Bachelor of Arts(Politics)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Southern Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at the University of Southern Queensland is perfect if you’re curious about how governments work, how power is shared, and how decisions affect people both locally and globally. You’ll dive into real-world political issues, sharpen your critical thinking, and gain skills that open doors to careers in government, advocacy, media, and international affairs.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in politics and communication. Units like POL1001 Democracy and Power in Australia and JRN1010 Fake News and the Fourth Estate introduce you to how political systems operate and how media shapes public opinion. Alongside these, you’ll build key research and analytical skills to help you think critically about society.

Year 2
Second year takes you deeper into theory, ethics, and global perspectives. With courses like SOC2022 Theories of Power and ETH2000 Ethics in Everyday Life, you’ll explore the ideas that drive political systems and decisions. Units such as INR2001 Australian Foreign Relations broaden your understanding of how local politics connects with international issues.

Year 3
In your final year, you’ll focus on putting knowledge into practice. Through hands-on projects like CCI3001 Creative Industries Project A and CCI3002 Creative Industries Project B, you’ll develop a professional portfolio and gain experience that prepares you for the workforce. By the end, you’ll be ready to step confidently into careers in policy, advocacy, or political analysis.

Focus areas

Political systems, public policy, international relations, media and politics, ethics and governance, power and society

Learning outcomes

You’ll graduate with strong critical thinking and research skills, the ability to analyse policies and political trends, media literacy, and a clear understanding of both global and domestic political landscapes.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This degree sets you up for work in government, public service, non-profits, media, or advocacy. Careers could include policy advisor, political analyst, or human rights advocate.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UniSQ focuses on practical learning and real-world experience, so graduates are well-prepared and confident entering the workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UniSQ, studying politics isn’t just about reading textbooks or listening to lectures — it’s about applying what you learn in real-world settings. You’ll engage with current political issues, develop communication strategies, and work on projects that mirror professional practice. The university provides excellent facilities to support your learning, including modern libraries with extensive research resources, collaborative computer labs, and quiet study spaces. You’ll also have opportunities for work experience and industry placements, as well as mentoring programs that connect you with professionals in government, media, and advocacy.

Hands-on learning opportunities include:

Industry Experience Program: Complete structured work experience with real organisations to apply your knowledge and build professional skills.
UniSQ Industry Connect Mentoring Program: Receive one-on-one guidance and career insights from experienced professionals.
Collaborative projects and group work: Many units include team-based assessments that simulate workplace collaboration and problem-solving.
Library and research support: Access extensive digital and print resources to conduct in-depth research and policy analysis.
Computer labs and study spaces: Use campus labs and group rooms for teamwork, presentations, and digital research projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at the University of Southern Queensland leave ready to make an impact in the real world. You could work as a policy advisor, a political analyst, a human rights advocate, or a public servant, with options also in media, advocacy, and community organisations. The degree gives you both the knowledge and practical experience to step confidently into these roles:

Careers & Employability support: UniSQ’s Careers & Employability team offers personalised advice, resume and interview guidance, and help finding internships and work opportunities to kickstart your career.
Graduate outcomes and starting salaries: UniSQ graduates enjoy strong employment rates and competitive starting salaries, reflecting the real-world relevance of the skills they gain.
University–industry partnerships: Collaborations with government, media, and non-profit organisations give you exposure to practical work and help you build professional networks while you study.
Accreditation and long-term value: The degree equips you with research, communication, and analytical skills that are valued across sectors, giving your qualification lasting professional relevance.
Graduation outcomes: Many graduates secure employment soon after finishing their studies, benefiting from UniSQ’s hands-on, career-focused approach.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you can move into postgraduate programs or an honours year to deepen your expertise. Options include a graduate diploma or a master’s in areas like public policy, international relations, or political communication. These pathways can open doors to specialised roles, research positions, or leadership opportunities.