Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Studies)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Studies) at Murdoch University is a great option if you’re curious about how global politics works and how decisions made by governments shape the world around us. It’s especially suited to students who follow current affairs and want to build the skills to understand, analyse, and eventually influence international issues.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You’ll start by getting comfortable with the basics of politics and international relations, while also building your academic and analytical skills. Units like Introduction to Politics, International Relations, and Global Issues give you a clear understanding of how political systems function and how global challenges are interconnected.

Year 2
In second year, things get more interesting as you begin to dig deeper into how political systems operate in different parts of the world. Through units such as Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, and Public Policy, you’ll start analysing real-world issues—looking at how governments make decisions and how economics and politics influence each other.

Year 3
By your final year, you’ll be thinking more independently and tackling complex global topics with confidence. Units like Global Governance, Security and Conflict Studies, and Australian Politics help you connect everything you’ve learned, while sharpening your research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Focus areas (in a string):

International relations, comparative politics, global governance, public policy, political economy, security and conflict

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Critical thinking, policy analysis, global awareness, research skills, communication, understanding of political systems and international relations

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The course is designed to reflect what employers in government, policy, and international sectors are looking for, so you graduate with practical, relevant knowledge

Reputation (employability rankings):

Murdoch University is known for its strong focus on real-world learning and employability, helping graduates move confidently into careers across government, global organisations, and related fields

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Murdoch, this course is designed so you’re not just learning about politics—you’re actually experiencing how it works in real life. You’ll regularly apply what you study through discussions, policy analysis, and collaborative work, all supported by modern facilities and research spaces across the campus. It’s a very practical learning environment, where you’re encouraged to engage with real-world issues and start thinking like a policy professional from early on:

Exposure to real policy environments: You may get the chance to engage with politicians and public sector professionals, giving you a clearer picture of how decisions are made in government
Internship opportunities: Some students gain experience in government or related organisations, helping them understand how policy is developed and applied in practice
Strong regional connections: The course is linked to Indo-Pacific research, so you’ll explore real political dynamics in one of the world’s most important regions
Group-based, real-world projects: Many of your assignments involve working in teams, analysing global issues, and debating solutions—just like in real policy and international settings
Access to research centres: You’ll be able to learn alongside active research in areas like regional politics and international relations
Modern study and collaboration spaces: Facilities like the Library and Learning Commons give you access to digital resources, research tools, and quiet spaces for focused work
Innovation and tech-enabled hubs: Spaces such as Launchpad and IT hubs support teamwork, idea development, and problem-solving using modern tools
Simulation-style learning: You may take part in workshops or simulations where you step into roles like policy advisers or international negotiators

Progression & Future Opportunities

By the time you graduate from this degree, you’ll have a strong mix of analytical thinking, research ability, and communication skills that employers genuinely look for. This opens up opportunities across a range of fields where understanding politics and global systems is important. Many graduates move into roles like policy adviser, journalist, security analyst, or work in public relations and advocacy, both in Australia and internationally.

What makes the difference is the support and real-world exposure you get along the way:

Career support that’s actually useful: Murdoch’s Careers and Employability Centre helps you with everything from CV writing and interview prep to finding internships and job opportunities through platforms like CareerConnect
Solid employment outcomes: A large percentage of graduates find full-time work within a few months, with competitive starting salaries that reflect the practical skills they’ve built
Direct industry exposure: Through the course, you may interact with government professionals and policymakers, giving you insight into how decisions are made in real settings
Graduate programs and pathways: Murdoch offers structured graduate opportunities that help you transition smoothly from university into professional roles
Skills that stay relevant long-term: You graduate with transferable skills like critical thinking, policy analysis, and communication, which are valuable across government, NGOs, media, and business
Confidence to step into the workforce: The mix of academic knowledge and practical experience means you’re not just qualified—you’re ready to contribute from day one

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue studying, this degree gives you a clear pathway. You could go on to a master’s in areas like public policy, international relations, or development studies, depending on where your interests take you. It’s also a good stepping stone into honours or research if you’re thinking about academia or more specialised policy work later on.