Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) – ANU

Bachelor Honours Degree Political Science Full Time

Bachelor of International Relations (Honours)

at Australian National University · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

082703A

CRICOS provider code

00120C

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$53,110 total

Per year

A$53,110/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra is designed for high-achieving graduates who seek advanced knowledge and research skills in international relations and political science. This one-year honours degree builds upon prior undergraduate study, focusing on the development of analytical, research, and critical-thinking abilities through intensive coursework and an in-depth research thesis.

The honours year is structured around a combination of advanced seminars and a substantial independent research project or thesis, supervised by leading scholars in the field. Students earn credit through units of study, each carrying specific credit points as per ANU protocols, culminating in the delivery of an original research project that demonstrates mastery of the subject area. Opportunities may also include engagement with research centres and policy institutes in Canberra, leveraging the city's role as the national capital and centre for foreign affairs.

Graduates gain enhanced skills in research methodologies, policy analysis, written and oral communication, and critical evaluation of global political dynamics. The programme suits students with a strong foundation in international relations who wish to pursue research, policy, or analytical roles, or progress to further postgraduate study such as a master's or PhD.

As a Commonwealth public institution, ANU enables students to form direct links to Australian public sector bodies and international organisations, particularly given Canberra’s proximity to diplomatic missions and federal agencies. International students must demonstrate English proficiency (minimum IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or equivalents), and can confirm details on the official course page. Australian study also gives access to work rights during study (48 hours per fortnight), and eligibility to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-completion, subject to government criteria.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Policy Analyst – Australian and international government agencies
Foreign Affairs or Trade Officer – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), embassies, and consulates
Research Officer – think tanks, universities, and policy research institutes
Intelligence Analyst – national security, defence, and law enforcement organisations
International Development Project Officer – NGOs, UN agencies, and non-profit organisations
Political Adviser or Risk Analyst – consulting firms and multinational corporations

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bachelor of International Relations (Honours) at Australian National University?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$53,110 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Policy Analyst – Australian and international government agenciesForeign Affairs or Trade Officer – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), embassies, and consulatesResearch Officer – think tanks, universities, and policy research institutesIntelligence Analyst – national...

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