Trobe University > Courses > International relations

International relations

Why study international relations?

Relationships between governments determine wars, trade, travel and sharing of knowledge - as well as a host of other matters critical to 21st-century life.

Understanding international relations is critical to anyone who is keen to excel in an international environment. La Trobe offers one of the leading international relations programs in Australia, drawing on the experience of expert staff who are all experienced in international policy development.

We rank 9th in Australia and in the top 200 in the world for our Politics & International Studies subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2016).

International relations qualifications can lead to careers in government, international organisations or government relations and policy roles in the corporate sector.

Career opportunities in international relations

International relations can lead to opportunities in government, such as in foreign affairs, trade, defence and with AusAID. You'll also be well suited to roles in inter-governmental agencies, such as the UN and World Health Organisation.

An understanding of international relations will also be relevant to international organisations such as Oxfam, Amnesty International and Red Cross, as well as in the media, the corporate sector, think tanks and academic institutions.

On the couch with international relations

Hear from our dedicated staff and ask questions via ON24’s Q&A portal.

You could tackle global challenges like climate change, war and inequality. Hear how international relations is critical to a career in government or foreign affairs.

Broadcast from Melbourne Campus Open Day on Sunday 2 August, 2020.

Learn more

Short courses

We also offer single subject study. Visit our short courses page to find out more.

International relations placement opportunities

Available to students completing the Bachelor of International Relations, the unit International Relations Professional Competence (POL3PCW) equips you to work with and for organisations that have a strong interest in international relations.  The placement offers you the opportunity to apply your analytical skills and knowledge to a practical situation.

Overseas study opportunities

Ottoman Empire: Fourteenth to Twentieth Centuries

In this travel and study subject, students assess the cultural, social, architectural and political history of the Ottoman Empire to the era of the First World War and the inauguration of the Turkish Republic. On location at historic sites in Turkey in Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul, the three Ottoman capitals, and on the Gallipoli peninsula and at Sakarya, students examine key periods of Ottoman history. This second- and third-year Mediterranean Studies summer semester subject is offered by La Trobe University and run in conjunction with Australians Studying Abroad. For fees, scholarships and studying overseas guides, see the study abroad website.

Studying overseas as a La Trobe student

There are many other opportunities for La Trobe students to study overseas. Students can spend a semester or a year studying overseas at one of our partner institutions. Visit education abroad for more information on student exchanges or the study abroad program.

Studying at La Trobe as an international student

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. Visit International Students for more information.

Student and graduate profiles

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

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers.

View all staff in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences