Master of International Relations with Specialisation in International Development Practice

at La Trobe University - Melbourne Campus Australia

The rapid globalisation of our society means international relations are more important – and more complex – than ever. Want to be a leader in this evolving world? Combine a global perspective with in-depth legal expertise.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Global Studies is an immersive and flexible double degree giving you the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Become a legal expert with valuable expertise in global affairs. You'll develop your legal knowledge and skills as you build a deep understanding of global issues, diplomacy, politics, and international trade.

Your law degree will introduce you to the fundamentals of legal practice and build your skills in advocacy, negotiation, and dispute resolution – all highly valued by employers across a range of industries.

At the same time, your global studies degree will immerse you in a wide range of global issues, including international relations and geopolitics, contemporary security issues, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and contemporary armed conflict and terrorism. Tailor your studies to your interests with a choice of five curated majors – international relations, conflict and negotiation, Asian politics and security, government and policy, and human rights.

When it comes to learning, there's no substitute for hands-on experience. You'll have the opportunity to take on real-world work placements in settings such as community legal centres, law firms, government agencies, and with judges and magistrates (subject to availability) and bolster your education with a practical global studies placement subject. You could also put your legal skills to the test in law competitions, both locally and internationally.

Chinese studies intermediate

A Chinese studies major will enable you to understand and use an increasingly significant world language. Chinese is spoken by nearly one-fifth of the global population, predominantly in the world’s second-largest economy, China. The Chinese Studies major will give you the opportunity to develop skills in oral and written Chinese (Mandarin), and enhance your understanding in China’s past (culture and tradition) and present (economy and technology). At more advanced levels, specialist subjects are available in Chinese for academic and professional purposes—these will help you develop your integrated communication skills to a professional level. Studying Chinese language and culture will give you an advantage in a range of industries and area of government, given that China has been Australia’s largest trading partner since 2007. You will have the opportunity to enrol in overseas programs to extend your language skills in-country. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) The major offers four entry-levels to cater to your standard in the Chinese language. You may enrol at beginners, intermediate, advanced or extension levels depending on your background and experience.

The rapid globalisation of our society means international relations are more important – and more complex – than ever. Want to be a leader in this evolving world? Combine a global perspective with in-depth legal expertise.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Global Studies is an immersive and flexible double degree giving you the skills and knowledge to succeed.

Become a legal expert with valuable expertise in global affairs. You'll develop your legal knowledge and skills as you build a deep understanding of global issues, diplomacy, politics, and international trade.

Your law degree will introduce you to the fundamentals of legal practice and build your skills in advocacy, negotiation, and dispute resolution – all highly valued by employers across a range of industries.

At the same time, your global studies degree will immerse you in a wide range of global issues, including international relations and geopolitics, contemporary security issues, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and contemporary armed conflict and terrorism. Tailor your studies to your interests with a choice of five curated majors – international relations, conflict and negotiation, Asian politics and security, government and policy, and human rights.

When it comes to learning, there's no substitute for hands-on experience. You'll have the opportunity to take on real-world work placements in settings such as community legal centres, law firms, government agencies, and with judges and magistrates (subject to availability) and bolster your education with a practical global studies placement subject. You could also put your legal skills to the test in law competitions, both locally and internationally.

Asian politics and security

Examine the different political systems in Asia and analyse security issues at the domestic and international levels. In this major you will explore how Asian states and societies have developed, and the relationships and institutions that have been used to manage security inside and outside the region.

Across a range of countries, you will learn about the political and cultural underpinnings of Asian societies, understand their security problems, and formulate appropriate responses them.

This major will connect you to experts in China and India, SE Asia, international security, nationalism, social movements, democracy and democratisation, and Asian cities.

Modern business needs to be more innovative than ever. Learn to solve complex business, sustainability and ethical issues in evolving global markets with a progressive dual lens of legal and commercial innovation.

Stand out from the crowd with La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce. Gain a prestigious double degree that prepares you to be a change-maker in business and law, navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks.

Develop specialised knowledge of financial markets, economics, and accounting. Combine it with an understanding of business practice, legal process, and advanced negotiation. You'll develop financial literacy and discover the power of contemporary digital business tools.

