Bachelor of Arts (Politics)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at Monash University lets you explore how politics shapes the world around us — from local governments to international relations. It’s perfect for curious thinkers who want to understand public policy, governance, and political systems, while building skills in research, analysis, and communication that will serve you in any career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in politics and the social sciences. Units like Foundations of Modern Politics and Australian Government and Politics introduce you to political systems, power structures, and major debates shaping society today. You’ll also explore global perspectives, giving you a broad understanding of political ideas and issues around the world.

Year 2:
Your second year dives deeper into how politics actually works. Units such as Parties and Power and Political Ideas help you understand political behaviour, policy development, and how theory connects with real-world politics. You’ll also have the chance to choose electives that reflect your specific interests, tailoring your degree to your goals.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll engage with advanced topics and capstone experiences that tie your learning together. Units like Public Policy and Leaders, Power and Politics give you the chance to analyse contemporary challenges, develop your own perspectives on governance, and apply your knowledge through research and projects. By the end of this year, you’ll be ready to step confidently into your career or further study.

Focus areas: government and policy, international relations, political theory, political behaviour, leadership and public policy.

Learning outcomes: critical analysis of political systems, strong written and verbal communication, ability to interpret political debates and policymaking, and skills to assess governance and political power.

Professional alignment (accreditation): This degree equips you with versatile skills in analysis, research, and communication, valued by employers in government, media, international organisations, NGOs, and more.

Reputation (employability rankings): Monash University is ranked in the top 1 % of universities worldwide, and its arts and humanities graduates are recognised for strong employability across diverse industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Monash, studying Politics isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience that prepares you for the real world. You’ll have opportunities to take part in internships, industry-linked projects, parliamentary programs, and global experiences, all designed to let you apply your classroom knowledge in practical settings. With Monash’s excellent libraries, digital tools, and professional support, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to stand out in your future career:

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

Industry Internships & Professional Practice – take units that let you work with real organisations, gaining credit while building workplace skills and professional networks.
Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program – spend a semester working directly with the Victorian Parliament, conducting research and seeing how policies are shaped in real time.
Professional Futures Skills – through Monash’s Professional Futures framework, you’ll develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills that employers value.
Global & Community Placements – complete internships or volunteer work with NGOs, media outlets, government bodies, or community organisations locally or overseas, gaining valuable experience and broader perspectives.
Student Societies & Volunteering – join politics or international affairs clubs and engage in volunteer programs to apply your skills, make connections, and strengthen leadership abilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Politics) from Monash University opens the door to a wide range of meaningful careers where your analytical, communication, and global insights can make a real impact. You could work as a policy advisor, government officer, public affairs specialist, or international relations analyst, exploring opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Monash is here to support you every step of the way, helping you turn your degree into a successful career:

Career Ready support services – Monash’s Professional Futures framework and Career Services provide mentoring, resume and interview guidance, and connections to employers. You can also access internships and industry experiences to strengthen your professional profile while you study.
Strong graduate outcomes – Monash Arts graduates enjoy high employment rates, with around 89 % in full-time work within three years of graduating and strong employer satisfaction for skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 55,000 and 70,000 per annum.
Industry connections & partnerships – through internships, Professional Futures programs, and Monash’s global alumni network, you can build professional relationships and gain practical experience that makes you stand out.
Accreditation & long-term value – while the degree isn’t tied to a specific professional accreditation, it gives you highly transferable skills that employers value in government, NGOs, international organisations, media, and beyond.
Diverse career paths – alumni work around the world as diplomats, analysts, media professionals, civil servants, and leaders in social policy and advocacy, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities this degree provides.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you could continue your studies with postgraduate programs such as a Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, Master of Global Studies, or even a research degree (PhD) to specialise further. Some graduates also choose professional pathways in law, diplomacy, or international development, building on the strong analytical and communication foundation developed through their arts degree.