Master of International Relations with Specialisation in International Development Practice

at La Trobe University - Melbourne Campus Australia

Due to the global effects of population growth and the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people living with chronic conditions is on the rise. As a result, the demand for nurses in all specialised fields is expected to rapidly increase.*

La Trobe's Master of Nursing lets you match your study to your career aspirations. Enhance your knowledge and skills in specialist areas by choosing from a range of clinical and non-clinical subjects.

If you're a registered nurse working in Australia, you'll have access to a wide variety of specialisations. Enjoy a flexible, blended learning approach that combines face-to-face workshops with online study that you can fit around your work commitments and access from anywhere. For a clinical specialisation you will also undertake advanced clinical training in your own hospital's relevant work setting.

If you're looking to pursue a career as nursing educator, academic or manager, you'll have access to our online non-clinical specialisations. Develop advanced knowledge of nursing research along with the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills you need to thrive as a nursing researcher, educator or leader.

Explore your passions and build a rewarding career.

Today’s workplaces are rapidly evolving. Governments, businesses and law firms need passionate professionals who not only have advanced legal expertise, but also the ability to think critically, analytically and creatively.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts lets you enrich your legal education by pursuing your interests and passions. Open doors to a diverse range of rewarding careers, while exploring how to make a difference in your community.

Learn the fundamentals of criminal, constitutional, property and company law. Explore the legal system and understand how it can be used as a powerful and positive force in society. Develop key skills in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution.

You'll also choose from our list of arts majors and explore your area of interest. Broaden your knowledge and experience by studying areas like politics, languages, sociology, history, philosophy and media studies. Learn how to communicate effectively and think critically, analytically and creatively.

You can also choose to complete law electives that complement your arts specialisation. For example, a politics major can be matched with related subjects like public international law and human rights law. While a language or philosophy major could be augmented by subjects in areas like Indigenous Australians and the law, intellectual property law or family, society and law.

Enhance your classroom learning by taking advantage of optional internships, work experience, and our study abroad program*. Gain hands-on experience working with community legal centres, law firms and government agencies. Find out what it takes to interview clients, prepare legal advice and work with senior lawyers to develop legal solutions.

Graduate ready to make a positive difference. With combined expertise in law and arts, you can build a career as a solicitor or barrister, in-house counsel or corporate consultant, working in commercial law firms or community legal centres. You could also work in the public service as a government lawyer or support social justice initiatives in the not-for-profit sector.

The Sociology major is concerned with the study of social life: the structural arrangements and cultural patterns that shape social action at the individual, group, and institutional levels. It examines the forces that shape individual character and the interactions between the individual and society from diverse socio-cultural, national and global perspectives. A Sociology major will provide you with the analytical and conceptual skills needed to diagnose today’s complex social problems, considering ethical implications and multiple perspectives.

You will study a wide range of topics in this major, including contemporary society and Australia in its global context, social policy, popular culture, inequality, migration and mobility, ethnicity and identity, relationships and emotions, health and mental illness, education and work, and urbanisation. These topics will develop your ability to examine social relationships and institutions, analyse inequality, conduct social research and interpret social policy. These skills will prepare you for a range of careers in the government and community sector, in research and education, and in media and communications.

The healthcare landscape is changing. Healthcare, information and computer sciences have combined to revolutionise how services are delivered, illnesses are treated and prevented, and patients can access their health information. Electronic health records, real-time data harvesting, wearable devices and mHealth apps are just some of the new digital health technologies driving improvements to healthcare systems. Yet to realise the promise of these new and emerging technologies, an empowered digital health workforce is needed to lead the future of healthcare both in Australia and abroad. There’s never been a better time to advance your career by developing an up-to-the-minute and in- demand digital health skillset.

If you're passionate about leading improvements across health and health care using digital technology, La Trobe's Master of Digital Health gives you the specialised skills to design, develop, implement and manage digital health technologies.

Designed in consultation with industry to meet the evolving health needs of individuals and communities, you'll develop advanced knowledge in new and emerging areas of digital health. This includes virtual and telehealth, the Internet of Medical Things, epidemiology and biostatistics, data analytics, social media and more. You'll explore the latest digital health technologies and their applications in healthcare, public health and health promotion. Examine both the benefits and risks of these technologies, as well as the various ethical and legal implications.

Our Master of Digital Health allows you to build a specialised skillset that will set you apart in the workplaces of tomorrow. Curate your degree and learning to fit your passions and career goals.

