Bachelor of Media / Arts(Politics and international relations)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Media / Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) at the University of New South Wales is a four-year double degree that combines practical media skills with a deep understanding of global politics and international affairs. It’s ideal for students who want to tell impactful stories, influence public debate, and engage with the world’s biggest challenges while developing both creative and analytical skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a strong foundation in both media and politics. In media, you’ll explore units like Introduction to Film Studies, News Fundamentals, and Digital Entrepreneurship, which introduce you to storytelling, media production, and creative thinking. At the same time, Arts courses such as Media, Society, Politics and introductory politics and international relations classes give you insight into how media shapes public opinion and how political systems operate.

Year 2:
In your second year, your media studies become more specialised and project-focused, while your understanding of global issues deepens. You might take units like Media Studies or Communication & Journalism, where you work on practical projects that develop your creative and analytical abilities. Politics and international relations electives allow you to explore subjects such as international security, global governance, or political communication, helping you understand the forces shaping world affairs.

Year 3:
By the third year, you’ll be producing professional-level media projects and developing advanced analytical skills. Media units like Public Relations & Advertising or Screen Production let you create work suitable for a professional portfolio. Meanwhile, politics and international relations courses challenge you to critically engage with topics such as human rights, foreign policy, and climate politics, strengthening your research and communication skills.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll combine your learning in major projects and electives that reflect your personal interests. Advanced media units will have you leading creative campaigns, producing multimedia work, or conducting in-depth research. At the same time, your politics and international relations courses let you dive into complex global issues, policy analysis, and leadership in political contexts, preparing you for professional life or further academic study.

Focus areas

Media production, communication and journalism, public relations and advertising, political analysis, global politics and governance

Learning outcomes

Creative media skills, critical communication, analytical thinking, research and writing, understanding of political systems and international affairs

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This double degree is designed to be highly industry-relevant, combining hands-on media practice with social science study to prepare you for careers in media, public policy, international engagement, or advocacy.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture is recognised among the top faculties in Australia and globally for media and humanities, and graduates are known for their employability thanks to practical learning opportunities and strong industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Media / Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. You’ll gain hands-on experience that lets you apply your skills in real-world settings, work with professional tools, and collaborate on projects just like in the industry. From producing media content to exploring global politics in practical contexts, the program gives you the chance to develop both creative and analytical expertise:

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Participate in structured internships and placements through the School of the Arts & Media, gaining real experience with organisations and projects that you can showcase in your portfolio.
Blitz student media placements: Work on podcasts, videos, and online content, learning production, editing, and storytelling while reaching an actual audience.
Industry internships: Take part in short-term opportunities, such as placements with the Sydney Writers’ Festival, where you can contribute to media projects and build professional connections.
State-of-the-art facilities: Access professional production spaces, multimedia labs, and creative hubs like the Esme Timbery Creative Practice Lab, equipped with cameras, audio gear, and other industry-standard equipment.
Hands-on research and exhibitions: Engage with UNSW Library’s creative and cultural collections through workshops and interactive programs, developing critical thinking and interpretive skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with the Bachelor of Media / Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths. With the creative, practical skills you gain from media studies and the analytical, global perspective from politics and international relations, you could work as a media producer or journalist, a communications strategist, a public policy advisor, or an international affairs specialist — roles where you influence ideas, tell stories, and make an impact:

Career support services: UNSW Careers and Employment offers one-on-one guidance, workshops on job applications and interviews, internship listings, and networking events to help you step confidently into your first role.
Employment and salary prospects: UNSW graduates are among the most employable in Australia, with high full-time employment rates and strong median salaries — around $75,000 shortly after graduation, rising to approximately $92,000 three years later.
University–industry connections: You can gain practical experience and build professional networks through internships, work-integrated learning, and industry placements with media organisations, NGOs, and government bodies.
Accreditation and long-term value: This interdisciplinary degree equips you with adaptable skills valued across media, communications, public service, advocacy, and international organisations.
Graduate outcomes: UNSW graduates consistently outperform national benchmarks for employability and career readiness, reflecting the practical relevance of your studies.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you could continue your studies to specialise further. A Master of International Relations can prepare you for careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, or international organisations. Alternatively, postgraduate study in media, communications, or public relations can help you develop advanced creative and strategic skills to stand out in competitive industries.