Program Overview

If you don’t yet meet the entry requirements for the UC course you’re aiming for, UC College’s diplomas –  also known as higher education diplomas – will provide you with an introduction to your chosen study area. They act as an alternative entry pathway for admission to UC undergraduate courses and prepare you for university study.

Diploma of Business
The Diploma of Business is an entry level qualification, and will develop your knowledge and skills in a broad range of business-related tasks within a variety of organisational situations and environments. The Diploma offers you a pathway to the second year of a variety of business courses. Substantial credit may also be available in other courses including the Bachelor of Building and Construction Management and the Bachelor of Laws. When you study the Diploma you not only gain credit into your course but you are also supported in the development of your language and academic skills required to ensure ongoing success in your undergraduate studies. The Diploma consists of two to three terms of study (depending on the admission period). Graduating students will have the ability to perform at a level of professional expertise that allows you to confidently enter and contribute to a range of fields including Accounting*, Management, Business, Finance*, Administration and Commerce. (*Credit dependant on units studied in diploma and if seeking industry professional accreditation.

On successful completion of the Diploma of Business, you’ll receive up to 24 credit points (one year) of advanced standing into the second year of the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations at the University of Canberra:

Bachelor of Politics and International Relations
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.