Bachelor of Arts(Politics and international relations)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

At the University of New South Wales, the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) helps you make sense of how power, governments, and global events shape the world we live in. It’s a great fit if you’re interested in global issues, diplomacy, or policy—and want a career where you can actually be part of important conversations and decisions.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a solid understanding of politics and international systems. Courses like Introduction to Politics (POLS1001) and Introduction to International Relations (POLS1002) introduce you to how governments work and how countries interact, while also helping you develop strong writing and critical thinking skills.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll begin to look deeper into how political systems compare across the world. Units such as Comparative Politics (POLS2100) and International Relations Theory (POLS2136) help you connect theory with real-world events, giving you a clearer picture of global challenges and how they’re understood.

Year 3:
By your final year, you’ll have the chance to focus on areas that interest you most. You might explore topics like Global Security (POLS3120) or Australian Politics (POLS3130), while working on more advanced research and policy analysis—building the kind of skills you’ll actually use in your future career.

Focus areas

Global politics, international relations, diplomacy, public policy, comparative politics, global security

Learning outcomes

Critical thinking and analytical skills, strong research and communication abilities, understanding of global political systems, policy analysis skills, and the ability to think about complex global issues from multiple perspectives

Professional alignment (accreditation)

While the degree isn’t tied to a specific professional accreditation, it’s designed to prepare you for careers in government, international organisations, diplomacy, and policy-related roles

Reputation (employability rankings)

UNSW is globally recognised and consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, with a strong reputation for graduate employability and industry connections—especially in the social sciences

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales, you won’t just study politics—you’ll actually experience how it works in the real world. The program is designed to get you involved in practical learning early on, whether that’s through internships, group projects, or working on real global issues. You’ll build hands-on skills in research, policy analysis, and communication while using the same tools and approaches professionals rely on:

Internship opportunities (WIL): You can take part in internships where you work with real organisations, gaining practical experience and building your professional network while earning credit
Global Change Internship (ARTS3758): A standout course where you apply what you’ve learned to real global challenges, giving you a taste of how international issues are handled in practice
Industry and community projects: Work in teams on real-world problems alongside external partners, helping you develop problem-solving and teamwork skills that employers look for
Collaborative learning: Expect lots of group discussions, debates, and policy-based projects that reflect how decisions are made in government and international settings
Study abroad & global exposure: Opportunities like summer schools and exchange programs let you experience international politics firsthand and broaden your global perspective
Research-driven learning: You’ll explore current global issues—like climate change, security, and human rights—using real case studies and academic research methods
Digital tools & platforms: Access to advanced online learning systems, academic databases, and collaboration tools helps you research, analyse, and present your ideas effectively

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) at the University of New South Wales opens up a wide range of career paths—you’re not limited to just one direction. With your understanding of global issues and strong analytical skills, you could step into roles like policy advisor, diplomat, intelligence analyst, or communications specialist, working across government, international organisations, NGOs, or even global businesses.

What really makes a difference is how UNSW supports you in turning your degree into a career:

Career support that’s actually useful: From one-on-one career coaching to networking events and employability programs, UNSW helps you build confidence and connect with real opportunities while you’re still studying
Strong graduate outcomes: A high percentage of UNSW graduates move into full-time work soon after finishing, and that number continues to grow within a few years
Competitive salaries: Graduates step into solid starting salaries, with strong earning potential as you gain experience
Top employability reputation: UNSW has been ranked as one of Australia’s most employable universities for multiple years, which says a lot about how employers view its graduates
Industry connections: The university has strong links with employers across government, consulting, and international sectors, giving you valuable exposure and networking opportunities
Globally recognised degree: A qualification from UNSW is respected worldwide, which is especially valuable if you’re thinking about an international career

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to keep studying, UNSW makes it easy to specialise further. You could go on to postgraduate programs like a Master of International Relations or Master of Public Policy, or explore other specialised fields depending on your interests—helping you move into more advanced roles or leadership positions over time.