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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

306667 v.3 Graduate Certificate in International Relations and National Security

GradCertIntlRelNatSec(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 074661F
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 0.5 Years


Course Overview

Graduate certificates prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course provides an understanding of contemporary international relations and advanced skills in research and analytical thinking.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or equivalent credit gained for recognised learning.


Applicants without a bachelor degree require a minimum of five years relevant professional experience.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to some graduate diplomas and master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Graduate certificates contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply knowledge of the principles and concepts of international relations and national security in work related settings; foster gained knowledge and develop strong independent research skills through minor and major research projects

2. critically analyse and interpret major political, security, socio-economic and policy issues using an international relations and security studies framework; think creatively to develop effective policy solutions to national and international challenges

3. identify, systemise, process, and critically evaluate and synthesise relevant data from a range of appropriate sources; create an effects-based policy product

4. communicate, both verbally and in writing, comprehensive analyses of complex international relations and national security data or theories

5. use relevant technologies to effectively collect and interrogate data, and communicate findings

6. develop strong independent learning and analytical skills

7. develop skills to think strategically and in the global context

8. develop strong appreciation of working in multi-cultural national and international environments

9. develop and practice effective independent multi-tasking and team management skills; develop leadership skills and strong professional ethics


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one semester full-time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
306651 v.4   Contemporary Security Challenges 571 2.0 25.0
306643 v.5   Contemporary Issues in International Relations 570 2.0 25.0
  OR  
314090 v.1   National Security and Strategy 572 2.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Optional Units to Select from in Year 1 Semester 1 Hrs/Wk Credit
314089 v.1   Globalised Terrorism 512 2.0 25.0
314091 v.1   Intelligence and Analysis 581 2.0 25.0
314079 v.1   Strategic Geography 584 25.0
306653 v.4   Asia Pacific Studies 573 2.0 25.0
314080 v.1   Russian and Eurasian Studies 578 2.0 25.0
314075 v.1   Cultures of Violence and Conflict 582 2.0 25.0
314078 v.1   Security and Conflict in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf 583 25.0
314092 v.1   Geo-Strategy and Energy Security 585 2.0 25.0
306661 v.3   Ethnopolitical Movements 581 2.0 25.0
314199 v.1   Regional Study 585 2.0 25.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.