Specialise in Advanced Practice or Applied Research in your second year and chose from a wide range of electives in data and business analytics, ehealth and health informatics, public health, digital marketing, technopreneurship, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and more.

Expand your professional network and experience while discovering what it's like to lead digital health innovations. Through the Advanced Practice specialisation and informed by your chosen elective, you'll work with industry to devise a forward-thinking solution to a real-world problem.

What does it mean to be human? As the only discipline that looks at the human journey as a whole, archaeologists play a unique role in understanding the past, and building our knowledge of who we are and how we got here.

If you're endlessly curious about the past, La Trobe's Bachelor of Archaeology is the perfect place to develop specialist skills and knowledge, and build a rewarding career as a professional archaeologist or heritage manager.

You'll learn from renowned researchers in La Trobe's world-class facilities and benefit from both a hands-on and academic perspective.

Exploring Australia's rich and varied Indigenous cultures, as well as peoples from other ancient and urban societies around the globe, you'll develop in-demand, specialist skills in contemporary archaeological practice.

For students interested in further study or a global career in archaeology, the Bachelor of Archaeology will give you strong field skills applicable anywhere in the world.

Turn your passion for biology into a diverse career. La Trobe's Bachelor of Biological Sciences gives you a strong scientific grounding plus the flexibility to specialise in an area that interests you.

Start with the basics. Build foundational skills in biology, chemistry, ecology and biodiversity, and explore the impacts of infection, epidemics and pandemics.

This degree is all about getting your hands dirty. You'll start practical classes from your first year – both in our on-campus labs and facilities, and out in the field. Get a glimpse into your professional future in science with industry-led workshops and seminars, as well as opportunities for work placements.

Customise your course with a major of your choice. Select from a range of areas, including biochemistry, botany, ecology, genetics, human physiological sciences, microbiology or zoology. This degree also gives you the option to take a double major or choose an additional minor.

All the way through your degree, you'll be building fundamental skills in experimental design, analysis, data interpretation and reporting. At the same time, you'll develop your expertise in problem-solving, teamwork, written and verbal communication and data presentation – skills that will serve you throughout whatever career you pursue.

Ecology

We depend on the environment for food, fresh air and water, recreation, inspiration and wellbeing, but every day we see how humans are altering and affecting the environment. If you want to contribute to a more sustainable future, a major in ecology gives you the skills and knowledge to make a difference on some of the ‘big issues’ facing humanity. Ecology examines the factors that drive the distribution and abundance of organisms in the environment. It provides a knowledge base for understanding how the environment ‘works’, for appreciating the complexity and diversity of the species and communities which share our environment, and for how we can better manage land and water for a more sustainable future. Ecology offers opportunities to contribute to global environmental issues – such as climate change, protecting threatened species, enhancing urban design, and more sustainable use of forests, water and farmland. Throughout this major, you’ll discover the diversity of plants and animals in Australia and their extraordinary adaptations to Australian environments, make your own observations on plants and animals and the complex relationships between species, learn about current and emerging threats to flora and fauna and ways to protect and manage threatened species, learn to ‘read’ landscapes, and understand how human land uses, climate and disturbance processes shape the environment. Build valuable skills in collecting, reading and evaluating data, communicating scientific concepts, making judgements about environmental issues, identifying plants and animal species, observing animal behaviour, and evaluating human impacts on landscapes. Working with your peers, you’ll also learn to design investigations. This major includes opportunities to do field work, experience different ecosystems, and directly observe real-world issues and environmental management. You’ll graduate with valuable skills and knowledge of how the natural environment ‘works’, the factors that influence the distribution and conservation of species and communities, and an appreciation for how we can better manage landscapes in the 21st century. This will equip you for a wide range of roles in natural resource management, including working with people and community groups, hands-on management of land and water, developing policy and plans, and undertaking surveys and investigations, and solving environmental problems.

Evolving technologies are reshaping industries on a global scale, and engineering is no exception. Robotics, 3D printing and big data mean infrastructure is developed faster, better and more sustainably. Employers are searching for engineers with advanced skills and experience, and who are passionate about building our new future.

Developed in consultation with industry leaders, La Trobe's Master of Engineering is designed to prepare you for the rich opportunities of our future workforce.

Advance your career when you choose a specialisation in your area of interest. At our Bendigo campus, you can choose between civil and manufacturing specialisations. You'll build your industry experience and enhance your career opportunities by working with real engineering businesses in the thriving Bendigo region.

