States, Security and International Relations
UndergraduateLTU-POL1SNS2025
Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 20 July 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Price from
- $2,124
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
States, Security and International Relations
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the main security issues in international relations and the global historical context in which they have developed.
- Identify the conceptual building blocks of international relations and use them to analyse global challenges and obligations relating to security.
- Recognise the diversity of perspectives on security across the globe and policy implications for traditional security issues that centre on inter-state relations and violent conflict.
- Examine the new global challenges of security posed by complex interdependence.
- International Relations and the Modern States System
- Sovereignty and Global Governance
- States and Competition
- Institutions and Cooperation
- Human Security
- Environmental Security
This Level 1 subject is designed to introduce you to the main actors, concepts, institutions and debates of contemporary international relations. Specifically, it will give you the foundational tool-kit to develop your knowledge and understanding of the central security challenges we face in contemporary international relations. Our aim is to give you the theoretical understanding, skills and inclination to dig beyond superficial media representations and develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of security issues. You will first explore the historical context of international relations and the conceptual building blocks that underpin the international system, including key ideas like sovereignty and the nation-state. We then examine both traditional security issues associated with inter-state conflict and new challenges associated with human and environmental security. You'll develop a deep appreciation of how we live in an interconnected world, being able to recognize the global context of political issues, and act across cultures and boundaries in international relations. Please note: This is a Level 1 subject that includes live sessions either on-campus or online with the expectation of student attendance and participation.
- Online quizzes (5 x 6% each, 5 x 250 word equivalence) (30%)
- Essay plan (750 words) (20%)
- Research essay (2,000 words) (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 17
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 18
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-CYS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
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