Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Fremantle

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations) at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) is ideal if you’re curious about how power, policy, and global relationships shape the world around us. It gives you a strong grounding in political systems and international affairs while helping you develop the critical thinking and real-world perspective needed for careers in government, diplomacy, or global organisations.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year is all about building a strong foundation and understanding the basics of politics at both a national and global level. You’ll explore units like POLI1000 Introduction to World Politics and POLI1001 Politics, Democracy and Governance in Australia, which introduce you to key ideas such as democracy, governance, and international systems. At the same time, Notre Dame’s Core Curriculum broadens your thinking through philosophy and ethics, helping you see political issues from different perspectives.

Year 2
In second year, you start to think more critically and compare how politics works across different countries and contexts. Units like POLI3007 Home and Away: Comparing Political Systems and POLI3003 Setting the Agenda: the Media and Politics help you understand how governments operate, how media influences public opinion, and how policies are shaped. This is where you begin connecting theory with what’s happening in the real world.

Year 3
By your final year, you’re diving into specialised and globally relevant topics that reflect today’s political challenges. You can study subjects such as POLI3005 Intelligence and International Security, POLI3024 US Foreign Policy Since 1945, or POLI3022 The Modern Middle East, and even take part in a Politics Internship to gain hands-on experience. This year is focused on applying everything you’ve learned and getting ready to step into your career with confidence.

Focus areas (in a string):

Australian politics, international relations, political theory, global security, foreign policy, diplomacy

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Strong critical thinking, advanced research and analysis, ability to interpret political issues, clear communication, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork and independence

Professional alignment (accreditation):

While the program isn’t tied to a specific professional accreditation, it focuses heavily on practical experience through internships and real-world learning opportunities to make you job-ready

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Notre Dame Australia is known for its strong focus on graduate employability, with an emphasis on practical skills, industry exposure, and personalised learning that helps students transition smoothly into careers in politics, policy, media, and international relations

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the best things about studying the Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations) at the University of Notre Dame (Fremantle) is how much you get to learn by doing. You won’t just read about politics and international affairs—you’ll experience it firsthand through internships, global programs, and real-world projects that connect classroom learning to actual political and social contexts. The university supports this with a close-knit environment, access to expert faculty, and resources like the Michael J M Wright Library, giving you everything you need to explore, research, and apply your knowledge.

You’ll also have plenty of practical opportunities to build skills and confidence, such as:

Politics Internship (POLI3008) – Gain around 80 hours of professional experience in government departments, media organisations, or NGOs, putting your learning into action.
Work Integrated Learning – Work on real projects with industry and community partners, helping you develop connections and practical know-how before graduation.
Study tours & global experiences – Participate in international trips or immersive programs to see how politics and diplomacy operate in different cultural contexts.
Study abroad & exchange programs – Spend a semester at a partner university overseas while earning credit toward your degree.
Service-learning & community projects – Combine your studies with hands-on projects that make a real difference in society.
Research & library resources – The Michael J M Wright Library provides extensive print and digital collections, study spaces, and technology to support your projects and assignments.
Collaborative and discussion-based learning – Seminars, debates, and group projects mirror the way political ideas are shared and developed in the real world.
Student societies – Join groups like the International Relations Society to network, discuss global issues, and practice leadership and communication skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Politics & International Relations) at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle) leave with a clear understanding of how governments and global systems work, along with practical skills in research, analysis, and communication. This combination makes you well-prepared for roles in public policy, diplomacy, government, and international organisations, including positions such as a diplomatic service officer, policy analyst, government affairs advisor, or political campaign coordinator:

Career support services – Notre Dame’s Careers and Employability team provides personalised guidance from your first year through 18 months after graduation. They help with résumé building, interview preparation, access to CareerHub job boards, and networking events that connect you directly with employers.
Strong employment outcomes – Graduates in humanities and social sciences programs like this report high job satisfaction, with around 65 % employed full-time and an average starting salary of approximately AUD 62.6 k.
Industry engagement – Internships, practicum placements, and work-integrated learning give you hands-on experience and help you build professional connections in government, NGOs, media, and policy organisations before you even finish your degree.
Long-term value – The skills you gain, including critical thinking, ethical reasoning, policy interpretation, and effective communication, are highly valued by employers worldwide and prepare you for a wide range of career paths.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you complete your degree, there are several pathways to deepen your knowledge and expand your career options. Many graduates choose postgraduate programs like a Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, or specialised diplomas in diplomacy, security studies, or international development. You could also pursue an honours year through Notre Dame’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program to strengthen your research skills. Postgraduate study not only enhances your expertise but can also open doors to leadership roles in government, international organisations, and academia.