2020 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 | 2020  

International Relations is a vibrant, growing and constantly evolving discipline designed for students interested in careers in international organisations, foreign affairs or any organisation that has a focus beyond Australia’s borders. Whether it is the latest peace deal in a conflict zone, aid package, humanitarian relief operation, trade deal or climate negotiation, studying International Relations at UOW helps you understand the motives behind the actions taken by states, international organisations and the many other actors in global politics. While studying a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) at UOW, you will learn how to apply critical thinking and analytical skills to real world issues to inform thinking and practice in business, government and not for profit sectors.

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

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

Major Learning Outcomes

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

For majors with major learning outcomes use the following code:

CLO Description
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 studying the International Relations major will complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below:

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points
Year 1 Core
INTS121 Global Politics and Power 6
Year 2 Core
INTS200 Model United Nations 6
INTS207 Conflict, Peace & Security 6
Year 3 Core
POL 309 Global Political Economy (Capstone) 6

Elective List

A minimum of FOUR from the following. At least THREE must be at 300 level

LAW 101 Introduction to Law 6
HIST257 The World After 1945 6
HIST293 China since 1949 6
JAPA220 The Making of a Globalised Japan 6
INTS208 War and Humanitarianism 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
HIST362 Controversies in Modern Asia 6
INTS311 Human Security, Global Capitalism and the Environment 6
INTS352 Special Topics in Politics and International Studies6
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 326 Global Inequality 6
SOC 356 Cultures in Dispossession 6

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.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in International Relations is available. Information can be found on the 2020 General Schedule of Minors page.

Students cannot complete both a major and a minor in International Relations.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Bachelor of International Studies (Honours).

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning 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 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 'Career Ready Learning and Practice' (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.

Other Information

For further information email: askuow@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020