Graduate Certificate in International Relations

Graduates of a Graduate Certificate in International Relations will have:

1. Specialised knowledge of contemporary theories of International Relations and Foreign policymaking.
2. Broad and coherent body of knowledge of contemporary theories of international relations and their application to empirical contexts.
3. Knowledge of the relationship between key historical, political and theoretical developments.
4. An understanding of research principles, disciplinary concepts and methodologies necessary for understanding complex issue areas in international relations.

Become a global politics expert with a Graduate Certificate in International Relations. Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of international affairs, you'll learn the analytical, research and policy skills to work effectively in international relations.

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in International Relations

• Develop advanced knowledge of international security, diplomacy, global governance and political economy.
• Explore contemporary global issues including human rights, religion and identity politics, environment and development.
• Learn critical thinking, academic writing and research skills for postgraduate success.
• Engage with practitioner-focused learning and real case studies.
• Graduate with a postgraduate qualification in just one year of part-time study.

Deepen your understanding of global politics

You'll begin with a strong foundation in international relations theory, history and key concepts such as power, order, justice, peace and diplomacy. Through scenario-based workshops and experiential learning, you'll explore defence strategy, economic diplomacy and the practical realities of international negotiation. You'll also analyse pressing global challenges, from sustainable development and environmental pressures to the evolving relationship between government and business in a globalised economy.

A pathway to further study 

Whether you're returning to university, changing career direction, or preparing for a masters degree, this graduate certificate offers a supported and flexible entry into postgraduate study, with completed courses often gaining credit toward the full masters degree.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Introduction to International Relations
• International Law and Organisations 
• Australian Foreign Policy 
• Key Issues in Development Studies

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in International Relations (GCertIntRel), you must successfully complete 40 credit point, made up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $15,500

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)
• two years relevant work experience
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above

Relevant work experience includes government, campaign or elections, diplomacy, public policy, international organisations (UN, ASEAN, World Health Organization), non-governmental organisations, civil society groups (including activism), extended volunteering, journalism or public relations, law, development and foreign aid, criminal justice, military, international business, business-policy interface, researcher, economist, risk or security analyst.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.