Bachelors of Communication / Arts(Political Science)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at The University of Queensland is a 4‑year dual degree that combines practical communication skills with a deep understanding of politics and society. It’s perfect if you want to learn how to craft messages that make an impact while exploring the political ideas and systems that shape the world.


Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid foundation in both communication and arts. You’ll study introductory courses that cover the basics of media, writing, and visual communication, alongside subjects like Introduction to Politics and Political Thinking. This sets you up to analyse media, communicate ideas clearly, and understand how political systems work.

Year 2:
By the second year, you’ll start to go deeper. Communication courses introduce you to real-world media and digital platforms, while Political Science units explore institutions, political behaviour, and policy. This combination helps you see how political messages are created, shared, and understood in society.

Year 3:
Year three is all about specialising and applying your skills. You might take Political Communication (COMU3222), where you learn how campaigns are planned, messages are framed, and media strategies are executed, often working in group projects. Your communication studies focus on strategy, storytelling, and audience engagement — skills that employers in media, government, and NGOs highly value.

Year 4:
In your final year, you can tailor your degree to match your goals. Choose advanced electives in media strategy, political communication, or other arts subjects that interest you. You may also undertake an individual research or honours project, giving you the chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about.


Focus areas: multimedia communication, political communication, strategic messaging, critical analysis, cultural and political theory

Learning outcomes: clear writing and presenting, digital content creation, political awareness, media strategy, research and analysis skills

Professional alignment (accreditation): equips you for careers in media, public relations, government communication, and any field that values strong analytical and communication skills

Reputation (employability rankings): UQ is ranked #1 in Queensland for arts and humanities in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reflecting excellent graduate outcomes and recognition in communication and arts fields

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UQ, you’ll do so much more than just attend lectures — you’ll gain hands-on skills and real-world experience that prepare you for a career in media, communication, or government. The Bachelor of Communication / Arts (Political Science) lets you work on projects, take part in internships, and collaborate with industry professionals, giving you confidence and practical experience while you study:

  • Professional internships: Elective courses like Communication Internship (COMU3801) let you spend part of a semester working in a real media or communication organisation. You’ll contribute to projects, develop your professional skills, and see first-hand how the industry operates.

  • Political science placements: Through Political Science Internship (POLS3801), you can work with organisations like Queensland Parliament, government departments, advocacy groups, or research centres. It’s a chance to apply your analytical and communication skills to real-world problems.

  • Industry engagement & support: UQ’s School of Communication and Arts helps you find and prepare for internships, work experience, and networking opportunities, connecting you with organisations locally, nationally, and globally.

  • Guest speakers & industry links: Professionals from media, digital platforms, and creative industries regularly visit classes to share insights and examples, helping you see exactly how what you’re learning applies in real workplaces.

  • Libraries & tech tools: UQ’s libraries provide extensive research collections, collaborative study spaces, and digital tools to support your learning, group projects, and research across both communication and political science subjects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Communication / Arts (Political Science) at UQ opens doors to careers where your skills in communication and understanding of politics really make a difference. Many graduates move into roles such as Communications Specialist, Policy Analyst, Public Affairs Advisor, or Digital Media Strategist — jobs where you’re shaping messages, influencing audiences, and helping organisations make smart decisions:

  • Career support you can rely on: UQ’s Careers & Employability team guides you through everything from career planning and resume workshops to networking events and job applications. Their programs help you build the confidence and practical skills employers are looking for in communication and policy roles.

  • Strong employment outcomes: Around 81 % of UQ bachelor graduates secure full‑time work within a few months of finishing their studies, which is above the national average. This shows the value of the practical experience, internships, and projects you’ll complete while studying.

  • Industry connections: Through guest lectures, networking events, and placement programs, you’ll meet professionals from media, government, and NGOs — building contacts that can turn into internships or job opportunities.

  • Long-term degree value: Combining communication with political science gives you versatile, in-demand skills — from crafting clear messages and digital content to analysing policy and making strategic decisions — that employers across sectors value.

  • Graduate destinations: UQ Arts and Communication graduates work around the world in government, media, NGOs, and private companies, showing how flexible and globally relevant your skills will be.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, there are plenty of paths to choose from. Many students go on to postgraduate programs such as a Master of Communication, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International Relations. You could also pursue honours or research degrees if you’re interested in in-depth study. UQ provides guidance to help you plan your next steps, so you can specialise and prepare for even more advanced careers.

Program Key Stats

$45,792
$16,040
$ 150

Febr Intake : 1st NovJuly Intake : 30th Apr


40 %
No

Eligibility Criteria

CDD
3.0
27.75
70

1060
23
6.5
87
78

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Public relations officer
  • political journalist
  • media strategist
  • policy advisor
  • government communications specialist
  • political consultant
  • social media manager
  • legislative assistant
  • international relations analyst
  • corporate communications manager

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