BA Political Science and International Relations

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia (UWA) is a three-year program designed for students who want to explore how politics and global affairs shape the world. It’s perfect for those curious about how governments, international organisations, and societies operate, while also developing strong skills in analysis, research, and communication.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students lay the groundwork by learning the basics of politics and international relations. Core units like Introduction to Politics, Global Politics, and International Relations Theory introduce students to political systems, governance, and the global political landscape, while helping them develop critical thinking and research skills.

Year 2:
The second year takes students deeper into political and international systems. Units such as Comparative Politics, International Security, and Public Policy Analysis provide insights into how governments function, global security challenges, and practical techniques for evaluating policy and conducting research.

Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on advanced topics and apply their knowledge through research projects. Units like Advanced International Relations, Political Economy, and a Research Project in Political Science encourage students to examine complex domestic and international issues, honing their independent research and analytical skills under the guidance of experienced supervisors.

Focus areas: comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, global governance, security studies, political economy.

Learning outcomes: strong critical thinking and analysis, advanced research and policy evaluation skills, understanding of global governance, ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, and the capacity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation): While the degree is not professionally accredited, it provides excellent preparation for careers in government, policy, diplomacy, research, and international organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings): UWA is consistently ranked among Australia’s top universities and is recognised globally for its graduate employability and research excellence, particularly in political science and international relations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and International Relations) at the University of Western Australia, students gain hands-on experience that brings their learning to life. The program combines classroom study with practical opportunities to apply political and international theory, conduct research, and engage with real-world issues. With access to UWA’s research centres, libraries, and digital tools, students develop skills in analysis, communication, and policy evaluation that prepare them for professional and academic pathways.

Students put their learning into practice through a variety of experiences:

Research projects and capstone assignments: Through units like Research Project in Political Science and Advanced International Relations, students carry out independent or group research, learning how to analyse data, evaluate policy, and think critically about global issues.
Internships and professional placements: Partnerships with government agencies, think tanks, and NGOs provide students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience, make professional connections, and understand how political and policy work happens in practice.
Workshops and seminars: Focused sessions on policy analysis, diplomacy, security studies, and research methods give students practical tools they can use in their careers or further studies.
Libraries and digital resources: Students have access to the UWA Library network, digital databases, and research software to support projects, data analysis, and independent study.
Research centres and institutes: Opportunities to engage with the Centre for Social Research, UWA Asia Research Centre, and Crawford School of Policy and Governance allow students to attend lectures, collaborate on projects, and connect with experts in their field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia leave well-prepared for careers where research, analysis, and communication skills are in high demand. Many go on to work as policy analysts, political researchers, public affairs advisors, or international relations officers, applying their knowledge to real-world issues and decision-making. The program also provides access to UWA’s career services and professional networks, helping students confidently transition from study to the workforce:

Career support services: The UWA Careers Centre offers personalised guidance, workshops on resumes and interviews, networking events, and advice tailored specifically for careers in politics, policy, and international relations.
Employment outcomes and salary: UWA graduates are highly sought after, with strong employment rates in government, consulting, research organisations, and international institutions. Entry-level roles in these sectors typically offer competitive starting salaries.
Industry partnerships and internships: The program connects students with government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, and research institutes, providing opportunities for internships, hands-on experience, and professional networking.
Long-term value of the degree: While not professionally accredited, the degree equips graduates with transferable skills in research, analysis, and communication, giving them a strong foundation for career growth and leadership roles across multiple sectors.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates often pursue careers in policy development, political research, consulting, public administration, media, and international organisations, both in Australia and abroad.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing their degree, students can choose to specialise further through postgraduate study. Popular options include a Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, Master of Political Science, or a PhD, which can lead to advanced research positions, consultancy roles, leadership opportunities, or academic careers in political science and international relations.