Bachelor of Arts(Politics and International Relations)/Bachelor of Business

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations)/Bachelor of Business at the University of New England is a flexible four-year combined degree that gives you a unique mix of global political insight and practical business skills. It’s ideal if you’re curious about how societies and economies interact and want to develop the knowledge and capabilities employers are looking for in areas like policy, management, and international affairs.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in both politics and business. Units like Introduction to Politics and The Asia Pacific in World Politics introduce you to the basics of political systems and global relations, while business courses such as Economics for Management and Fundamentals of Marketing help you understand how organisations operate. This combination helps you start seeing the connections between political decisions and business practices.

Year 2:
The second year deepens your understanding of both fields. In Politics and International Relations, you’ll study units such as 21st Century International Relations to explore global power dynamics, while business courses like Fundamentals of Management and Business Ethics teach you how leaders make decisions, manage teams, and navigate ethical challenges. This year shows you how political and business environments influence each other.

Year 3:
By the third year, your learning becomes more specialised. Politics units might include International Political Economy or China and the World, giving you insight into trade tensions, diplomacy, and global strategies. In business, units like Business Statistics and Strategic Planning and Sustainability help you analyse data and plan for long-term success. You start combining your knowledge from both fields to tackle complex problems.

Year 4:
In your final year, you focus on advanced topics and integrate your learning. You might take International Business to explore global markets and Australian Foreign Policy to understand your country’s role in the world. Opportunities like an Overseas Study Experience let you gain practical experience and a global perspective before you graduate.

Focus Areas

Politics and international relations, business management, marketing, economics, ethical leadership, global affairs, strategy, analytics

Learning Outcomes

Graduates can analyse political systems and business environments, communicate effectively across diverse settings, make ethical and informed decisions, apply critical thinking and practical business tools, and work independently or collaboratively in professional contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree aligns closely with industry standards. For example, the Human Resource Management major is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), and the broader business curriculum meets expectations for management and professional business practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UNE consistently receives top ratings in The Good Universities Guide for student experience and support. Graduates of this combined degree are well prepared for careers in management, public service, finance, human resources, international relations, and policy roles, giving them strong employability and versatility in the workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations)/Bachelor of Business at the University of New England get more than just lectures — they gain real-world skills that prepare them for life after graduation. Whether you’re on the Armidale campus or studying online, UNE gives you access to strong support systems, extensive resources, and opportunities to apply what you learn in practical ways. You’ll develop critical thinking, clear communication, and teamwork skills, while using digital tools and research platforms similar to those used by professionals in business and policy.

Here’s how UNE makes learning hands-on and meaningful:

Professional internships: Through UNE’s Professional Internship Program, you can work in real workplaces, gaining practical experience, building networks, and learning workplace culture. Mentorship and career support, like resume and LinkedIn workshops, help you make the most of these opportunities.
Study overseas opportunities: You can spend part of your degree at a partner university abroad, giving you first-hand experience in international business and politics and boosting your intercultural skills.
Innovation and business incubation: In business units like Innovation in Business, you can explore entrepreneurial ideas and receive guidance from UNE’s Smart Region Incubator, which supports students in developing real start-up concepts.
Collaborative group work: Many units involve team projects that develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in situations that mirror real workplaces.
Libraries and digital research tools: UNE’s libraries provide print and online resources, study spaces, computer labs, and librarian support, giving you everything you need to dive deep into research, presentations, and business planning tasks.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations)/Bachelor of Business at the University of New England gives you a strong and versatile foundation to step confidently into the workforce. Many graduates go on to work in roles where they can combine analytical thinking, communication skills, and business knowledge, such as policy advisor, management consultant, international relations professional, or human resources specialist:

Career support services: UNE’s Career Success Hub provides personalised guidance to help you plan and prepare for work. You’ll get support with resumes, interviews, job search strategies, networking opportunities, and access to a student job portal tailored to UNE graduates.
Employment outcomes and salary: UNE graduates report strong employment rates soon after finishing their degree, with typical starting salaries around AU$64,700, giving you a solid foundation for your professional journey.
Recognition and industry relevance: The business components of your degree are aligned with professional standards. For example, the Human Resource Management major is accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute, giving your qualification long-term value and recognition in professional settings.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work in a variety of fields, including management, public service, finance, human resources, international affairs, public policy, and creative industries — showing how this degree opens doors across multiple sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can continue your studies with honours or postgraduate programs at UNE or elsewhere. Options include advanced study in international relations, public policy, business analytics, or management. Further study can deepen your expertise, prepare you for research or leadership roles, and expand your career opportunities both in Australia and internationally.