Bachelor of Media / Social Sciences(Politics and international relations)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Media / Bachelor of Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) at the University of New South Wales is a four-year double degree that combines hands-on media skills with a strong understanding of how societies and global politics operate. It’s perfect for students who want to communicate ideas effectively, influence public debate, and explore the world of politics, policy, and media in a practical, real-world context.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in both media and social sciences. Social sciences courses like Social Research & Society and Policy & Society introduce you to research methods and key frameworks for understanding society, while your media units give you early experience in creative and professional communication. This combination helps you start thinking critically about the intersection between media and social systems.

Year 2:
In your second year, your studies become more specialised. Social sciences courses such as Power & Powerlessness and Decolonising Research Methods or Quantitative Social Research teach you how to analyse social and political issues, while media units focus on practical skills in areas like journalism, public relations, and screen production. You’ll work on projects that combine creative thinking with social analysis, preparing you for real-world applications.

Year 3:
By the third year, you’ll be integrating your media practice with social sciences knowledge. Courses like Social Sciences in the Workplace and Globalisation & Policy Making help you apply critical thinking to professional and international contexts. At the same time, advanced media units challenge you to create professional-standard work, preparing a portfolio that demonstrates your skills to future employers.

Year 4:
In your final year, your focus will be on consolidating your learning and applying it in practical contexts. Upper-level social sciences courses tied to politics and international relations explore global policy, security, and governance, while media units encourage you to think strategically about storytelling, audience engagement, and the social impact of your work. By the end of the degree, you’ll be ready to step into professional roles with confidence.

Focus areas

Media production, communication and journalism, public relations and advertising, politics and international relations, social research and policy analysis, global governance

Learning outcomes

Practical media skills, critical thinking, research and analytical abilities, effective communication, and a strong understanding of social and political systems

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This degree is designed to prepare you for careers in media, communications, public policy, advocacy, and research. The combination of media practice and social sciences ensures that you graduate with practical skills and professional insights valued across multiple industries.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UNSW’s Arts, Design & Architecture faculty is recognised as one of the top in Australia and globally, ranking #1 in Australia and #23 in the world for social sciences and management in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject. Graduates from this faculty are highly regarded for their employability and professional readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Media / Bachelor of Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW, you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom. The program is designed so you can apply what you learn in real-world settings, whether that’s through internships, student-run media projects, or collaborative assignments, giving you practical skills and professional confidence. You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art creative spaces, professional equipment, and platforms where your work can reach a real audience:

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Complete structured placements with organisations related to media or social sciences, giving you practical experience and helping you build industry connections while earning credit.
Media internships for credit: Units like Media Internship (MDIA3007) and BA Media Internship (ARTS3095) let you gain 100–150 hours of real-world experience with media organisations while contributing to your academic progression.
Blitz student media: UNSW’s student-run Blitz platform allows you to produce podcasts, videos, articles, and social content, work in teams, and develop a portfolio that showcases your skills to potential employers.
Internships and partnerships: Opportunities with events such as the Sydney Writers’ Festival let you work on media, publicity, and event management projects, giving you experience in professional environments.
Supportive learning environments: Access industry-standard production labs, creative hubs, and collaborative spaces where you can practise media technologies and work on professional-quality projects alongside your peers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with the Bachelor of Media / Bachelor of Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths. With the combination of creative media skills and a strong understanding of society and global politics, you could work as a communications officer, policy analyst, journalist, or media producer — all roles where your ability to think critically and communicate effectively will make a real impact:

Career support services: UNSW Careers and Employment offers personalised guidance, workshops on resumes and interviews, access to employer events, and networking opportunities designed to help Arts and Social Sciences students step confidently into their careers.
Employment prospects and salary figures: UNSW graduates consistently outperform national averages, with strong full-time employment rates and high demand from employers across media, policy, and communications fields.
University–industry partnerships: You’ll have opportunities to gain practical experience and build networks through work-integrated learning, internships, and placements with media organisations, NGOs, government departments, and public institutions.
Long-term value: The skills you gain — from media production and communication to policy analysis and international understanding — are adaptable and highly valued across multiple sectors, including public service, media, advocacy, and international organisations.
Graduate outcomes: UNSW graduates are known for being workplace-ready, with strong placement rates and employer recognition that supports meaningful work immediately after graduation.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, you can continue your studies to specialise further. For example, a Master of International Relations prepares you for roles in diplomacy, foreign affairs, or global policy, while postgraduate study in media, communications, or strategic communication helps you develop advanced skills to stand out in professional media or engagement roles.