At our Bundoora campus, you'll have the additional choice of specialisations in electronics and telecommunications and networking.

Graduate with your specialisation on your academic transcript, so you can show your expertise to future employers. You'll be prepared to take on engineering roles in a variety of sectors, from construction and transport to technology and education.

Your degree focuses on the advanced skills you'll need for a successful career – including design, engineering management, research and innovation. You'll also learn how to adapt to the emerging technologies that are changing the engineering landscape.

If you're passionate about making a positive difference, La Trobe's Bachelor of Health Sciences will give you the skills and confidence to build a rewarding career in this diverse field. Whether you want to work with individual people or whole populations, you'll have the opportunity to fine-tune your skills and get the real-world experience that'll set you apart

Look at health from every angle. While we often measure health through the body, we can also examine the way our minds, our society and our environment – not to mention our political structures – affect the health of every individual, family and community. You'll learn how to use data as a powerful tool to improve the health of everyday people and develop the research skills to make a real impact.

Delve deeper into subjects you're fascinated in, with the option to take up to two majors if you want to develop broad expertise and keep your career options open. You'll also have the option to study an open access major or minor from across the university to gain extra skills and explore your passions.

Gain deep knowledge of the most impactful areas of the health sciences and build a meaningful career. Through your studies, you can aspire to make positive differences at local, national and international levels. You'll learn the skills employers are searching for. Hone your abilities in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, research, leadership and teamwork, then use them to address the biggest issues in health and wellbeing.

You'll graduate ready to make a positive impact on health policy and practice – for both current and future generations.

Human physiological sciences

Explore how the human body functions and how it changes when we’re exposed to different environments. With a major in human physiological sciences, you’ll learn how our organs function in a number of conditions – including when we’re healthy, when we’re exercising and when we develop a disease – and get a taste of what it’s like to be a scientist. Discover how the trillions of cells in our bodies can be divided into groups based on the diverse functions they perform. We’ll examine these functions at the smallest cellular level all the way up to the whole organism level, see how they change during disease and explore how these changes can be prevented with drugs. You’ll be able to further your understanding with access to the latest scientific research taking place within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology. Throughout this major, you’ll develop data analysis and research skills by performing your own experiments in practical classes. Opportunities to communicate in different modes as well as to different audiences will provide you with valuable transferable skills. You’ll graduate with a solid understanding of the human body, and skills and knowledge you can apply to future study in a range of fields, including other health disciplines or scientific research. You may also want to consider completing the anatomy minor to complement this field of study.

Understanding human behaviour is core to running a successful business, an impactful organisation or an effective government. As rapidly changing technology disrupts the way we live, work and study, employers are searching for empathetic and socially minded professionals who can provide insights into our deepest needs and desires, and create new business solutions to match them.

Learn how to innovate business and shape behaviour with La Trobe's accredited Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Psychological Science. Carefully designed to give you sound commercial knowledge and skills, as well as a deep understanding of the human mind, it will help you become a highly valued professional in both the health and business sectors.

Understand what drives our choices, what makes us tick, and how businesses can meet our needs. You'll establish a grounding in psychology, exploring theories on individuals, groups and whole societies. You'll dig deep into how our brains affect our behaviour and how this develops over time. And you'll explore our commercial environment and learn how to create better systems and solutions for the humans and planet it serves.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll prepare for the rapidly evolving world of international business, developing the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries and the resilience to face real-world challenges.

Shape your own future when you choose between a diverse range of commerce majors, including economics, marketing, management and more. You'll also have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network through an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Graduates will have the prerequisites to apply for honours in psychology, with the potential to pursue postgraduate study and registration as a psychologist.

Through your studies of both humans and their commercial systems, you'll understand how to deliver empathetic insights and how to make a positive difference in both your local community and on the global stage.

Management

Good management practices are critical to the success of modern businesses. Well-managed organisations typically have higher levels of productivity and growth, cultivate highly committed and productive workforces, and are better equipped to survive an often disruptive and turbulent business environment. The Management major offered by the La Trobe Business School provides an understanding of the theories, concepts and processes that drive the management of contemporary organisations. You will explore areas in the key management principles of planning, leading, organising and controlling. In addition, you will investigate critical elements involved in the management of modern businesses, including ethical business practices; the management of effective organisational change; the development of strategies and competitive advantage; the management of international businesses and the impact of globalisation on business practices. You will develop your entrepreneurial thinking, problem-solving, critical thinking and leadership skills, and promote the application of the UN’s Principles of Responsible Management.

