Course Overview

About This Course

A career in international relations covers a wide range of sectors across the world, from government to commercial, non-government to not-for-profit organisations. This course is aimed at graduates of any field who want to gain a greater knowledge of international relations. The course will provide a fascinating introduction for those who want to develop an internationally focused career or those who simply have a curiosity to learn more about our shared global society. It will develop sophisticated critical thinking as well as writing and professional communication skills. The graduate certificate is a six-month course that covers advanced theory and specialised knowledge in two distinct areas that will provide graduates with policy specific knowledge and skills and prepare them for further learning if desired. Fee subsidised places available Throughout the degree, you will learn about two key areas of contemporary international relations: international security and development, and you will develop key writing and professional communication skills. This knowledge will be extended into an additional area of specific interest that may include the role of the United Nations; conflict, peace, and security, Australian foreign policy, and more.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Tower 1 'Darling Park, Level 2, 201 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Wollongong (On Campus): $12669 (2026) total course fee

Intakes

Autumn 2026 | Spring 2026

Study Mode

On Campus

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students

A recognised Bachelor degree. Other tertiary qualifications combined with professional work experience may be considered

Work and life experience:

Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognized pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).
For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications:

UOW recognises a range of overseas higher education qualifications. Your qualifications will be assessed for equivalence to Australian qualifications and the admission requirements for this course. Documents issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official English translation.
For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

English language proficiency:

All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.
Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.
Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

International Students

A recognised Bachelor degree. Other tertiary qualifications combined with professional work experience may be considered

English Language Requirements:

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing) Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

IELTS Academic:

Overall Score 6.5, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Listening 6.0, Speaking 6.0

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

A career in international relations covers a wide range of sectors across the world, from government to commercial, non-government to not-for-profit organisations.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units13 units

EDGX800

Postgraduate Critical Scholarship

Core — 6 credit points

INTS803

Australian Foreign Policy

Elective — 6 credit points

MIR 901

Research Methods and Design

Elective — 6 credit points

POL 811

Politics of the Middle East

Elective — 6 credit points

INTS807

Conflict, Peace & Security

Elective — 6 credit points

INTS800

Model United Nations

Elective — 6 credit points

INTS806

The Making of War and Peace

Elective — 6 credit points

MIR 913

Issues in International Relations

Elective — 6 credit points

MIR 903

International Security

Elective — 6 credit points

MIR 918

Public Policy and Global Issues

Elective — 6 credit points

MIR 906

Development Studies

Elective — 6 credit points

POL 826

Global Inequality

Elective — 6 credit points

POL 809

Global Political Economy

Elective — 6 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics will I study in the Graduate Certificate in International Relations?

Throughout the course, you will learn about two key areas of contemporary international relations: international security and development, and you will develop key writing and professional communication skills. This knowledge will be extended into an additional area of specific interest that may include the role of the United Nations; conflict, peace, and security, Australian foreign policy, and more.

How long does the Graduate Certificate in International Relations take to complete?

The Graduate Certificate in International Relations is a six-month course when studied full-time, or the part-time equivalent. The course is available starting Autumn and Spring sessions.

What are the fees for the Graduate Certificate in International Relations in 2026?

The indicative full-fee paying place for 2026 is $12,669 for the course. However, in 2026, domestic students may be eligible for either a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW-subsidised fee reduction of up to 75% off the listed fees.

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Applicants are required to hold a recognised Bachelor degree. Other tertiary qualifications combined with professional work experience may also be considered. The course is aimed at graduates of any field who want to gain a greater knowledge of international relations.

When are the application deadlines for the Graduate Certificate in International Relations?

For Autumn Session 2026, the application deadline is 9 December 2025 for international students and 31 December 2025 for domestic (direct) applicants. For Spring Session 2026, the deadline is 5 May 2026 for international students and 31 May 2026 for domestic (direct) applicants.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Diplomat / Foreign Service OfficerPolicy Officer – Foreign Affairs and TradeInternational Development AdviserIntelligence AnalystPolitical Risk Analyst

Key Skills

Critical analysis of international political events and trendsResearch and synthesis of complex policy informationPersuasive written and oral communicationCross-cultural communication and negotiationUnderstanding of international law and treaties

Full Course Overview

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Graduate Certificate in International Relations

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Domestic Students

International Students

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students