Bachelors of Commerce / Arts(Political Science)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at The University of Queensland is a 4-year dual degree that gives you the best of both worlds — strong business skills and a deep understanding of politics. It’s perfect if you want to explore how economics, policy, and global affairs intersect, while preparing for careers in government, consulting, or international organisations.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid foundation in both commerce and political science. You’ll study courses like Introduction to Political Ideas and Introduction to Australian Politics (POLS1101) to understand how political systems work, while your commerce subjects introduce you to the basics of business and economics.

Year 2:
In the second year, you start diving deeper. You’ll explore courses such as Political Problems and Public Policy and pick a commerce major like finance or business analytics. This is where you see how politics and business connect, learning to analyse policy impacts on markets and organisations.

Year 3:
Year three focuses on applying what you’ve learned. You might study Indigenous Politics & Policy while developing advanced skills in your commerce major. This is when you start tackling real-world scenarios, using data, strategy, and critical thinking to solve problems.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll put it all together with advanced electives and specialised courses. High-achieving students can also take on an honours research project in political science, giving you hands-on experience with independent research and analytical thinking.

Focus areas: political ideologies, public policy, global affairs, business analytics, finance, economic decision-making

Learning outcomes: critical thinking, policy analysis, research skills, strategic decision-making, understanding of political systems and markets

Professional alignment (accreditation): prepares you for careers in government, diplomacy, consulting, international development, and industry-aligned commerce roles

Reputation (employability rankings): ranked #1 in Queensland for politics (QS World University Rankings 2025), with strong graduate outcomes in both business and public sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UQ, learning goes far beyond the lecture hall. You’ll get hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world careers, whether it’s in government, consulting, or international organisations. From internships to research projects, from debating societies to global exchange programs, there are plenty of ways to apply what you learn, develop professional skills, and build your confidence before you even graduate:

Internships that matter: You can take a political science internship (POLS3801) and work with organisations like Queensland Parliament, government departments, or advocacy groups. You’ll be doing real research, writing professional reports, and seeing first-hand how policy decisions are made.
Research experience: Through the Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), you can join undergraduate research projects and contribute to actual policy and social studies research while learning advanced research tools.
Work placements and industry connections: UQ offers work-integrated learning opportunities so you can gain workplace skills, network with employers, and explore career paths while studying.
Global exposure: Semester exchanges or short-term international programs give you a chance to experience different political and business systems and broaden your cultural perspective.
Student societies and leadership: Groups like the UQ Debating Society let you practice public speaking, sharpen your argumentation skills, and take on leadership roles — all great ways to complement your academic learning.
Libraries and collaborative spaces: The St Lucia campus has one of Australia’s largest academic library systems, with plenty of resources, study spaces, and digital tools to support group projects and research.
Digital and IT facilities: UQ provides access to industry-standard software and digital workspaces, helping you prepare professional reports, presentations, and research efficiently.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the Bachelor of Commerce / Arts (Political Science) at UQ opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Graduates often step into roles where they can make a real difference — from shaping policy and advising governments to consulting for businesses or managing public affairs. Typical roles include Policy Analyst, Government Relations Officer, Business Consultant, or Public Affairs Advisor:

Career support services: UQ’s Careers & Employability team is there to guide you every step of the way, offering career planning, resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking opportunities. Programs like Bel Recruitment Ready give you a taste of industry expectations before you even graduate.
Employment outcomes: UQ graduates enjoy strong employment results, with full‑time employment rates well above the national average. Many students secure meaningful roles soon after finishing their degree, reflecting the skills and confidence UQ gives you.
University–industry connections: Through initiatives like Employability Week, industry talks, and networking events, you can meet potential employers, build relationships, and even secure internships or early career opportunities.
Accreditation and long-term value: The combination of commerce and political science gives you versatile, in-demand skills — from strategic decision-making and economic analysis to policy evaluation and communication — that employers across sectors value.
Graduate outcomes: UQ Arts and Commerce graduates work around the world in government, NGOs, consultancy firms, and corporations, bringing critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to whatever path they choose.

Further Academic Progression:
After your degree, there’s plenty of room to grow. Many students continue with postgraduate studies such as a Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, Master of Business Analytics, or even research-focused honours programs. UQ provides dedicated support to help you plan your next steps and specialise in the areas that match your career goals.