2018 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

International Relations Major | 2018

International relations is a vibrant, growing and constantly evolving discipline designed for students interested in careers in foreign affairs, international organisations, or any organisation that has a focus beyond Australia’s borders. Students will undertake core subjects on the operation and practice of global politics, on how security is envisioned and conflict managed, and on the role of the state in the new millennium. They will partake in a model United Nations (UN), discussing ideas and brainstorming solutions to global challenges as model diplomats learning not just about the UN, but about negotiation skills and policy development. Students can choose from a range of electives covering issues from war and peace to international law and global political economy.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to:

  1. Identify the role played by key actors in international relations, including states, intergovernmental, nongovernmental and international organisations, transnational corporations, civil society and individuals;
  2. Identify and critically evaluate the core concepts and theories that guide global politics in the 21st century;
  3. Critically analyse the impact of the global economic and security systems on international relations;
  4. Engage with the contemporary challenges facing global society and evaluate policies implemented to address them;
  5. Communicate a deep understanding of multiple worldviews, experiences, and power structures in addressing significant global challenges.

Subjects Required for Major Study

Students completing the International Relations Major will be required to complete at least 48 credit points as outlined in the following schedule: 

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points
Core
INTS121 Global Politics and Power 6
INTS200 Model United Nations 6
INTS207 Conflict, Peace & Security 6
POL 309 Global Political Economy (Capstone) 6
Electives
A minimum of FOUR from the following. At least THREE must be at 300 level
LAW 101 Law, Business and Society 6
HIST257 The World After 1945 6
HIST293 China since 1949 6
JAPA220 The Making of a Globalised Japan 6
POL 202 Politics in the USA 6
POL 204 Politics and the Media 6
POL 221 Australian Politics 6
HIST358 War and Society 6
HIST359 Empires Colliding: Britain and USA 6
INTS311 Human Security, Global Capitalism and the Environment 6
INTS352 Special Topics in International Relations 6
LAW 343 International Law 6
LAW 354 Human Rights Law 6
POL 304 Power and the State 6
POL 306 Complex Peace Operations 6
POL 311 Politics of the Middle East 6
POL 310 Twentieth Century Dictatorships 6
POL 326 Global Inequality 6
SOC 356 Cultures in Dispossession 6

Timetables

Click on subject codes in the above course structure for information on sessions of offer for each subject.

To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning (WIL) experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder.

Other Information

For further information email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 5 April, 2018