Master of International Relations with Specialisation in Advanced research

at La Trobe University - Melbourne Campus Australia

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.

Spanish studies extension

In the Spanish studies major you will learn the Spanish language and about Spanish and Latin American history and cultures. Spanish is one of the world's major languages and the first language of more than 400 million people. As well as developing your language skills, you can take subjects in Spanish and Latin American culture, linguistics, translation, literature and film. Learning Spanish will give you highly employable communication skills in a competitive globalised labour market. It is also important in international development and diplomatic contexts as an official language of the United Nations and the World Bank. Alongside this major, you are encouraged to apply to do in-country study programs in Spanish through the University’s exchange programs. These are available in Spain and in various Latin American countries. (Please note overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) You can take a major in Spanish Studies whatever your skill level. Depending on your prior knowledge of and/or qualifications in the Spanish language you will start at Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced level or Extended

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.

Hindi studies beginners

The Hindi studies major introduces you to one of the most widely spoken languages in the world—a language with around half a billion speakers, the language of Bollywood cinema, and one of the fastest growing languages in Australia. Hindi is the ideal subject for students who want to study Indian culture, religion, media or politics. Hindi also gives you access to the larger linguistic world of South Asia, including competence in Urdu. Knowledge of Hindi is welcome in many professional fields, including media, diplomacy, and healthcare. India is Australia’s 5th largest trading partner, and one of the world’s fastest growing economies, making Hindi crucial for international trade and business. Opportunities are available for you to study in India, where you take courses on Indian politics, society, and history, as well as improve your language skills. Students with no prior knowledge of the language should enrol in beginners Hindi, where they develop competence in speaking, reading, writing and understanding Hindi in everyday social contexts. Students with prior knowledge of Hindi should consult with the instructor to determine which of the intermediate or advanced subjects are appropriate.

Food is crucial to our very existence, but what happens before it hits the table? The food production industry is in a state of flux due to technological breakthroughs, climate change, rapid urbanisation, shifts in economic power and sustainability. To feed ten billion people by 2050, we need an agricultural revolution.

Study La Trobe's Bachelor of Agriculture to make your mark in agriculture.

You'll get a solid grounding in science fundamentals, including biology, chemistry and animal sciences, taught by our leading academics and industry experts. You'll also delve deeper into discipline-specific topics such as plant and soil science, animal nutrition, pest control, animal health and biochemistry.

Throughout your degree, you'll explore the issues that are set to dominate the future of agriculture, including unpredictable water supply, climate change, food security, environmental impacts of agriculture, and sustainable cropping and grazing systems. You'll get a true, practical understanding of these challenges through real-world case studies. And with access to Reid Labs and AgriBio, Victoria's largest agricultural science research centre, you'll be learning in a truly world-class environment.

Theory is good, but hands-on experience is even better. Your degree includes a range of practical learning opportunities and industry experiences, so you can see first-hand how your skills and knowledge apply in real-world settings. These experiences will give you the opportunity to begin building your network of industry contacts – something you'll be able to draw on throughout your career.

Your third and final year is all about applying the skills and knowledge you've learned in an agricultural context. Harness and hone all you've learned in La Trobe's laboratories and in-field work to prepare for your next step after graduation.

Whether you want to forge a career in agriculture in a laboratory, on farms or in an office, our Bachelor of Agriculture will provide you with the skills and knowledge to take on the challenges facing the next generation.

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.

Government and policy

Analyse how governments use power to frame, develop and implement policy across the world.

In this major you'll explore the different institutions and processes through which citizens' identities and interests are represented in policy making in a variety of key areas ranging from foreign policy to cyber law. You will learn to analyse different policy making contexts and understand the crucial role of government policy making in solving the big global problems of our time.

This major will connect you to experts in public policy, democracy and democratisation, political theory, cyber law and policy, Australian foreign policy, and the history of Australian Aboriginal policy.

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.

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.

Due to multimillion growth in the construction industry, employers are looking for professionals with civil engineering experience who can also meet the demands of multidisciplinary construction environments.

La Trobe's Master of Construction and Engineering Management gives you the blend of knowledge and skills to meet this challenge.You'll learn how to manage complex building, civil or infrastructure projects while implementing sustainable industry practices.

