Politics & international relations
Understand power. Lead with difference. Change the world.
At UNSW School of Social Sciences, the study of politics and international relations focuses on the complexities of government and global politics. We help you think critically about the most pressing challenges that face our world today. We also enable you to unpack complex international issues and learn how to formulate impactful solutions.
The result of studying politics and international relations is an intricate understanding of the forces that mould political development and our world at large.
Learn from leading academics & thought leaders
From political instability to conflict, national security to great-power rivalry, climate change to human rights and inequality, our scholars take a dynamic approach to help you understand the forces that shape the world.
You’ll learn how to critically examine the nature of power and its influence on society from a contemporary and historical perspective. Our academics are not only teachers but are thought leaders with active, political engagement on a global level. Ultimately, making politics and international relations one of the most exciting and rewarding fields of study on offer atÌýUNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.
Become a global contributor to change
Studying politics and international relations at UNSW provides you with the essential skill-set to become a thought leader and change maker of the future. Our undergraduate students pursue career paths in government and non-government organisations across the world stage, including:
- public affairs consultant
- political researcher
- state/federal member of Parliament
- intelligence officer
- national security adviser
- foreign policy adviser
- border control adviser
- surveillance officer
- consular officer
- political adviser
- diplomatic service officer
- political journalist
- international development worker
- political campaign director.
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Study
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Our undergraduate degrees investigate political theory and international relations using critical andÌýinterdisciplinaryÌýperspectives. Our degrees areÌýdesigned to develop your theoretical understanding and pragmatic skills to engage with politics. You'llÌýunderstand the key elements of political systems in an increasingly globally integrated and fragmented world.Ìý
We offer the below undergraduate courses with a specialisation in politics and international relations:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Media
- Bachelor of Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts/Law
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Commerce/Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce / Media
- Bachelor of Computer Science/Arts
- Bachelor of Economics/Arts
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Arts
- Bachelor of Environmental Management/Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts/Arts
- Bachelor of Media / Arts
- Bachelor of Media / Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine/Arts
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics/Law
- Bachelor of Science/Arts
- Bachelor of Science (Advanced Mathematics)(Honours)/Arts
- Bachelor of Science/Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Social Work/Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Design (Minor)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Minor)
- Bachelor of Science (Minor)
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) (Minor)
- Bachelor of Economics (Minor)
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Expand your career opportunities and expertise in politics and international relations through an honours specialisation. Admission to honours in the politics and international relations specialisationÌýis available to students who have a grade average of 70 per cent in a particular program of study. HonoursÌýinvolves both coursework and advanced research training with an extra year of university study.
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Our Master of International RelationsÌýopens the pathway to an international career in diplomacy, journalism, the NGO sector, international business, academia and more. You’ll specialise in understanding and evaluating modern regional and globalÌýdevelopments. Whatever your career choice, you’ll know how to bring solutions-focused responses.
You might also be interested in:Ìý
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UNSWÌýArts, Design & Architecture postgraduate research studentsÌýundertake research through the supervision of ourÌýleading scholars.ÌýIn the subject area of politics and international relations, students can choose from aÌýDoctor of PhilosophyÌýor aÌýMasters by Research.