Bachelor of Arts (Major: Politics and International Relations)

The University of Notre Dame Australia

As the world becomes more interconnected and traditional alliances shift and fragment, Australia’s political institutions come under greater pressure. The Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations) will teach you about Australia’s political history, its decision making procedures and how we operate on the international stage.

Why study this degree?

The study of Australian politics and international relations is a valuable training for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in politics, diplomacy, journalism and governmental policy making. Here at The University of Notre Dame Australia we believe it is extremely important to cover the wide range of issues that you might encounter in your career. This includes the exploration of issues such as terrorism, climate change, the global economy, media and politics and Australia’s foreign policy.

This three-year degree is neatly divided into three main streams: Australian Politics, International Relations and Political Theory. While all students acquire a thorough knowledge of Australia’s political institutions in Year One, you will have the opportunity to pursue more specialist topics in Years Two and Three, with options including US Foreign Policy, The Middle East, Terrorism and Intelligence and Australian Foreign Policy.

Upon graduation you will have a sophisticated understanding of both Australian politics and the world of international diplomacy. Furthermore the superior research, analytical and communication skills you will have accrued during the program will put you in good stead in the workplace.

Fremantle Campus:

The Politics & International Relations Major provides an in-depth introduction to Australia’s political history, its decision-making procedures and how we operate on the international stage. You will also learn about the domestic and international events that have shaped the past 100 years.

In today’s world, there is a growing demand for people who are well informed about local and international politics and who possess the skills to meet the challenges presented by globalisation. This Major will give you the ability to think critically, conduct research thoroughly and communicate effectively.

Career opportunities

The transferable skills from this Major are sought after by many employers. Career opportunities include: diplomatic service officer, Member of Parliament, electorate officer, political campaign assistant, social research officer, public affairs consultant, media advisor, human rights worker, intelligence analyst, public service officer, social media manager, aid worker/humanitarian worker and policy analyst.