Bachelor of Arts(Political Science)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian National University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at ANU is a three-year program designed to give you a deep understanding of politics, from the ideas that shape societies to the institutions and behaviour that influence decision-making in Australia and globally. It’s ideal for students who are curious about public policy, government, and international affairs, and who want to develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills that open doors across public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation with units like Introduction to Politics and Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations. These courses introduce you to the basics of political analysis and research, while also developing your academic writing and critical thinking skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore complementary subjects, such as philosophy or history, giving you a broad perspective on how political systems and ideas operate.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll move into more focused topics like Ideas in Politics and electives in comparative and Australian politics. You’ll begin applying research methods to real political questions, evaluating complex issues and developing the skills to analyse political behaviour, institutions, and policy outcomes. Electives allow you to tailor your studies to your interests, whether in public policy, international relations, or political theory.

Year 3
The final year deepens your understanding with advanced units such as Comparative Politics and Australian Politics. You’ll analyse political behaviour and policy outcomes in greater detail, and you can choose specialised subjects that match your career goals — for example, elections, governance, or political philosophy — so you graduate with both depth and flexibility.

Focus areas

Political theory, comparative politics, Australian politics, research methods, political behaviour, public policy, analytical reasoning

Learning outcomes

Analyse political systems and behaviour, apply political science theories, conduct qualitative and quantitative research, communicate insights clearly, and critically evaluate institutions and policy impacts.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

While this degree does not lead to professional accreditation like law or engineering, the research, analysis, and communication skills you develop are highly valued by employers in government, public policy, international organisations, media, and advocacy roles.

Reputation

ANU’s School of Politics & International Relations is internationally recognised for research and teaching excellence. The university was ranked first in Australia and among the top institutions globally for Politics and International Studies in the 2022 QS subject rankings, reflecting the strength and recognition of this program.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at ANU, practical experience is an important part of your studies. Studying in Canberra — Australia’s political hub — gives you unique opportunities to connect directly with government institutions, policy organisations, and advocacy groups. You’ll also have access to ANU’s world-class library collections, research tools, and support services to help you explore political questions in depth and develop skills that employers value.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Australian National Internships Program (ANIP): Work inside the offices of federal lawmakers, government agencies, the ACT Legislative Assembly, foreign embassies, NGOs, or think tanks. You’ll take part in research projects, professional workshops, and see firsthand how public policy is created and implemented.
Credit‑bearing placements: Some internships, like ANIP, can be integrated into your degree through elective or professional practice courses, giving you both academic credit and hands-on experience.
Additional internships and work-integrated learning: ANU’s Careers & Employability team supports students in finding other internships in public policy, research, and advocacy sectors, providing guidance on applications, interview preparation, and professional networking.
Library and research facilities: ANU Library offers specialist collections, digital research tools, and collaborative study spaces to support your projects, assignments, and group work throughout your degree.
Canberra-based professional exposure: Being in the nation’s capital allows you to attend public lectures, policy events, and discussions that connect classroom learning with real-world political practice, helping you build valuable professional contacts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at ANU finish their degree with strong analytical, research, and communication skills that are highly valued across government, policy, and research sectors. Many go on to work as policy analysts, government relations advisors, public affairs consultants, or research officers, putting their understanding of political systems and behaviour into practical use. The degree’s rigorous training, combined with ANU’s reputation, gives you credibility and flexibility for a wide range of careers:

Career support services: ANU’s Careers & Employability team provides personalised guidance on career planning, job applications, interviews, and networking, as well as access to exclusive internships and job listings to help you move confidently from study to work.
Employment outcomes and earning potential: ANU graduates are highly employable, with many securing meaningful roles soon after graduation, and an average starting salary around AUD 59,000 reflecting the value of the skills you develop.
Industry and professional exposure: Canberra’s location offers unique access to government departments, policy organisations, advocacy groups, and national institutions, giving you real-world experience through internships, placements, and professional events.
Long-term value of your degree: While this BA is not professionally accredited, the research, analytical, and communication skills you gain — combined with ANU’s global standing — give your qualification lasting credibility in public service, policy, international affairs, and research roles.
Graduate achievements: ANU Political Science alumni have gone on to influential roles in government, think tanks, international organisations, and advisory positions, demonstrating the real-world impact of this degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA (Political Science), you can continue your studies to build deeper expertise or specialise in a field. Many students progress to Honours in political science or related social sciences to strengthen research skills. Others pursue postgraduate programs such as a Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or other specialised master’s degrees, preparing for senior policy, research, or diplomatic roles. For those interested in an academic or research career, these postgraduate qualifications provide a pathway to a PhD, opening doors to scholarship, leadership, or specialised advisory positions.