Bachelor of International Studies(Global Politics and Peace)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of International Studies (Global Politics and Peace) at the University of New England is designed for students who want to understand global conflicts, diplomacy, and international systems while developing practical skills in peacebuilding and cross-cultural communication. It’s ideal for anyone curious about world affairs, global security, and how political decisions shape societies, with the flexibility to study online or on campus.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, you’ll establish a strong foundation in global politics and peace studies. Core units like Introduction to Peace Studies, International Relations of the Asia Pacific, and Earth in Crisis? introduce the basics of international relations, environmental challenges, and the foundations of conflict and cooperation in the world.

Year 2:
The second year helps you connect theory with real-world issues. You’ll explore units such as The International Economy and Communicating in Culturally Diverse Contexts, developing a deeper understanding of global markets, intercultural communication, and the dynamics of international cooperation, while beginning to focus on your major in Global Politics and Peace.

Year 3:
In your final year, you specialise and gain practical skills for a career in global affairs. Units like 21st Century International Relations, Practical Skills for Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation, and Sustaining Peace in Divided Societies help you develop hands-on skills in negotiation, peacebuilding, and the analysis of international political systems.

Focus Areas

Global politics, conflict resolution, peace studies, international relations, diplomacy, global security, intercultural communication

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically analyse global issues, understand international relations and peace processes, communicate effectively across cultures, solve problems in conflict situations, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program prepares students for careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, and policy and advocacy sectors, equipping graduates with the skills needed for roles in international security, development, and diplomacy.

Reputation (Employability)

UNE is known for strong student support and high teaching quality, consistently receiving top ratings for overall experience and student support, which helps graduates be well-prepared for the workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of International Studies (Global Politics and Peace) at the University of New England don’t just learn from textbooks — you get plenty of hands‑on opportunities that help you grow into a confident, adaptable global thinker. From day one you’ll be encouraged to apply what you’re learning to real situations: discussing contemporary global challenges in class, working on group assessments that simulate real‑world scenarios, and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds whether you’re studying on campus in Armidale or online. You’ll be supported by experienced lecturers who bring their research and practical insights into the classroom and by UNE’s strong student support systems, including access to extensive library collections and digital research resources that make your study richer and more connected to real issues. UNE also gives you flexibility — you can choose to study overseas for a trimester or engage with international perspectives that broaden your understanding of global politics and peace.

Here are some of the specific experiences that make learning active and impactful:

Study abroad and exchange options that let you spend part of your degree in another country, seeing global politics and peacebuilding firsthand and gaining invaluable intercultural experience. You may be eligible for exchange agreements with partner institutions that even waive tuition fees.
Units with direct application such as Practical Skills for Conflict Resolution, Mediation and Negotiation and Sustaining Peace in Divided Societies, where you practice key techniques used in diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict transformation.
Group projects and collaborative discussions that mirror professional environments where negotiation, teamwork and strategy matter — helping you build confidence in working with people from different cultures and perspectives.
Access to UNE’s libraries and digital research infrastructure, providing you with the tools to explore global issues deeply, tackle research assignments with solid sources, and grow your analytical skills.
Student life and community engagement on campus, with clubs, societies, and events that help you connect with peers, broaden your network and apply what you learn in less formal but equally enriching settings.

UNE’s approach ensures your learning doesn’t just stay in the classroom — you’ll build practical skills, develop a global mindset, and be well prepared for meaningful work after graduation.

For more about the facilities and resources that support experiential learning at UNE, you can explore the university’s listings of student services and campus amenities on their official website

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of International Studies (Global Politics and Peace) at the University of New England leave university ready to make an impact in a wide range of careers. Many find themselves working in government, international organisations, NGOs, or community-focused roles where they can put their knowledge of global politics and peace into action. Typical roles include policy advisor, international relations specialist, peace and conflict practitioner, or community development officer:

Career support services: UNE’s Career Success Hub helps students prepare for the workforce with personalised career advice, resume and interview coaching, networking events, and access to an online job board. Work-integrated learning support is also available, helping you gain experience while you study.
Employment outcomes and salary: Graduates in this field generally enjoy strong employment prospects, with starting salaries reflecting national benchmarks for political and social sciences, around AU$64,700, depending on role and location.
Industry connections: UNE maintains links with government departments, NGOs, and consulting organisations, giving students opportunities for internships, mentoring, and professional networking while building skills that are valued in the real world.
Long-term value: A degree from UNE is highly regarded and provides recognition that helps with both immediate career opportunities and long-term growth, including eligibility for postgraduate study and international work.
Graduate destinations: Alumni go on to rewarding roles in policy, human rights and advocacy, diplomacy, defence, immigration, and international development, applying what they’ve learned to make a real difference.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies with honours or postgraduate programs. Options include a Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) to focus on research, or a master’s in international relations, public policy, peace and conflict studies, or development studies. These pathways can lead to specialised careers in research, policy, peacebuilding, diplomacy, and leadership roles within international organisations.