Develop core knowledge and professional skills to understand and critically engage with the politics of our complex, dynamic and globalised world. This major will give you an understanding of governments and political systems in Australia and internationally, and the values and ideologies that have motivated political action in modern society.
About the course
Societies can only continue to exist if they solve the problem of internal order and are able to protect themselves from external threats. Political Science and International Relations studies how societies govern themselves and the collective decisions, or public policies, they need, or choose, to make. Attention is given to the different ways government is organised; values such as liberty, participation, majority rule and minority rights that inform political institutions and public policy; and ideologies such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, feminism and environmentalism that have motivated much political action in modern societies. Studies also focus on the ways in which states and peoples interact with other states, regional or global political organisations, and social movements in an increasingly interdependent world.
Career Pathways
Political Science and International Relations graduates are trained in critical thinking, problem-solving, the ability to identify connections between global, national and local phenomena, research and analysis, cross-cultural awareness, and oral and written communication skills. These skills prepare students for a wide range of occupations.
Graduates of this major are not only found in political parties, ministers’ offices and parliament – many graduates often go on to policy and research positions in international, national and local government agencies, in the private sector, non-governmental and community organisations, in parliament, political parties and electoral agencies; or to careers in law, the media and the education sector. A specialisation in international relations is also directly relevant for careers in foreign affairs, diplomacy, defence, intelligence, trade and international organisations.
Career Opportunities
Parliamentarian
Journalist
Chief Executive