Build skills in project financing and cost control, project negotiation and consultative engagement. You'll also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build industry contracts with a six-month (800-hour) industry-based learning placement, provided you meet the required academic and work-ready criteria.

Alternatively, you could join a research team on an advanced engineering project. Get real-world experience with our industry partners, including Coffey, John Holland and Fulton Hogan.

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.

Japanese studies intermediate

With a Japanese studies major, you'll build competence in the modern Japanese language and study Japanese society, civilisation and culture.  You will learn to see the world from multiple perspectives through the study of language and culture. You will be taught by enthusiastic staff who specialise in sociology and anthropology of education, minorities, Koreans in Japan, gender, literary studies and popular culture. Japanese Studies major graduates have found employment in teaching, hospitality industry, diplomacy, government, international business, publishing, tourism, and translating, both in Japan and Australia. Japanese is one of the major LOTE subjects in Australian schools. You are encouraged to participate in an exchange program (one or two semesters) at one of the many universities with which La Trobe has exchange agreement. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) Japanese is taught at a number of levels, from beginners through to advanced. A placement test and interview may be used to determine a student’s suitability for entry level.

Print. Online. Radio. TV. Podcasts. Social media. Mobile storytelling. There are many ways to create content and break the news. As digital storytelling rapidly evolves, employers need graduates who are more than just writers or presenters. They need producers, designers, videographers and podcasters – people who understand the core elements of a powerful story, with the technical skills to make stories shine.

With La Trobe's Bachelor of Media and Communication, you'll learn how to tell stories across any medium. Graduate with a portfolio of work, industry experience and specialised knowledge to meet the demands of the rapidly changing media and communication landscape. With majors in journalism, sports media, media industries, creative and professional writing, or marketing – you can make your degree your own.

Cover news and feature stories as part of Upstart and Upstart Live. Our industry-grade newsroom boasts a three-camera television studio, professional radio broadcast spaces, a dedicated audio recording studio and digital editing suites. You'll experience the adrenaline of live television and radio broadcasting as a presenter, producer and vision switcher – all under the mentorship of highly experienced teachers.

And you won't just create news. You'll also look behind the headlines and investigate the ethical and legal questions that confront journalists every day. Explore the new dilemmas created by rapidly evolving technologies and draw on the expertise of a wide range of experts and media professionals.

Shape your own future with this interdisciplinary degree. You'll choose one major, then explore your interests or build further skills when you choose an optional second major, 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.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement at a media organisation or study overseas through international exchange.

Marketing

In today’s digital landscape, marketing is a high-demand skillset across a range of industries. La Trobe’s major in Marketing provides you with specialised knowledge of marketing in a digital era.  The major equips you with the essential knowledge and skills such as understanding consumer behaviour, brand management, product innovation and marketing in the digital space. You will focus on the latest practice and future trends in marketing. The key attributes that a major in marketing develop are communication, creative thinking, problem solving, creativity and innovation, ethical responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. Graduates will gain internationally transferrable skills and be ready for career in businesses that demand innovative marketing expertise.

More than ever, employers are searching for professionals with advanced STEM skills.* With job growth expected in this area* – including in areas that don’t even exist yet – there’s no better time to build the scientific skills you need to create a successful, interesting and satisfying career.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Science offers you foundational skills in science and the freedom to delve into your passions. Whether it's protecting endangered animals, developing new ways to treat disease or fighting climate change, you'll be ready to pursue your dream journey in science by tailoring your degree with a mix of majors and minors.

As you learn from leading academics and researchers, you'll take a deep dive into science – not only scientific concepts, but also how scientists think, work and share their findings.

Build skills in problem-solving, communication and collaboration – all highly sought after by employers – then use these skills to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Personalise your learning so you can spend time focusing on the areas that really interest you. Choose from majors in a range of fields, including botany, statistics, microbiology, genetics, data science and more, and learn from academics who are leaders in their fields.

You'll have opportunities to put theory into practice through work placements with our industry partners. Previous students have undertaken placements with CSIRO, Bayer Crop Science and various State and Federal Government departments.

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.

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.

Microbiology

Discover the invisible world of microorganisms and how they affect our lives. You’ll learn how bacteria and other microbes influence global warming, maintain the environment, help produce food and also impact our health through disease, drug resistance and waste control.

Students commencing their studies at Albury-Wodonga campus are required to transfer to the Melbourne campus from second year to complete this major.