Explore what you’re passionate about and build a rewarding career.

The world is complex. And while we’re making serious inroads, many aspects of the human mind, behaviour and health are still beyond our understanding. There’s still so much to discover. As culture and technology continue to rapidly transform, we need skilled, empathetic and creative professionals who are passionate about broadening our understanding of both the world and our bodies – intelligent and caring people who want to create healthier communities in Australia, and around the globe.

If you're curious about the world, and passionate about making it a healthier and fairer place, La Trobe's Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences will give you everything you need to pursue your passion and your profession. Choose from an incredible array of majors and shape your future with this interdisciplinary degree.

Create your own path by combining majors from a wide range of areas. Pair psychological science with public health, or health promotion with sociology. Learn how to help victims of crime by combining rehabilitation counselling with crime, justice and legal studies. Or find inspiration in the human mind by pairing psychological science with creative and professional writing. You're in charge of your future and we're here to help you build your dream career. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

Develop essential skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. Creative thinking. Critical analysis. The ability to understand and communicate with a wide range of people. And the knowledge you'll acquire – across both arts and health – will set you up for a successful career in a wide range of industries across both sectors. Once you've graduated, you may also have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in health and science, including clinical programs, or any one of our humanities and social sciences postgraduate programs.

The health sciences majors include both theory and lab practice units. For example, if you major in public health, you'll learn about environmental health issues, global health initiatives and health care systems. Or if you major in rehabilitation counselling, you'll explore the psychosocial perspective of health and illness, the issues related to living with chronic health problems, and sports and exercise psychology. You could even take your fascination with the human mind further by majoring in psychological science or study the complex inner workings of the body through the field of human physiological sciences.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement in a range of workplaces, including hospitals, regional health organisations or community organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.[1] Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course adviser will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

Discover psychology using a scientific approach. In this fascinating major, you’ll deepen your understanding of how people think, behave and relate to one another. Expand your understanding of psychological health and illness, while learning how to assess psychological functioning in individuals.

Explore how culture and society can shape our experiences and health choices. You’ll investigate how our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are influenced by other people and you’ll learn how to use statistical techniques to understand the differences between groups of people.
Investigate a range of evidence-based psychological interventions and develop your research skills by conducting an in-depth investigation into an area of psychology. Throughout your studies, you’ll build practical skills in analysis, evaluation and communication. Learn how to apply psychological theory and research to real-world individuals and their communities.
You’ll learn:

• Scientific foundations of psychology
  • Examine how psychological theories and research studies are developed and used.
• Psychological health and illness
  • Investigate the biological, social and psychological factors that influence our psychological health.
• Psychological assessment
  • Learn how to conduct a psychological assessment and understand how to evaluate the information you gather.
• Psychological intervention
  • Gain a deep understanding of different approaches to psychological intervention
• Psychological research in practice
  • Conduct an in-depth investigation into an area of psychology and create a research report.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Global Studies gives you a strong grounding in the issues facing key regions and countries around the world. We've designed this degree to introduce you to global problems and their policy responses, so you'll develop the tools to tackle the challenges of the future.

Study core subjects examining the history of international relations and geopolitics, contemporary security issues – such as American power, the rise of China, contemporary armed conflict and terrorism – and the emerging challenges of human and environmental security.

Look at international cooperation and conflict. Analyse the dynamics of power, sovereignty and security, exploring transformational changes in 21st century international relations. Investigate the powerful role of international law – including humanitarian, environmental and refugee law.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world. Choose from majors such as international relations, human rights, conflict and negotiation, Asian politics and security, government and policy, sustainability and development, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Spanish, Greek, French and Italian.

Global experiences are a vital part of global studies. Get out of the classroom and into the real world with a study experience at one of our overseas partner universities and build both your skills and your professional network. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Sustainability and development

The Sustainability and Development major trains you to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is an interdisciplinary major that incorporates the perspectives of Development Studies, Anthropology, History, Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Environmental Studies and Economics. By combining relevant theory, with practical skills and experience, you will gain knowledge and competency in the sustainability and development sector.
Throughout the major, you will explore social, cultural, economic, political and environmental objectives and consider why the world is imbalanced and prone to power differentials that extend from global decision makers right down to the level of the individual. You will also consider how some objectives are more highly valued than others, for example, should industrial growth be privileged over biodiversity? Or, can clean water and air undermine higher profits and outputs? It is in the interest of all of us to strike the right balance between development and sustainability.