Get ready for an exciting career. You'll be equipped to meet the challenges of a field disrupted by automation, the power of big data, and the rapid evolution of business and consumer technologies.

You'll have opportunities to learn in legal placements across government and corporate sectors.

Business analytics

Digital disruption has radically changed the way businesses operate. Organisations have an overwhelming amount of information about their operations, customers and products – they need skilled professionals who can interpret, analyse and translate this data into meaningful business solutions.

If you can't let go of unanswered questions. If you love learning. If you're passionate about the world around you. Then it's time to start your journey at La Trobe.

With our flexible Bachelor of Arts, you can choose from an incredible array of majors and minors. You'll have access to around 50 majors and minors from humanities, social sciences, business, health and science, keeping your career options open. Pursue your passion and your profession.

Shape your own future with this interdisciplinary degree. You'll choose one arts major, then explore your interests or build an essential skill when you choose secondary majors, minors and electives from across the university. You'll graduate with your primary major on your academic transcript, so future employers can recognise your expertise.

Create your own path. Want to major in sociology, with a second major in psychology, then take Chinese as an elective? Go for it. Or perhaps you'd like to pair economics and English. Or crime, justice and legal studies with linguistics. Build your own future – we're here to help you achieve your dream. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

In your first year, you'll explore your interests and passions. Try a language; or get a taste for history, English, politics or creative writing. In your second and third years, you'll delve deeper while also choosing electives and minors that broaden your skills and knowledge. You may also choose to develop professional skillsets in areas like psychology, public health, marketing, science, sport management and more.

This flexible degree also offers a range of study options. You can choose to study face-to-face at our Melbourne Campus and enjoy our on-campus facilities, or you can study online – knowing your experience will mirror on-campus students, with tutorials delivered in a synchronous manner. Unlike many other online degrees, at La Trobe you can login to live sessions and engage directly with academics and your fellow students in real time.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement at organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.* Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course advisor will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

The world is waiting for you. Step into it.

The International Studies major allows you to make sense of the social, economic and political factors that contribute to how the world works. In this major, you’ll investigate the systems, structures and laws that shape international affairs from a range of perspectives. You’ll develop a keen sense of why the world faces the problems it does, how history has shaped the world we live in, and how policies to address the greatest global challenges are developed and can be improved. You’ll study subjects about security, economics, slavery, human trafficking, migration, development, international law, international organisations, foreign policy and modern Asia, and you will be strongly supported to study a language, experience the world through overseas study tours, and undertake internships.

The La Trobe International Studies major is taught by world-leading academics who have extensive experience in many areas including the real world of policy-making, international development, and international negotiations. Industry and community leaders will regularly present in your classes, giving you the opportunity to develop your networks. An International Studies major will provide you with the knowledge required to tackle major global challenges, including climate change, war, terrorism, poverty, and inequality. It will also help you understand cultural and political differences and similarities across the world, which is crucial to working effectively internationally. When you complete this major, you’ll have the skills and knowledge required to establish a career dealing with international issues or working internationally.

Global financial services are evolving. More than ever, firms are searching for highly trained experts who can navigate the complexities of global capital markets and take advantage of new technologies.

La Trobe's Master of Financial Analysis offers you the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in banking, fintech, international business or business research. You'll extend your core investment and financial skills, and enhance your ability to provide financial services and advice.

Develop your core financial and investment expertise in our financial trading room. You'll learn professional investment tools used every day in the financial markets, such as the Bloomberg Information Service, and you'll work with real-time data from international markets and respond to breaking news and events. Examine the latest research by our leading finance academics and learn how to use powerful analytic tools, while taking in guest lectures delivered by industry experts.

Distinguish your expertise by completing a specialisation of your choice. If you want to develop the skills to build quantitative financial models and applications, you might consider the fintech specialisation. If you want to start a career in banking or international finance, you might choose to specialise in banking or international business.

We live in one vast, interconnected world. While nation states and local economies still dominate the overall playing field, there’s an ever-increasing flow between countries – of trade, capital, information and people. And it’s irreversibly transforming our lives. In this time of unprecedented change, there are more global challenges and they need urgent solutions. While we can’t predict the future, we do know this – we need more highly skilled professionals who can help us navigate this complex and delicate environment, and ensure we build a better world for all.

