Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Security and International Relations

International Relations

Explore the role of the United Nations and the problems associated with global governance.

International Politics

Gain an understanding of the major institutions, events and issues in international politics.

History, Politics & Human Rights

Reflect on international framework of Human Rights from an historical and political perspective.

Australian Foreign Policy

Explore Australia’s foreign policy and strategic international security partnerships.

War & Peace

Learn about the evolution of global politics since World War II. 

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

1. Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the social sciences.
2. Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise.
3. Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the social sciences.
4. Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise.
5. Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
6. Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media.
7. Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.

This degree will immerse you in the complex issues that surround security, international trade and global diplomacy. Topics include Australia’s foreign policy and partnerships, the role of the United Nations, and the evolution of global politics and human rights. You will hone your critical thinking skills and learn how to approach issues from a range of perspectives.

Our graduates have a thorough understanding of domestic and international political issues, and skills that they can apply in both private and government roles anywhere in the world.

Recommended study pattern

Course Social Science units

Learning and Communicating Online (COM10003)

Sociological Foundations (SOC10004)

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY10005)

Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences (INS10001)

Australian Politics (POL10001)

Security and International Relations Major units

International Politics (POL10002)

Australian Foreign Policy (POL20008)

Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics (POL20009)

Conflict Resolution (POL20011)

War and Peace in the 20th Century (HIS30007)

International Relations and Security Studies (POL20010)

Critical Perspectives on Terrorism (Capstone Unit) (POL30009)

History, Politics and Human Rights (HIS30012)

Recommended electives

Economic Principles (ECO10005)

Federal & State Constitutional Law (LAW20012)

Business and Society (MGT20006)

Global Public Relations Practice (PUB20001)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Social Science, students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• Two (2) Core units of study and two (2) Core units of study based on selected major discipline area (50cps).
• Eight (8) units of study from a Social Science discipline major in one of the following areas: Behavioural Studies, Criminology, Security and International Relations, or Security and Counter Terrorism (100 credit points).
• Twelve (12) units of study (150 credit points) comprising a co-major, advanced minor, minor and/or electives.

Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at Introductory Level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Students studying Security and International Relations Major cannot also study Security and Counter Terrorism Major due to the similarity of units.

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $50,976

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification.

VCE Pre-requisites

• Applicants must meet the associated minimum ATAR score.
• Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.