Bachelors of Information Technology / Arts(Political Science)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland is a unique dual degree that lets you combine technical skills with a strong understanding of how governments and global politics work. It’s a great fit if you’re curious about how technology shapes society, policy, and international affairs—and want a career that blends innovation with real-world impact.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in both areas. On the IT side, you’ll explore introductory programming and information systems, while in political science you’ll study courses like Introduction to Political Ideas and Introduction to Australian Politics. This year is all about understanding the basics of how technology and political systems function.

Year 2:
As you gain confidence, you’ll move into more applied learning. You might study software design or data management in IT, alongside subjects like Political Problems and Public Policy. This is where you begin to see how technology and policy intersect in the real world.

Year 3:
In your third year, you’ll dive deeper into your interests. Expect more advanced IT topics such as user experience or systems design, paired with political science courses like Political Thought: Machiavelli to Modernity. You’ll sharpen your ability to think critically about global issues and how technology can influence them.

Year 4:
Your final year brings everything together. Through project work and potentially industry-linked experiences, you’ll apply your technical knowledge to real societal or political challenges. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a well-rounded skill set that’s both practical and globally relevant.

Focus areas

Information systems, software design, user experience, political ideologies, public policy, global governance

Learning outcomes

Strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, clear communication, technical IT expertise, and a deep understanding of political systems and decision-making

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Designed with industry input, the program ensures your IT skills stay aligned with current professional standards and employer expectations

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Queensland is ranked among the top universities globally, with strong QS rankings in both computer science and arts—giving graduates a solid edge in the job market

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Queensland, this dual degree is built around learning by doing. You won’t just sit through lectures—you’ll spend time in modern computing labs, collaborate on real projects, and take part in interactive political science classes where discussion and debate are key. The combination of advanced IT facilities and strong research-led teaching in politics means you’ll graduate with practical skills you’ve already tested in realistic settings.

Here’s how that experience comes together in practice:

Industry placements: You’ll have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through work placements, helping you understand how IT and policy-related roles operate in the real world
Project-based learning: Many courses include group projects where you’ll solve real problems—sometimes blending tech solutions with social or political challenges
Interactive Learning Centre (iLC): Dedicated computing spaces where you can code, build systems, and work on assignments using university-supported tools and software
Advanced IT tools & systems: Access to high-performance computing, programming environments, and data analysis tools used in industry
Collaborative learning spaces: UQ’s libraries and study hubs offer group rooms, digital resources, and quiet zones—ideal for teamwork and research-heavy assignments
Seminars & small-group classes: In political science, you’ll regularly take part in discussions, case studies, and policy debates that sharpen your communication and critical thinking
Global opportunities: Options like exchange or short-term overseas study let you experience international politics and tech environments firsthand
Research-driven environment: You’ll be learning in a university known for its research, with access to labs, institutes, and academic expertise that feed directly into your coursework

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) at the University of Queensland sets you up for a career that’s both versatile and future-focused. You’ll have a mix of technical skills and political insight—something that’s increasingly valuable in today’s data-driven, globally connected world. Many graduates go on to roles like software developer, policy analyst, IT consultant, or cybersecurity specialist:

Career support that actually helps: UQ’s careers service supports you from day one with resume building, interview prep, and networking events where you can meet real employers
Strong employment outcomes: UQ graduates consistently achieve high full-time employment rates shortly after graduation, reflecting strong demand across both tech and public sectors
Competitive starting salaries: Graduates typically enter the workforce with solid starting salaries, especially in IT-related roles where demand continues to grow
Industry connections: The program is shaped with input from industry, and UQ has established links with leading organisations—giving you access to opportunities and real-world exposure
Recognised accreditation: The IT component is accredited by the Australian Computer Society, which adds credibility to your qualification both in Australia and internationally
Graduate outcomes: UQ graduates are known for being job-ready, with skills that translate well across industries—from government and consulting to tech companies and global organisations

Further Academic Progression:

If you decide to keep studying, you’ll have plenty of options. You could deepen your technical expertise with a master’s in areas like IT, data science, or cybersecurity, or shift towards the policy side with postgraduate study in public policy or international relations. The flexibility of this degree means you’re not locked into one path—you can evolve your career in the direction that suits you best.