If you're keen to address the biggest global challenges of our time, La Trobe's Master of International Relations will give you the interdisciplinary skillset to make a real difference. Develop a solid grounding in international political theory and learn how to navigate the complex power dynamics between governments, multilateral organisations, international businesses and international NGOs. You'll graduate with the skills to work on current global issues and create positive change across cultures and societies.

In this comprehensive degree, you'll focus on public policy that promotes social justice and explore key themes of poverty, gender, inequality and the threat of war. Understand how foreign policy is made and build your knowledge of international law. Examine the role of international institutions in humanitarian law, international environmental law, refugee law and the laws of war. Then explore the sprawling networks of global economic interdependence, while investigating both the harms and benefits of globalisation. You'll understand the issues from a meta perspective, so you can create policies for governments and intergovernmental organisations such as the World Bank, ASEAN and the United Nations.

Learn from high-profile academic staff with extensive research and teaching experience. Outstanding educators who are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about their subject matter, they also have vast professional networks which students can access via placements and research. You'll learn from renowned commentators who are frequently quoted in local and international media, and whose expertise is sought by government committees.

For thousands of years, human societies have grown, prospered and warred through diplomacy and trade. In today’s hyper-connected global markets and diplomatic arenas, we need highly skilled professionals who can navigate this complex global landscape and make the most of evolving business structures.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies gives you the expertise to build a rewarding career in global politics, human rights and international business. Gain strong foundations in international trade and diplomacy, as well as a well-rounded business skillset.

Explore the complex social, commercial and sustainability challenges faced by corporations and diverse communities. Understand how to analyse problems, develop forward-thinking solutions, and negotiate with stakeholders to turn your ideas into action.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll be prepared for the rapidly evolving world of international trade and the complex web of relationships negotiated by governments and multinational organisations every day. Develop the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries, and build the resilience to face real-world challenges.

We understand that global experiences are vital for your studies. You'll have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network at one of our overseas partner universities. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the various business, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world.

Graduate ready for a rewarding career in trade, diplomacy, politics, government, business, economics and finance.

Economics

As a social science, economics is an exciting and challenging discipline that explores real-world issues and analyses ways to improve the well-being of people and the societies we live in. This major will give you valuable insights into the application of economic principles to develop government policy, business solutions and understand the choices people make. Analyse important issues such as poverty, inequality, inflation, unemployment, environmental issues, innovation, digital transformation, international competition, trade and economic development. The key graduate attributes that a major in economics develop are critical thinking, problem solving, researching and evaluating information. Overall you gain the skills for careers in economic and social policy, business, banking, financial markets and consulting.

The world is drawing closer together. As the speed and quality of digital technologies continues to evolve, we need more passionate professionals who can create meaningful solutions and connections.

Designed to help you build our digital future, La Trobe's Bachelor of Information Technology equips you with skills across programming, networking, databases, systems analysis and design, and project management.

Along with building a strong set of core IT skills you can choose to major in one of several areas aligned to future industry growth including artificial intelligence, cloud analytics, cybersecurity, network engineering or information systems.

Broaden your knowledge and capabilities further through a wide range of electives. Combine your core IT skills with business, social sciences, humanities, web engineering, computer technology, security and information systems analysis subjects. Plus you could develop a software program of your own, which you could present at the annual Engineering and IT Showcase to potential employers.

With industry-based projects and CISCO certification embedded in the course, you'll receive professional mentoring opportunities as you build career ready skills. You'll also gain access to our expert research centres, including the Centre for Technology Infusion and our state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Lab for the Internet of Things – developed in collaboration with Microsoft and CISCO.

Software engineering

Learn to create modern software programs with expertise in software engineering. You’ll build skills across algorithms and data structures, full stack web development, user interface design, measurement and testing principles, and cloud-based web and mobile applications.

If you can't let go of unanswered questions. If you love learning. If you're passionate about the world around you. Then it's time to start your journey at La Trobe.

With our flexible Bachelor of Arts, you can choose from an incredible array of majors and minors. You'll have access to around 50 majors and minors from humanities, social sciences, business, health and science, keeping your career options open. Pursue your passion and your profession.

