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Graduate Certificate in International Relations

Overview

Develop a deeper understanding of how states and other political entities shape the international system, and how you can play a part in it.

The Graduate Certificate in International Relations (GCIR) is a coursework program aimed at developing conceptual and empirical understanding and skill-sets in research and knowledge development in the International Relations (IR) field.

You'll work with world-class teachers and researchers who are in touch with industry partners and participate in regular public commentary and debate in their fields, and you'll study alongside students from many different countries and backgrounds.

Your GCIR will cover the four key areas of international relations: international theory, the development of the international system, international security, and international political economy. The half year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program includes over 20 courses and projects covering specific fields such as Writing Politics, Principles of International Law, Ethics and Human Rights, Global Governance and Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.

You may also participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.

UQ’s Graduate Certificate in International Relations will equip you with the analytical and practical skills for a career in diplomacy, government, think-tanks, non-governmental organisations, the UN, international journalism, or development. 

Location
St Lucia
Duration
Half Year (or part time equivalent)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Program Code
5643
AQF
Level 8
Location
St Lucia
Fees
A$21600
Duration
Half Year
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Semester dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed
Program Code
5643
CRICOS Code
089175G
AQF
Level 8

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • Select from a diverse spectrum of courses.
  • Study with undergraduates from a range of countries and backgrounds.
  • Choose to participate in the Graduate Centre Mentorship Program.
  • Develop the necessary skills for a rewarding career in government or non-government sectors.

1 in Queensland for politics

QS World University Rankings 2024

6 in Australia for social sciences and humanities

CWTS Leiden Ranking 2023

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Overseas study
  • Research experience
  • Seminars

What you'll study

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

  • Writing Politics
  • Foundations in Political Ideas
  • Globalisation, International Political Economy and Development
  • International Security

Career possibilities

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • International aid coordinator
  • Asia-Pacific international relations adviser
  • Policy and advocacy adviser
  • Policy officer
  • Ministerial officer
  • External affairs officer
  • Senior compliance officer
  • International aid coordinator
  • Overseas development manager
  • Human rights advocate

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:

  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
  • to have completed post-secondary studies and have 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience with documented evidence (such as references). Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
  • a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
  • to have completed post-secondary studies and have 2 years full-time equivalent relevant work experience with documented evidence (such as references). Applications on the basis of post-secondary study and/or work experience will be individually assessed.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Relevant work experience

Relevant work experience may be paid or voluntary and includes work:

  • in planning, management and/or implementation of international policy and/or governance initiatives, including work for international organisations, non-governmental organisations, government agencies, social movements, and the international business community, and
  • a demonstration of basic computer literacy, research and writing skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.

Evidence of relevant work experience should include a letter from your employer (and/or previous employers) stating the following:

  • That you work (or worked) within the specified organisation
  • The nature of your work, including any relevant duties and responsibilities
  • The length of time that you worked there (i.e. 3 years)
  • Whether your employment was full-time, part-time* or casual*.

*if you worked part-time or casual, please list the average number of hours worked per week.

Related programs

English language requirements

IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ

TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.

PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.

BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.

CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.

OET is not accepted.

 

There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.

Learn how to meet the English language requirements

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in International Relations are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

$14,000

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

$14,000

2025

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

AUD $21,600

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

AUD $21,600

2025

Learn more about postgraduate fees

Government assistance

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

FEE-HELP

Domestic students who are accepted into the Graduate Certificate in International Relations pay tuition fees.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.

Learn more about FEE-HELP

Centrelink support

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

How to apply

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in semester 2 - May 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Important dates

The closing date for this program is:

  • To commence study in Semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
  • To commence study in Semester 2 - June 30 of the year of commencement.

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

Explore other programs

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(or part time equivalent)
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Graduate Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution

St Lucia
Half Year full-timeHalf Year full-time
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Graduate Certificate in Peace and Conflict Studies

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Half Year full-timeHalf Year full-time
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