Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/ Bachelor of Science in Psychology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Politics and International Relations / Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Canberra is a unique double degree that lets you explore both how people think and behave, and how governments and global systems operate. It’s ideal for students who want to combine an understanding of human behaviour with the skills to analyse politics, public policy, and international affairs, preparing you for a wide range of careers from psychology to policy, diplomacy, and research.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll lay the groundwork for both disciplines. You’ll start with psychology units that introduce the science behind human behaviour and research methods, while politics and international relations subjects show how governments and global systems function. This combination helps you develop both analytical and empathetic thinking from the start.

Year 2:
In the second year, your studies become more connected and applied. Psychology units cover topics like cognition, biological bases of behaviour, and empirical research methods, while politics subjects explore global issues such as terrorism, regional political dynamics, and public policy. You’ll start seeing how psychological insights can inform political and societal decision-making.

Year 3:
By your third year, you’ll be combining scientific and analytical thinking with broader societal perspectives. Advanced psychology courses build your skills in research and data interpretation, while politics and international relations units refine your ability to analyse political power, governance, and international events. You’ll also develop the confidence to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll dive deeper into specialised topics. Psychology may cover areas like psychopathology or social cognition, while politics subjects focus on international relations, policy development, and contemporary regional issues. Together, these studies equip you to approach careers or further study with both a scientific and political perspective.

Focus areas

Human behaviour, scientific psychology, research methods, political systems, public policy, international affairs, regional politics

Learning outcomes

Understanding of human behaviour, empirical research skills, critical and analytical thinking, political analysis, global awareness, and the ability to interpret complex data

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The psychology component is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), ensuring your studies meet professional standards for postgraduate training, while the politics and international relations component gives you skills highly valued in government, research, and policy sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Canberra is known for hands-on learning and strong graduate outcomes in social and behavioural sciences. This double degree equips you with a versatile skill set that is attractive to employers in psychology, public service, international organisations, NGOs, and research roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Canberra, the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations / Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed to make your learning practical and hands-on. You’ll do more than just study theory — you’ll gain real-world experience through internships, research projects, professional practice units, and collaborative work that prepares you for careers in psychology, policy, and international affairs. UC’s campus supports you with modern study spaces, a fully equipped library, and access to research centres, helping you develop the skills employers really value:

Here are some of the practical experiences you’ll benefit from:

Internships and Work-Integrated Learning – Take part in placements with government agencies, community organisations, or research centres, earning academic credit while gaining real workplace experience.
Professional Practice Units – These units let you apply what you learn in class to real-world settings, building research, communication, and ethical practice skills.
Research Centres and Labs – Engage with UC’s Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis or psychology labs, giving you hands-on experience in research that impacts policy and public debate.
Library and Study Facilities – UC’s library offers extensive resources, study supports, and bookable group rooms to help you complete assignments, projects, and collaborative work.
Collaborative and Tech-Enabled Spaces – Use on-campus lounges and meeting rooms equipped with technology for group projects, presentations, and preparation for internships or fieldwork.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations / Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Canberra prepares you for a broad range of rewarding careers where understanding people and society matters. Many graduates go on to work as policy advisers, diplomatic officers, intelligence analysts, or in psychology-related roles, using their skills in research, analysis, and communication to make a real impact. With UC’s focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience, you’ll finish your degree confident and ready to step straight into the professional world.

Here’s how the University of Canberra helps you get career-ready:

Personalised career support through Careers UC – Access guidance on resumes, interviews, and job searches, plus CareerHub for internships and graduate opportunities.
Strong employment outcomes – UC graduates enjoy high full-time employment rates, with competitive starting salaries (median around AUD 71,000), giving you a strong advantage in the job market.
Industry and government connections – Through Work Integrated Learning and placements, you’ll build networks with employers in government, research, policy, psychology, and not-for-profit organisations.
Hands-on practical experience – Internships, placements, and real-world projects are embedded in your degree, letting you gain workplace experience and professional confidence before graduation.
Canberra location advantage – Studying in Australia’s capital gives you easy access to government departments, policy organisations, and research institutes for networking, events, and placements.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this double degree, you can continue your studies to specialise or advance your career. Popular options include a Master of Psychology (leading to professional registration), a Master of Public Policy, a Master of International Relations, or research-focused Honours programs. These pathways open doors to senior roles in clinical practice, policy analysis, diplomacy, and advanced research.