Bachelor of Arts (Politics)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

If you’re curious about how governments work, how decisions are made, and how power shapes societies, the Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at La Trobe University is a perfect fit. This degree suits students who love critical thinking, debating big ideas, and want the skills to make a real impact in policy, public affairs, or community leadership.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year lays the groundwork for understanding politics in Australia and around the world. Units like Democracies and Dictatorships: Introduction to Politics introduce you to key political ideas, institutions, and global perspectives, while elective options across arts and humanities give you a broad foundation and space to explore your interests.

Year 2:
In the second year, you start diving deeper into politics in action. You’ll explore contemporary issues, international relations, and how policies are developed and debated. This year also sharpens your research, argumentation, and communication skills, preparing you to think critically about real-world political challenges.

Year 3:
The final year lets you specialise in areas like public policy, political theory, or comparative politics. You’ll tackle advanced topics, analyse the exercise of power, and often complete a research project or capstone experience, giving you practical insight and a strong start to your career or further studies.

Focus areas: politics, government and public policy, political ideas, international relations, comparative political systems.

Learning outcomes: critical thinking, analysing political institutions and behaviour, strong written and verbal communication, evaluating public policy and political arguments.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Graduates leave with versatile skills that employers value in government, non-profits, media, and the private sector, opening doors to careers in policy, advocacy, communications, and beyond.

Reputation (employability rankings): La Trobe is ranked among the top 1 % of universities worldwide and is #2 in Victoria for employer satisfaction, showing that its graduates are well-prepared and highly sought after.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At La Trobe University, studying Politics isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting real-world experience and building skills that employers actually value. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to step into professional settings, work on hands-on projects, and even experience politics in action through internships, research placements, and global programs. The university also supports you with excellent libraries, digital tools, and student communities that help you apply your learning in practical ways.

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

Parliamentary Internship Program – spend time at the Victorian Parliament, working alongside MPs and parliamentary librarians, and produce research on real policy and law issues.
Industry placements and work-integrated learning – connect your studies with professional experiences that help you build networks, confidence, and workplace skills.
Study abroad and global experiences – participate in field trips, exchange programs, or scholarships like the New Colombo Plan to see politics and policy in an international context.
Student clubs and societies – join politics and social justice groups on campus, debate key issues, and connect with peers who share your passion for public affairs.
Research partnerships – engage with government bodies, think tanks, and community organisations through projects that link your learning to current real-world challenges.
Library and digital resources – access specialist research tools, databases, and online platforms to support your essays, projects, and policy analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) from La Trobe University opens doors to careers where you can make a real difference — from shaping public policy to helping communities thrive. Many graduates find themselves working as policy advisors, public servants, campaign strategists, or community engagement officers, using the research, communication, and critical thinking skills they’ve developed throughout the degree. La Trobe provides strong support to help you step confidently from study into the professional world:

Career Ready support services – personalised consultations, mentoring, workshops, and job boards to help you craft resumes, prepare for interviews, and connect with employers.
Career Ready Advantage program – a hands-on employability program co-designed with companies like PwC, Optus, and Commonwealth Bank, helping you gain real-world skills, create a career portfolio, and earn recognised credentials while you study.
Strong graduate outcomes – nearly 95 % of graduates are employed within three years, with competitive salaries and national recognition for employability, reflecting how much employers value your skills.
Industry partnerships and networking – opportunities for placements, projects, and events let you meet professionals, gain practical insight, and build networks in government, NGOs, media, and beyond.
Long-term qualification value – the degree equips you with versatile skills like critical thinking, communication, and research that are useful across many sectors, giving you flexibility and a competitive edge in your career.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing your bachelor’s, you could go further with postgraduate study in areas like Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, Master of Politics and Policy, or a research-based degree (PhD). Some graduates also pursue professional pathways in law, journalism, or specialised policy roles, using the strong analytical foundation from this degree as a springboard into advanced study and high-impact careers.