A Graduate Certificate in International Relations is a postgraduate qualification designed to build foundational knowledge of global affairs, international policy and the relationships between countries, institutions and other global actors.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations develops capability across intercultural communication, the international order, sustainability and global governance, and international political economy.

International relations is the study of how countries, international institutions, organisations and other global actors interact.

It covers areas such as diplomacy, foreign policy, global governance, international security, political economy, international cooperation and the way global events shape governments, organisations and communities.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations is designed for professionals who want to build a stronger understanding of global affairs and international policy.

It can suit people working in government, public policy, international development, NGOs, business, trade, media, research and other roles that engage with global issues, as well as professionals looking to transition into an international relations-related field.

No. Prior professional experience in international relations is not required.

The course is designed for people from a range of professional backgrounds who want to build foundational knowledge in international relations, global affairs and policy. You must still meet the course entry requirements.

Not necessarily. You may be eligible for the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations without a bachelor’s degree.

Current entry requirements allow applicants to be considered if they have either a completed Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, or a minimum of four years of relevant professional work experience together with the required supporting documentation.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.

You’ll build foundational capability in analysing global systems, political and economic issues, international institutions, intercultural communication and contemporary global challenges.

The course is designed to strengthen your critical thinking, research, communication and policy-analysis capability while helping you understand how global events and institutions influence decisions across government, organisations and communities.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations comprises four core subjects totalling 24 credit points:

• Intercultural and International Communication
• The Future of the International Order
• Sustainability and Global Governance
• Reframing International Political Economy

Together, these subjects build a foundation across global systems, cross-cultural communication, governance, sustainability and international political economy.

International relations professionals commonly need strong critical thinking, research, written and verbal communication, policy analysis, cultural awareness and the ability to interpret complex global issues.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations helps build these foundations through study in intercultural communication, global governance, political economy and the changing international order.

Political science is the broader study of political systems, institutions, governance, political behaviour and public power at local, national and international levels.

International relations focuses more specifically on relationships between countries and other global actors, including diplomacy, foreign policy, international institutions, political economy, global governance and international cooperation.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations can be completed in a minimum of eight months.

The course comprises four online subjects totalling 24 credit points, with students studying one subject at a time through the UTS Online study model.

Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations is designed for professionals who want to complete postgraduate study alongside existing work and personal commitments.

You’ll study one subject at a time through structured online learning, allowing you to focus on one area of international relations at a time and connect what you learn with contemporary global issues and your professional context.

How you balance work, study and personal commitments will depend on your individual circumstances, so it is important to plan for the weekly study requirements of each subject.

Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations provides a pathway into the UTS Online Master of International Relations.

The Graduate Certificate comprises four subjects totalling 24 credit points. If you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate and receive credit for all four subjects towards the 12-subject master’s degree, you will have eight additional subjects remaining, subject to current UTS credit rules.

You may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, or RPL, if your previous study or professional experience meets the relevant UTS course requirements.

UTS assesses RPL after an offer of enrolment has been accepted. The amount of credit available depends on your individual circumstances and the evidence provided.

The Graduate Certificate can help you build knowledge and skills relevant to diplomacy, including intercultural communication, global governance, political economy and understanding the international system.

However, the qualification does not by itself qualify you for a diplomatic role. Diplomatic and foreign-service positions have their own recruitment and eligibility requirements, and career outcomes depend on your experience, skills and the organisation you apply to.

A Graduate Certificate in International Relations can help you build global, policy and intercultural capability that can be applied across government, business, international development, research and not-for-profit settings.

Depending on your previous experience, career directions may include Policy Officer, International Affairs Assistant, Program Coordinator in government or NGOs, Trade Analyst, Global Development Officer and related policy or international engagement roles.

The qualification does not lead to one specific role, and career outcomes will depend on your existing experience and professional direction.

Whether a Graduate Certificate in International Relations is worthwhile depends on your career goals, previous experience and the capability you want to build.

For professionals who want a shorter postgraduate qualification, it can provide a focused way to build knowledge of global affairs, policy, political economy, governance and intercultural communication without initially committing to a full master’s degree.

It can also provide a pathway into the UTS Online Master of International Relations if you decide to continue your postgraduate study.

The current indicative tuition fee for the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations is $14,340 in total, with an indicative fee of $3,585 per subject.

Fees are indicative and subject to change. Your total course fee may vary depending on your study plan, Recognition of Prior Learning and the fees applicable at the time of enrolment, so refer to the UTS Online fees page for the latest information.

Yes. FEE-HELP is available to eligible students studying the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations.

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that can help eligible full-fee-paying students cover some or all of their tuition fees.

Eligibility requirements apply, so check the current FEE-HELP information before enrolling.

UTS Online courses have six intakes per year, giving you multiple opportunities to commence the Graduate Certificate in International Relations.

Intake dates can change from year to year, so refer to the course page for the next available intake and current application dates.

For a standard six-credit-point UTS Online subject, you should typically allow around 15–20 hours per week for study.

This can include working through weekly learning materials, completing readings and activities, participating in online discussions and preparing assessments. Your actual study time may vary depending on the subject, your previous experience and assessment deadlines.

UTS Online students generally study one subject at a time, helping you focus your study around your professional and personal commitments.

For more information, read our guide to study resources with an example study schedule.

Assessment in the UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations varies by subject and is designed to reflect contemporary international relations and global policy challenges.

Depending on the subject, assessments may include written assignments, policy or research tasks, case analyses, presentations, proposals, oral assessments and collaborative activities.

Assessment requirements, including whether exams or group assessments apply, are subject-specific, so refer to the individual subject information in the UTS Handbook for current details.

The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in International Relations is delivered online through Canvas, with students studying one subject at a time through structured weekly modules. You’ll engage with practical activities, multimedia learning, peer discussions and assessments designed to connect your studies with contemporary international relations and global policy challenges.

Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to support including:
• A dedicated Student Success Advisor
• Academic and assignment support
• UTS Career Hub resources and networking opportunities
• Peer learning and presentation support
• Confidential health and wellbeing services

Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.

Or read our tips for balancing postgraduate study with work and life: https://studyonline.uts.edu.au/blog/balancing-postgraduate-study-and-life-commitments-practical-tips-success