International Relations
The Logical Choice for the Twenty First Century
On the side
Joan Wardrop won the Guild Excellence in Teaching Award for Best Undergraduate Lecturer/Tutor in 2011.
Alexey Muraviev received an honourable mention in the same category.
If you are looking for a dynamic course with an international focus and global career opportunities, you should consider Curtin’s International Relations program.
International Relations is the study of how the many parts of the international system relate to each other, and what this means for individual people. As a sub-discipline of Political Science, its central aim is to understand how and why the world is the way we see it today, giving us some hope that we can plan for its future.
Our Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) major covers the fields of comparative politics, international relations and foreign policy, regional studies and strategic studies. Topics include international and regional security, trade, environmental change and management, economic and cultural globalisation and human rights. National and international security issues are explored in depth, including increasingly important security issues surrounding energy, food and water supplies.
Exciting Careers for Great Minds
The ever-changing international environment, complexities of today and tomorrow’s challenges require constant monitoring, analysis, advice and prognoses. Hence, there is a growing demand for highly trained experts in international, political and security analysis.
Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying drivers of change and complexity, graduates of Politics and International Relations are well equipped to tackle a vast array of employment opportunities. While the list is, quite literally, endless, here are some prominent examples:
Analysts and Policy Advisors
- State and Federal Government
- National and International Business
- The Intelligence Community
- Department of Defence
- Law Enforcement
Professional Careers in
Secure your Future.
Make the Logical Choice
"My studies completed last year in Curtin University's Department of Social Sciences have provided me with the insight, interest, and focus to progress into a thematically-similar career - one which I cannot imagine as any better suited to me, or as holding a more eye-opening and fascinating niche within the broad range of opportunities such studies may provide. After completing only an undergraduate degree, I was accepted into a specialist position within the Department of Defence, and since commencement have been offered a job with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For me personally, it's hard to think of a better career path, or more importantly of having reached this stage (still with so much ahead of me) had it not been for my time at Curtin. Wherever you're coming from or heading to, if you have even briefly considered following this line of study or career, take the opportunity and you will be amazed at where it can lead you." Alec, security analyst (graduate of 2008).
- Politics
- Diplomatic Service
- Journalism (national and International affairs)
- Project and Policy officers in Non-Government Organisations
- Legal Practice
- Development Practice
- Education
- Social Work
- Social Activism
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Future Directions
Our graduates have been employed in activities as varied as country security analysis for international resource companies such as Woodside, intelligence and strategic policy analysis for the Australian Department of Defence, Australian intelligence agencies, AusAid, the United Nations agencies around the world, policy analysis for independent policy advocacy organizations ("think tanks") and television current affairs journalism. They have worked in central government departments and operational agencies of both the Federal government and State governments around Australia.
Some International Relations graduates choose to further their professional education and training through undertaking Honours, and postgraduate studies at the Master and Doctoral levels.
Curtin's International Relations program offers an exiting opportunity to undertake advanced studies in international and security affairs through Graduate Studies in International Relations and National Security program
Curtin FM
Fields of study
The main fields offered within the International Relations Program at Curtin are:
- International Relations and Foreign Policy Analysis
- Politcal History
- Regional Studies
- Strategic Studies
The Department of Social Sciences offers a variety of units that allow students to develop a comprehensive understanding and sound knowledge on political and international matters. Among other important topics our units cover:
- International Relations theory
- Critical security studies
- Australian domestic politics
- Australian foreign policy
- Asia-Pacific affairs
- Southeast Asian affairs
- International developments in the Middle East
- The military factor in international relations
- Globalised terrorism
Course Requirements and Options
Students may study individual International Relations units from throughout the University.
Contact for more information:
School of Social Sciences and Asian Languages
Karen Lo (Student & Academic Support Officer)
Phone: 08 9266 7131
Email: K.Lo@curtin.edu.au
