Bachelors of Communication / Political Science and International Relations

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

This unique double degree is perfect if you want to combine your passion for communication with a strong understanding of politics and international relations. You’ll develop skills in media writing, strategic communication, public policy, and global affairs — preparing you for careers in journalism, political advising, media strategy, advocacy, or international organisations. This program is offered at Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast campuses.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll lay the foundation for both communication and political science. You’ll explore news writing and media communication while also studying government systems, international relations, and public policy, giving you a solid understanding of how messages are crafted and how politics shapes society.

Year 2

Year two lets you take your skills further. In communication, you’ll learn desktop publishing and strategic communication, while political science courses like political campaigning, international advocacy, and comparative politics show you how policy and public opinion interact on the world stage.

Year 3

By the third year, you’re blending media expertise with political insight. Advanced units like digital media strategy and storytelling sit alongside public policy making, global governance, and security studies, while group projects and practical assignments mirror real-world media and policy work.

Year 4

Your final year is about focusing on your career goals. You can take electives in strategic communication campaigns, international media relations, or political analysis, and complete a capstone project that ties together everything you’ve learned — preparing you for work in the professional world.

Focus areas

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate able to craft compelling messages across media platforms, analyse political systems and policies, communicate strategically with diverse stakeholders, and think critically about local and global issues.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This degree combines Griffith’s strong communication programs with political science expertise, preparing you for careers in journalism, strategic communication, public affairs, government media teams, advocacy organisations, or international agencies.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Griffith University is well-known for real-world learning and industry connections, giving students practical experience and networking opportunities that make graduates highly employable in business, government, and not-for-profit sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Griffith Gold Coast, this degree is all about learning by doing. You won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll get hands-on experience creating media content, working on policy projects, and connecting with real organisations. The campus gives you access to state-of-the-art digital TV and radio studios, multimedia labs, editing suites, and comprehensive libraries, so you can practise your skills in professional environments while still studying.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience throughout your degree:

Media and communication labs: Use TV and radio studios, multimedia editing suites, and writing labs to develop real-world skills in content creation, news writing, and strategic communication.
Internships and industry placements: Complete internships that connect you with media, government, and advocacy organisations, giving you hands-on experience and valuable professional contacts.
Global and local opportunities: Participate in global internships or study abroad programs in places like China, Japan, Hong Kong, Fiji, or Indonesia, building international experience and cultural understanding.
Community projects: Work with not-for-profit and community organisations, gaining practical skills while making a real-world impact.
Group projects and client briefs: Many subjects include teamwork on projects that mirror real industry challenges, such as strategic communication campaigns or policy advocacy initiatives, helping you develop collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Study Abroad & Exchange: Spend a trimester at a partner university overseas to see communication and international politics from a global perspective.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this double degree gives you a powerful combination of communication and political insight, preparing you for roles where your voice and ideas really matter. Many graduates go on to work as Strategic Communication Officers, Policy Analysts, Media Advisers, or Public Affairs Specialists, applying their skills to influence audiences, shape public understanding, and contribute to meaningful decisions. With this mix of expertise, you’ll have the flexibility to pursue a career in government, business, NGOs, media, or international organisations:

Tailored career support: Griffith’s CareerHub and Career Services offer personalised guidance on job searching, CVs, interviews, mentorship programs, and workshops, all designed to help communication and policy students launch their careers.
Strong employment prospects: Graduates with skills in media, communication, and political analysis are in demand across sectors, with competitive salaries and good long-term growth potential.
Industry connections: Griffith hosts networking events and industry talks, giving you a chance to meet professionals from media outlets, government agencies, advocacy organisations, and international institutions.
Accreditation and reputation: Your degree is backed by Griffith’s well-respected programs in communication and political science, recognised for their practical focus, industry links, and career-ready graduates.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni find work in government departments, corporate communications teams, NGOs, media companies, and international organisations, using their ability to analyse complex issues, communicate clearly, and work effectively across sectors. Graduates could earn between AUD 60,000 and 75,000 per annum.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to go further, you can continue your studies with a Master of Communication, Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, or even a PhD, opening doors to leadership roles in media strategy, policy research, academia, or international affairs. Postgraduate study deepens your expertise and gives you the edge for senior or specialised positions.