Political Science and International Relations

Program Overview

The Political Science and International Relations program at UWA is a comprehensive program that provides students with a deep understanding of politics and international affairs. The program equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them for careers in various fields, including government, law, media, and education. Students can choose to complete the program as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) (BPhil [Hons]), and have the opportunity to participate in internships, study abroad, and research projects.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program, Political Science and International Relations, is offered at the University of Western Australia. It is a 3-year full-time Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a 4-year full-time Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) (BPhil [Hons]) program. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of governments and political systems in Australia and internationally, as well as the values and ideologies that have motivated political action in modern society.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the following skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge about the nature of politics and the functions of diverse political ideas, theories, actors, institutions and systems.
• Critically explain and evaluate key political and policy dynamics at local, national, transnational, regional and international levels.
• Creatively apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to independently and collaboratively address challenges, crises and change in the political world.
• Competently apply basic Political Science and International Relations methods and skills to design and execute social research.
• Effectively communicate political knowledge, ideas, analyses and arguments in different formats.

Careers:

Graduates of this program 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.

• Students can choose to study full-time or part-time.
• The program starts in Semester 1 and Semester 2.
• Students have 12-15 contact hours per week, plus at least twice as much of their own study time.
• The program is available as a degree-specific or first major for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Philosophy degrees.
It is also offered as a second major in other bachelor's degrees.
• Students can choose to take a professional experience unit to gain practical experience in the field.
• The program offers a range of internship and study abroad options.
• Master of International Relations
• Master of Public Policy
• Master of International Law and Master of International Relations