Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts(Politics and International Studies)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Melbourne

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Social and Political Science) at The University of Melbourne explores how political systems, public policies, and social institutions shape societies around the world. It is well suited for students who are curious about global affairs, governance, and social change, and want to develop strong analytical and communication skills while understanding how political decisions influence everyday life.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in political and social thought while exploring broader subjects within the arts. Core introductory subjects such as Introduction to Political Ideas and International Politics introduce key debates about democracy, power, political institutions, and global relations, helping students understand the major ideas that shape modern political systems.

Year 2:
During the second year, students begin to study politics and policy in greater depth and start shaping their academic focus. Subjects such as Comparative Politics, Public Policy Making, and International Relations: Key Concepts examine how governments function, how policies are developed, and how political systems differ across countries. This stage helps students connect political theory with real-world governance and policy challenges.

Year 3:
In the final year, students deepen their knowledge through advanced subjects and applied learning opportunities. Units such as Australian Politics in the Long Run allow students to analyze political developments over time, while experiential subjects like Parliamentary Internship or Public Affairs Internship provide the chance to gain hands-on experience and see how political and policy processes operate in professional environments.

Focus areas: political science, international relations, public policy, comparative politics, political theory, global governance, Australian politics, political economy, gender and politics.

Learning outcomes: strong understanding of political systems and institutions, the ability to critically analyze public policy and global issues, advanced research and analytical skills, effective written and verbal communication, and the ability to evaluate complex political and social challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation): while the program is not tied to a specific professional accreditation, it prepares graduates for careers in government, diplomacy, public policy, international organisations, media, research, and non-government organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Melbourne is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading universities and has a strong global reputation in the arts and social sciences, which supports excellent graduate employability across a wide range of professional sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students studying the Bachelor of Arts (Social and Political Science) at the University of Melbourne have many opportunities to connect what they learn in class with real political and policy environments. The program encourages students to apply their analytical and research skills through internships, policy projects, and collaborative learning experiences that reflect how politics and public policy work in practice. By working with professionals, engaging with government institutions, and using the university’s extensive research resources, students develop practical skills that prepare them for careers in public policy, government, and international organisations.

These experiences allow students to apply their academic knowledge in meaningful ways:

Public Affairs Internship: Students complete a professional placement with an organisation involved in policy, public administration, or advocacy. During the internship, they work on real policy issues and produce a professional policy report or analytical project based on their experience.
Parliamentary Internship: This subject gives students the opportunity to work directly with a Member of the Victorian Parliament. Students gain first-hand exposure to how parliamentary offices operate, observe the legislative process, and contribute to research or policy tasks within the office.
Arts Internship subjects: Through structured internship units, students undertake professional placements with organisations while developing career skills and reflecting on their professional experience as part of their academic assessment.
Policy research and analytical projects: Many subjects involve group discussions, research assignments, and policy analysis tasks that help students develop strong investigative and critical-thinking skills.
Work placements with public and community organisations: Students may undertake placements with government departments, non-profit organisations, advocacy groups, or community organisations, allowing them to experience how political and social policies are developed and implemented.
Extensive academic and research facilities: Students have access to the University of Melbourne’s major libraries, research collections, and policy research centres, which provide valuable resources for political analysis, research projects, and independent study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Social and Political Science) from the University of Melbourne leave with strong analytical thinking, research ability, and communication skills that are valued across many professional fields. These skills open doors to careers where understanding political systems, public policy, and global issues is essential. Many graduates build careers as policy officers, political advisers, research analysts, communications specialists, or project officers in government agencies, international organisations, media, and non-profit sectors.

The university also provides strong support to help students transition from study into professional careers:

Career support and employability services: Students can access the University of Melbourne’s dedicated career services, which provide career planning tools, one-to-one advice, resume and interview support, and networking opportunities with employers.
Industry connections: Graduates have gone on to work with organisations such as the Australian Government, international institutions, media organisations, publishing houses, and major non-profit organisations. These connections help students build professional networks while they study and after graduation.
Strong graduate employment outcomes: A large proportion of University of Melbourne graduates secure employment within a few years of completing their degree, reflecting the strong reputation of the university among employers.
Global employability reputation: The University of Melbourne consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities for graduate employability, which highlights the strong demand for its graduates across international job markets.
Internship and industry partnerships: Through a large network of internship partners and professional organisations, students have opportunities to gain practical experience and build career connections before they graduate.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, many students choose to continue their studies through postgraduate programs to specialise in a particular area. Graduates often pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy and Management, Master of Development Studies, Master of Journalism, or the Juris Doctor (law) at the University of Melbourne, allowing them to move into leadership roles in diplomacy, government, policy research, media, and international development.