University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This program builds a foundation in international relations—including political theory, global governance, diplomacy and international security—while providing specialised units on population and migration. Typical topics and modules include:

• Core International Relations: introduction to IR theory, international institutions, foreign policy analysis, conflict and security studies, and regional politics.
• Population and Demography: principles of demography, population dynamics, ageing societies, fertility and mortality trends, and the implications of population change for economic and social policy.
• Migration Studies: migration theory, labour migration, refugee and forced displacement studies, migration and development, and border and asylum policy.
• Research Methods: qualitative and quantitative methods for social research, statistics for policy, and specialised research projects or a capstone thesis in population/migration topics.
• Policy and Practice: comparative migration policy, human rights and humanitarian responses, advocacy and community engagement, refugee resettlement, and evaluation of migration programs.
• Interdisciplinary Options: public health and migration, urbanisation and cities, labour economics, indigenous governance, and elective language or regional studies units to support area specialisation.

Students typically progress from introductory units to advanced seminars and a research capstone or practicum. Many units emphasise case studies, policy analysis and applied research skills suitable for work in government, non-governmental organisations and international agencies.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (SACE) or an equivalent secondary qualification for international applicants. The University of Adelaide considers a range of qualifications including the International Baccalaureate and recognised international diplomas.

• Academic prerequisites: there are generally no specific subject prerequisites, though strong results in humanities, social sciences, or mathematics/statistics are advantageous.
• English language: applicants whose prior study was not in English must demonstrate proficiency through a recognised test (for example, an overall IELTS score or equivalent). Specific minimum scores are set by the University and should be checked on the official admissions pages.
• Alternative entry pathways: mature-age entry, recognised prior learning and pathway programs are available for eligible applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates from this program are prepared for roles where expertise in international relations and migration is required. Common career pathways include:

• Policy analyst or adviser in national, state or local government departments dealing with immigration, social policy, health and ageing, or foreign affairs.
• Positions in non-governmental organisations and charities focused on refugee support, settlement services, human rights and community development.
• Roles in international organisations and multilateral agencies concerned with migration, development and humanitarian response.
• Research and consultancy positions in think tanks, research institutes or private consultancies specializing in population studies, migration trends and policy evaluation.
• Community engagement, settlement services, case management and advocacy roles in local service providers.
• Further study: honours, master’s degrees or professional postgraduate programs in international relations, public policy, migration law, public health or development studies.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers an interdisciplinary approach to international relations and migration, drawing on expertise across the social sciences, law and public health. Students benefit from small-group teaching in advanced units, opportunities to undertake supervised research projects, and access to partnerships with government and community organisations in Adelaide and beyond.

Adelaide’s academic staff have active research profiles in areas such as migration policy, refugee studies, population ageing and global governance, enabling students to learn from contemporary applied research. The university also offers exchange and study-abroad opportunities, practical placement options and language electives that help graduates build the professional skills and international perspective needed for careers in migration and population policy.