Bachelor of Arts (Honours)(politics)

1 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics at Deakin is a one-year, research-focused program designed for students who want to take their passion for politics to the next level. It’s perfect if you enjoy independent study, love exploring contemporary political debates, and are aiming for a career in policy, public affairs, or further postgraduate research.

Curriculum structure

In this Honours year, your learning is all about advanced research and critical thinking, rather than traditional lectures. You’ll combine coursework that sharpens your understanding of political theory with a major research project (thesis) where you investigate a political topic you’re passionate about.

First trimester: You’ll begin with units like Honours Theory and Debates in the Discipline and Honours Research Design, which introduce you to scholarly approaches and help you define your research project.

Second trimester: Units such as Honours Reading in the Discipline and Research Communication guide you in critically engaging with literature and presenting your findings clearly, while you continue developing your thesis.

Honours Research Project: The centerpiece of the year is your 14,000–16,000 word research project, conducted under the guidance of an expert supervisor, giving you hands-on experience in academic research and policy analysis.

Focus areas

Advanced political theory, research methods, independent research, academic writing, and in-depth exploration of contemporary political issues.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to critically analyse political debates, design and conduct independent research, and communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This Honours program is recognised at AQF Level 8, giving you a strong academic foundation and enhancing your eligibility for postgraduate research or specialised professional roles.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Deakin is well-regarded for producing graduates with strong employability skills and research experience, and Honours students benefit from the university’s reputation for high-quality teaching, practical skills, and industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Honours year, learning becomes hands-on, practical, and deeply personal. You won’t just study politics — you’ll get to design and conduct your own major research project, exploring a political topic that excites you while developing advanced research, analytical, and communication skills. You’ll work closely with an experienced supervisor who guides you through every stage, helping you think critically, solve problems, and present your findings professionally. Along the way, you’ll tap into Deakin’s fantastic resources, including libraries, digital research tools, and collaborative study spaces that make your independent research more manageable and engaging.

Some of the practical opportunities and support you’ll enjoy include:

Supervised research project: Conduct a substantial original research project under the guidance of an expert supervisor, gaining real-world experience in research design, analysis, and academic communication.
Research and study support: Access guidance on research methodology, extensive library collections, and digital research platforms to help you complete your thesis successfully.
Modern facilities: Use Deakin’s libraries, flexible study spaces, and online learning tools to collaborate, focus, and access essential resources.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences community: Join seminars, workshops, and events that connect you with faculty, peers, and current research in politics.
Flexible learning options: Study on campus at Burwood or Waurn Ponds, or online, while staying fully connected with your supervisor and the academic community.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics from Deakin University leave with strong analytical thinking, research skills, and communication abilities that are highly valued across professional fields. These skills open doors to careers where understanding political systems, public policy, and social issues is essential. Many graduates build careers as policy analysts, political advisers, research officers, communications specialists, or project officers in government agencies, international organisations, media, and non-profit sectors.

The university also provides strong support to help students transition from study into professional careers:

Career support and employability services: Students can access DeakinTALENT, which provides personalised career planning, one-to-one advice, resume and interview support, and networking opportunities with employers.

Industry connections: Graduates have opportunities to connect with government departments, NGOs, advocacy organisations, and think-tanks. These connections help students build professional networks while they study and after graduation.

Strong graduate employment outcomes: Deakin honours graduates enjoy high employment rates, with many finding work shortly after completing their degree, reflecting the strong reputation of the university among employers. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 60,000 and 75,000 per annum.

Global employability reputation: Deakin is recognised internationally for producing graduates with practical research and analytical skills, making them highly sought after in both domestic and international job markets.

Internship and industry partnerships: Through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and professional networks, students can gain practical experience, apply their research skills in real-world contexts, and strengthen career connections before graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students choose to continue their studies through postgraduate programs to specialise in a particular area. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Politics and Policy, Master of International Relations, or research-focused programs like a PhD, allowing them to move into leadership roles in policy, government, research, media, or international organisations.