COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of International Relations at ANU requires completion of 144 units and is structured to build both foundational knowledge and advanced expertise in global politics and international affairs. Students may complete a maximum of 60 units at the 1000-level, must complete at least 18 units at the 3000-level, and must include a minimum of 12 units in Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses. The program includes 72 units of structured coursework drawn from core and specialised lists. Students begin with 18 units of compulsory introductory and methods courses, including Introduction to Politics, International Relations Foundations, and Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations. They then complete 18–24 units of intermediate courses such as International Relations Theory, International Political Economy, War and International Relations, and Global Cooperation and Institutions. A further 6 units focus on research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, or interpretive approaches. Students may also take up to 6 units of related social science or breadth courses such as economics, history, statistics, or environmental research. At the advanced level, students complete 24 units of 3000-level study, including at least 12 units from core international relations topics like foreign policy analysis, international law, human rights, empire, and global power structures. Additional depth courses cover security, governance, environmental policy, and humanitarian studies. Students also take 6 units of regional or area studies courses. The remaining 48–72 units are flexible electives, allowing further specialisation or interdisciplinary study, preparing graduates for careers in diplomacy, policy, research, and global organisations.