Program Overview

With the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations degree you'll gain a solid knowledge of the principles, concepts and issues that are shaping the world around us. Explore present-day issues in politics and policy, including national security, the challenges of modern terrorism, the concept of democratically informed citizenship, and contemporary regional politics in both an Asia Pacific and global context.

During your time on the course, you’ll engage in focused discussions of major issues, such as counter-terrorism, human security, global governance, foreign aid, trans-national crime, war, energy security, regionalisation, cybercrime and the rise of populism. You’ll graduate able to demonstrate a high-level of theoretical and empirical analysis and interpretation of world events and issues, ready for an exciting future in politics or international relations.

Study a Bachelor of Politics and International Relations at UC and you will:

• Study theories, institutions, policies and practices in the disciplines of politics and international relations in both a contemporary and historical context
• Recognise and assess political change at a local, regional and international level
• Apply in-depth knowledge of political science and international relations in a rapidly changing geo-political environment
• Examine the political pressures and challenges that societies, governments, security forces and businesses currently face
• Evaluate and apply a range of research methods and analytical techniques to enhance your critical thinking, communication and problem-solving abilities in an Australian and international context.

Work Integrated Learning
The structure and content of this degree has been informed by the needs of employers and industry specialists, making it relevant to successful employment and career outcomes. It includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities in the form of internships, capstone units, workplace simulations and Study Abroad opportunities. The discipline-based professional practice units have been developed in association with the Australian Political Studies Association (APSA), The Australian Sociological Association (TASA) and the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA). The degree also has its own dedicated student association – PIRaNaS (Politics, International Relations and National Security).

Past student internship placements been undertaken with the Australian Civil-Military Centre, Australian Border Force, Centre of Defence and Strategic Studies, Australian Institute of International Affairs, Citadel Group Limited and Aspen Medical.

Core Major: Government and Policy
The core proposed for this degree provides a foundation for students in social sciences. The degree engages students by exposing them to the composite disciplines at the nexus of business and government. Students are required to undertake studies in key themes and issues in sociology, economics, politics and government, and skills relating to research in government and policy to ensure they have a basic understanding and foundation in social science disciplines to further their abilities as they progress and specialise in sociology and economic policy.

Through the provision of an 8 unit-strong core with elements common across the School of Government & Policy, the proposed core structure encourages the emergence of strong student cohort effects. Five units of the core will be taught in first year, followed in the 2nd and 3rd years by Professional Practice 1, Professional Practice 2 and Professional Evidence (Government and Policy). The proposed shared core will facilitate networking, inclusion, and peer effects among graduates of the proposed degree.