Bachelor of Arts(Political Sciences) and Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Flinders University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts and Science (Political Science major) at Flinders University is a flexible degree that lets you combine the study of politics with scientific knowledge, helping you understand complex global issues from multiple perspectives. It’s a great choice for students who are interested in political systems, public policy, and international affairs while also wanting to develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through scientific study.

Curriculum Structure

First Year
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in political science while developing essential academic and analytical skills. Units such as POLI1003 – Understanding Democracy and Government and INTR1006 – International Relations: An Introduction introduce the key ideas behind how governments function and how countries interact globally. You’ll also strengthen your communication and research abilities through subjects like COMS1001 – Academic and Professional Communication.

Second Year
During the second year, you’ll explore political systems and political behaviour in more depth. Through units such as POLI2019 – Parties, Voting Behaviour and Elections, GOVT2001 – Nationalism, Populism and Democracy, and POLI2026 – Research Methods in Political Science, you’ll examine how political movements influence societies while learning the research techniques used to study political data and policy issues.

Third Year
In your final year, you’ll focus on analysing contemporary political challenges and global policy debates. Units like GOVT3001 – Critical Approaches to International Relations, GOVT3002 – Digital Governance, Cyber Security and the Future of Democracy, and INTR3001 – Australian Foreign Policy help you understand how technology, diplomacy, and international politics shape today’s world.

Focus Areas:
Political theory and democracy, international relations, public policy and governance, elections and political behaviour, global political change, politics and technology.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates develop strong critical thinking, research and policy analysis skills, the ability to interpret complex political systems and global issues, and effective communication skills for careers in government, policy, and international affairs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This degree is recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 Bachelor Degree, ensuring the qualification meets nationally recognised academic standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Flinders University is ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide, and its humanities and social sciences programs are highly rated for teaching quality and graduate employment outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Flinders University, the Bachelor of Arts and Science (Political Science major) is designed to help you apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Throughout the degree, students explore political issues while also developing scientific and analytical thinking, allowing them to approach global challenges from different perspectives. The program encourages practical learning through research projects, internships, and interdisciplinary collaboration, supported by modern learning spaces, laboratories, and digital research resources across the university’s campuses.

These hands-on experiences and facilities help students build practical skills and professional connections during their studies:

Industry-based practicum: In the final year, students can complete a six-week industry-based practicum or take part in the Science Connect program, where they work with real organisations on professional projects.
Science research project: Students may undertake a supervised Research Project in Science, gaining experience in research design, data analysis, and presenting their findings.
Parliamentary and policy internships: Political science students have opportunities to take part in placements such as the Parliamentary Internship (POLI3007) or the International Relations and Political Science Practicum (GOVT3005), which provide exposure to real government and policy environments.
International internship opportunities: Some students participate in global programs such as the Washington Internship, allowing them to experience international political institutions and policy environments firsthand.
Interdisciplinary group projects: The combined degree encourages collaboration across disciplines, where students work on group projects that link politics with areas such as sustainability, environmental policy, or scientific research.
Research libraries and digital resources: Students have access to the Flinders University Library, which offers extensive digital databases, research tools, and collaborative study spaces to support political and scientific research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts and Science (Political Science major) from Flinders University leave with a strong mix of political knowledge and scientific thinking, giving them the ability to analyse complex issues and contribute to policy and decision-making. This interdisciplinary background is valuable in careers where evidence, research, and an understanding of society come together to solve real problems. Many graduates move into roles such as policy analyst, public affairs adviser, environmental policy consultant, or political researcher across government agencies, research organisations, and international institutions.

To help students transition smoothly from university into professional careers, Flinders provides strong support, industry connections, and practical opportunities:

Career and employability services: Students can access Flinders’ career development services for one-to-one career advice, resume and interview preparation, career workshops, and networking opportunities with potential employers.
Industry projects and professional experience: Programs such as Science Connect, research projects, and industry-based practicums allow students to work with real organisations and apply their knowledge to professional challenges before graduating.
Strong employment outcomes: According to national graduate surveys, a large proportion of Flinders graduates secure employment soon after completing their degree, with early-career median salaries around AUD $67,000.
Industry relevance and career potential: Careers in government policy, consultancy, and public affairs offer strong long-term prospects, with experienced policy professionals in Australia often earning around AUD $105,000 depending on their role and experience.
Recognised and respected qualification: The degree is aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7, ensuring the qualification is recognised nationally and internationally and valued by employers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students choose to continue their studies to specialise further. Graduates may pursue postgraduate programs such as a Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, environmental policy programs, or science communication degrees. Students can also undertake an Honours year, which involves advanced research and a thesis project, and may lead to higher research degrees such as a Master by Research or PhD for those interested in academic, policy, or research careers.