Shape your own future with this interdisciplinary degree. You'll choose one arts major, then explore your interests or build an essential skill when you choose secondary majors, minors and electives from across the university. You'll graduate with your primary major on your academic transcript, so future employers can recognise your expertise.

Create your own path. Want to major in sociology, with a second major in psychology, then take Chinese as an elective? Go for it. Or perhaps you'd like to pair economics and English. Or crime, justice and legal studies with linguistics. Build your own future – we're here to help you achieve your dream. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

In your first year, you'll explore your interests and passions. Try a language; or get a taste for history, English, politics or creative writing. In your second and third years, you'll delve deeper while also choosing electives and minors that broaden your skills and knowledge. You may also choose to develop professional skillsets in areas like psychology, public health, marketing, science, sport management and more.

This flexible degree also offers a range of study options. You can choose to study face-to-face at our Melbourne Campus and enjoy our on-campus facilities, or you can study online – knowing your experience will mirror on-campus students, with tutorials delivered in a synchronous manner. Unlike many other online degrees, at La Trobe you can login to live sessions and engage directly with academics and your fellow students in real time.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement at organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.* Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course advisor will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

The world is waiting for you. Step into it.

Ethics is the study of how we should live, what we should value, and how we can identify the right way to act. Social justice asks us to consider how the benefits, burdens, and opportunities involved in living together in societies should be distributed, to ensure fairness while appropriately respecting individual rights and liberties. In the Ethics and Social Justice major you will acquire a firm foundation in theoretical approaches to these important questions. Frameworks and theories from philosophy, social sciences, politics, gender studies, development studies, and law will provide you with ways to analyse inequalities and understand how they are created and reinforced, and to explore the roles of power structures and social coding of various axes of difference. In examining social justice issues from a range of theoretical perspectives, you will gain a robust conceptual understanding along with experience applying concepts in different areas – a skill increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. These skills and areas of knowledge will ultimately allow you to question, and seek to improve, social practices and institutions.

In the era of globalisation, having advanced language skills is becoming increasingly valuable. Organisations need professionals who not only communicate effectively, but also have the multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge that can help them thrive on an international scale.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics introduces you to the foundations of human communication. Learn about the structure and history of languages, while examining how communication skills are acquired and developed. You'll also select from a range of language majors and explore the culture from which your chosen language emerged.

Develop an advanced understanding of linguistics, investigating the sound systems used for communication, how sentences are structured, and the ways we use language and interpret meaning.

Focus on the language you're passionate about by selecting from Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Hindi. You'll also be able to select a starting point that suits your language proficiency, including beginner, intermediate and advanced studies.

From there, you'll investigate a variety of other languages, examining their evolution, structure and use. Explore the nuances of linguistic variation in communities, looking at the social, ethnic and age factors that influence the variation.

Enhance your language proficiency by taking advantage of our study abroad opportunities.* Immerse yourself in your chosen language and build a greater understanding of its everyday application.

Build your communication, team-working, problem-solving and analytical skills, which experts suggest will be highly sought after by the workplaces of tomorrow.**

Through optional minors, you'll also have the chance to explore further languages, including Auslan, or broaden your studies into complementary areas such as psychology, philosophy and history.

Graduate with the advanced languages skills to boost your global career.

Italian studies beginners

In the Italian Studies major you will combine the study of the language with the study of Italian culture, literature, cinema, history and translation. The primary focus of this major is on contemporary Italy, but you can explore aspects of early modern, Renaissance and twentieth-century Italy in selected subjects. A major in Italian Studies provides you with the opportunity to develop your written, spoken and comprehension skills in Italian to a high level, while enhancing your critical thinking skills, and becoming proficient at analysing texts and at presenting reasoned arguments. Studying Italian will equip you with valuable communication skills. Recent graduates of Italian studies have found employment in teaching, diplomacy, government, social work, art history and restoration, international business, publishing, journalism, tourism, and translating and interpreting. Students of Italian are encouraged to consider spending one or two semesters studying at an Italian university as part of an approved exchange program. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) Italian is taught at a number of levels starting from beginners. For those with prior knowledge of and/or qualifications in the language, a placement test and interview may be used to determine the appropriate stream for a student.