Bachelor of Arts (Integrated Professional)(Political Science and International Relations)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Integrated Professional) in Political Science and International Relations at the University of Western Australia is a 3.5-year degree that combines rigorous academic learning with practical career experience. You’ll explore how governments work, how international relations shape the world, and how public policies are made, all while developing skills that make you job-ready and confident in professional settings.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year introduces you to the core ideas of politics and international relations. Units like Understanding Politics and Policy, Understanding Global Politics, and The International Politics of Climate Change give you a clear picture of how governments operate and how global challenges are addressed. You’ll also start building essential skills in critical thinking, research, and communication.

Year 2:
In second year, your studies become more focused. You’ll explore Foundations of Public Policy, Foundations of Comparative Politics, Foundations of Foreign Policy, and Foundations of Global Political Economy, learning how countries govern themselves, interact with one another, and respond to global economic and political pressures. This year strengthens your ability to analyse complex issues and think across different contexts.

Year 3:
By third year, you’ll dive into specialised topics that match your interests. Units like The Politics of Human Rights, Politics of the Mass Media, Global Environmental Politics, and Social Movements and the Politics of Change let you explore real-world political and global challenges, often through projects, debates, and research that mirror professional tasks.

Final 0.5 Year (Honours/Professional Integration):
In your final term, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned through professional experience or an honours-style research project. This might include a Work Integrated Learning Internship Program, where you apply your skills in a real workplace. By the end, you’ll graduate with both knowledge and practical experience, ready to take on a professional career or further study.

Focus Areas

Political theory, global governance, comparative politics, public policy, international relations, professional research and applied experience

Learning Outcomes

Critical thinking, policy analysis, research and communication skills, cross-cultural understanding, and practical professional competencies

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree blends rigorous social science study with professional experience, preparing you for careers in government, international organisations, media, advocacy, or policy roles — skills that employers highly value.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UWA is part of Australia’s elite Group of Eight research-intensive universities and is highly regarded worldwide for teaching quality and graduate outcomes, giving your degree credibility with employers and postgraduate programs alike.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this degree, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks — you’ll get hands-on experience that lets you apply your knowledge, develop real-world skills, and build professional confidence. UWA supports this with modern lecture theatres, collaborative breakout spaces, and extensive libraries, giving you the perfect environment to research, discuss, and work on projects. You’ll also have opportunities to connect your studies with the professional world through structured programs and internships.

Some of the ways you’ll gain practical experience include:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Complete a professional internship with government offices, NGOs, think tanks, or other organisations, earning credit while gaining valuable workplace experience.
Applied policy and diplomacy units: Courses like Policy and Diplomacy in Practice let you explore how political ideas and international relations work in real-world contexts, often through projects, simulations, and hands-on exercises.
Group projects and collaboration: Many units use interactive discussions, case studies, and team-based problem solving, helping you build teamwork, research, and communication skills.
Research and specialist centres: Engage with UWA’s research communities and policy institutes, such as the Public Policy Institute, to learn from experts and explore current debates in politics and international relations.
Study abroad and global experiences: Take advantage of UWA’s exchange programs to study overseas, gain international perspectives, and bring fresh insights back to your degree.

These opportunities mean you’ll graduate not just with knowledge, but with practical skills, professional confidence, and experiences that set you apart in the workplace.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Integrated Professional) in Political Science and International Relations leave UWA with a unique mix of practical skills, critical thinking, and real-world experience that employers highly value. You’ll be ready to step into roles like policy analyst, government advisor, communications specialist, or international relations officer, where you can make a real difference in shaping decisions locally and globally. This degree gives you not just knowledge, but the confidence and hands-on experience to succeed in your career.

Here’s how UWA helps you turn your degree into career-ready opportunities:

Career support services: UWA’s Careers & Employability Centre provides personalised guidance on resumes, job applications, interview skills, and networking — so you’re ready to approach employers with confidence.
Strong graduate outcomes: Many graduates secure full-time work within months of finishing, with competitive starting salaries, and UWA is ranked among the top universities globally for graduate employability.
Industry connections: Through career fairs, networking events, and collaborations with government agencies, NGOs, and policy institutes, you can start building professional connections early.
Accreditation and reputation: UWA is a member of Australia’s elite Group of Eight, and your degree carries lasting credibility with employers worldwide.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, you’ll have excellent pathways for further study. Many students choose postgraduate programs like a Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International Law and Relations, allowing you to specialise further and open doors to higher-level roles in policy, diplomacy, or research.