Bachelor of Social Sciences(Politics and international relations)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW is a three-year on-campus degree that helps you understand how power, governments, and global issues shape our world. It’s perfect for students who are curious about politics, want to make a difference, and enjoy analysing social challenges from multiple perspectives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid foundation with courses like Policy and Society, Social Research and Society, and Foundations of Politics and International Relations. You’ll learn how governments function, how societies are organised, and how to approach social research — skills that will support your studies in later years.

Year 2:
Year two takes you deeper into political and global issues with units such as Power and Powerlessness, Qualitative Social Research, and Global Political Economy. You’ll start connecting theory with real-world events, learning to analyse how power operates both nationally and internationally, and developing critical thinking skills that are highly valued by employers.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced topics and professional applications with courses like Social Sciences in the Workplace, Evidence for Policy Making, and electives like International Security or Politics: Theory and Practice. You’ll also get opportunities to apply your learning in practical contexts, preparing you for work or further study after graduation.

Focus areas: Politics, international relations, public policy, global governance, social research

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate able to analyse political systems, interpret international relations theories, conduct social research, and apply your insights to real policy and societal challenges.

Professional alignment: This degree is ideal if you want to work in public policy, diplomacy, advocacy, community leadership, or international organisations, with UNSW’s strong social sciences program supporting your career readiness.

Reputation: UNSW is one of Australia’s leading universities for social sciences, and graduates are highly regarded for their analytical skills, critical thinking, and employability in government, NGOs, research, and international roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) is designed to ensure you don’t just learn theory — you apply it in real-world contexts. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to engage with practical projects, research opportunities, and hands-on experiences that give you the skills employers actually look for. Whether you’re analysing global political trends, evaluating public policies, or working with community organisations, this degree prepares you to act confidently in professional and international environments. With UNSW’s excellent facilities, expert faculty, and dedicated student support, you’ll have all the tools you need to succeed:

Here’s how your hands-on learning could look:

Internships & Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Courses like POLS5100 International Relations Internship allow you to work with government departments, NGOs, international organisations, or research institutes. You’ll tackle real projects, develop professional networks, and earn academic credit while gaining invaluable workplace experience.
Collaborative projects & applied research: Throughout the degree, you’ll work in groups on practical assignments that mimic real-world policy and political analysis. This could include creating policy briefs, conducting field research, or presenting findings to professional stakeholders.
Global exposure & exchange programs: UNSW encourages students to broaden their horizons through international exchanges, internships abroad, field trips, and participation in global conferences. This helps you see international relations in practice and understand the global context of political and social issues.
Student societies & networking opportunities: Joining the Social Sciences Society connects you with peers, faculty, and alumni through debates, leadership programs, and networking events. These experiences let you practice teamwork, communication, and leadership in a supportive environment.
Digital tools & research facilities: You’ll have access to UNSW’s libraries, research databases, and digital tools for social and political research. Hands-on training in research methods and data analysis ensures you’re confident using the tools and methods that professionals rely on.
Career support & employability services: UNSW Careers & Employability provides one-on-one career coaching, workshops, job boards, and networking events. You’ll get guidance on resumes, interviews, and career pathways, helping you translate your academic skills into professional success.

By combining internships, research, collaboration, global experiences, and dedicated career support, the PPE program ensures you graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical experience, confidence, and professional connections that give you a head start in your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Politics and International Relations) at UNSW opens up a world of opportunities where you can make a real impact. You’ll be well-prepared for roles such as policy analyst, political adviser, international business consultant, or NGO program manager, equipped with strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills that employers actively seek. With UNSW’s reputation for producing highly employable graduates, your degree isn’t just academically respected — it gives you a real edge in the workforce:

Here’s how UNSW helps you launch your career:

Career support & guidance: The UNSW Careers & Employability team offers personalised career coaching, workshops on résumés and interviews, employer panels, and job boards — all designed to help you find internships and roles before you even graduate.
Employment outcomes & salary prospects: UNSW graduates enjoy some of the highest employment rates and median salaries in Australia, reflecting the value of your degree in the job market.
Industry connections & partnerships: Through UNSW’s partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, and community organisations, you’ll get opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and networking that make you career-ready.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work in government agencies, international organisations like the UN, advocacy and policy roles, research consulting, and campaign management — where your ability to analyse global issues and communicate effectively sets you apart.
Global reputation: UNSW is highly ranked for social sciences both in Australia and worldwide, giving your degree credibility and recognition with employers and professional networks everywhere.

Further Academic Progression:
After your bachelor’s, you could continue your studies with postgraduate programs like the Master of International Relations at UNSW. This lets you specialise in global politics, foreign policy, and international affairs, preparing you for leadership roles in government, international organisations, NGOs, or advanced research positions.