Politics and International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations) is a four years full time degree. This new degree covers all aspects of political, cultural and economic relations at both the domestic and international levels. It explores the world-shaping political forces that extend far beyond national boundaries and impact our lives in unexpected ways.

You will engage with contemporary issues such as the Syrian War, nuclear proliferation, the global refugee crisis, the crisis in the international political economy, the implications of Brexit, and what the election of President Trump means for the world, Australia, and you. Politics and International Relations is one of the most exciting and dynamic subjects to study at university, taught by a team of leading academics and researchers.

Requirements for completion

The Politics and International Relations stream requires 192 credit points including:

i) A 72 credit point program in Politics and International Relations
(ii) A minimum of 12 credit points taken from the Open Learning Environment;
(ii) A second major*, which can be selected from the pool of majors in Table A/Table S;
(iv) Completion of either Honours or advanced coursework, or, for students in the stream only, an internship
(v) Elective units from Table A and Table S as required to fulfil the credit points required for the degree.

A program in Politics and International Relations requires 72 credit points from the Unit of Study table including:

(i) A major (48 credit points) in Politics and International Relations;
(ii) A minimum of 18 credit points of stream-specific units
(iii) A minimum of 6 credit points of 1000-level selective units

A major in Politics and International Relations requires 48 credit points, including:
(i) A minimum of 12 credit points of 1000-level core units
(ii) A minimum of 18 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) A minimum of 6 credit points of 3000-level Interdisciplinary Project units
(iv) A minimum of 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units

* Students wishing to complete this stream within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws by undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, will complete the 48 credit points of combined Law compulsory units from years 1, 2 and 3 from the University of Sydney Law School Undergraduate table instead of a second major.

First year

In level one, all students are given a basic grounding in the core elements of both politics and international relations. Students will be introduced to political theory, comparative political systems, and the history of international system and international relations theory. Students will also undertake specialised study focusing on contemporary issues in politics and international relations which will introduce the various ways in which academic researchers and public intellectuals respond to world events.

Second year

Students will take a dedicated unit in both politics and international relations. All students will also take a unit in Political Analysis, international security, and international organisations. Students will engage critically with current events through further specialised units that delve into current events and contemporary issues in politics and international relations in more depth.

Third year

All students will be required to complete an advanced unit that will engage with the theoretical underpinnings of the current academic discourse and understandings of politics and international relations. In addition, students can choose from a broad range of elective senior units in politics and international relations.

Fourth year

The fourth year offers students increased opportunities through project units, which encourage students to use their research skills and knowledge to contribute to public debate. Our work placement and interships program provides students with enquiry-based learning activities and the chance to conduct research for organisations in the areas of public policy and international affairs.

Honours Pathway

Admission to Honours in the Politics and International Relations stream requires a major in either Politics or International Relations with a weighted average mark of 70 or above, and a second major.

Advanced Coursework pathway

The Advanced Coursework option provides students with the opportunity to broaden and deepen their subject knowledge and conduct a semester long project that can be either research or career based.

Placement pathway

The placement pathway exposes students to real-world projects that will enhance their career-ready skills. This pathway aims to provide students with a high level of skills that contemporary employers require.

Sample pathway

Sample pathway for Honours within the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations).
Note: Students are free to complete their majors and electives from the subject areas available in Table A or S.
* OLE units are indicative only. A comprehensive list of OLE units may be selected from Table O.

Contact/further information

Department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/government_international_relations/

Undergraduate Coordinator: