Facts & figures
Politics and International Studies
- #2 in Australia
- #24 in the world
- 2020 QS World University Rankings
Facts & figures
In a time of revolutions, economic turmoil and terrorism, everyone has a stake in how disputes are resolved and co-operation is improved. We understand and explain politics and international relations as well as the forces that shape and drive political, economic and social change.
Our internationally recognised academics engage with the big issues the world faces today, dealing with everything from Trump to the implications of Brexit, terrorism, the war in Syria, climate change, nuclear proliferation, the global refugee crisis and the global financial crisis.
Understand traditional and emerging security challenges and apply theories to current events and policy debates. Explore complex, interconnected issues such as causes and consequences of war; ethnic, religious and ideological conflict; and threats from climate change, disease and nuclear proliferation. We will draw on economics, political science, law, business, public health and more.
Politics is the study of the nature of governments and the distribution of power at the domestic level. With our wide range of degrees, gain the knowledge, theoretical understanding and practical skills to engage with politics and understand the key elements of political systems, including government institutions, political parties, and social movements. You will also compare key elements of political systems including government institutions, political parties, interest groups, elections, patterns of political participation, and social movements.
International Relations is the study of the international political and economic system. Explore the historical development of that system, understand the actors, institutions, and processes of international politics and develop a critical insight into the forces governing the behaviour of states, the factors that lead to military conflict or peaceful co-operation, and the current trends towards a world that is both more globally integrated and fragmented.
*Available to all students studying the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Visual Arts, as well as all combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees.
Gain critical perspectives on the global, national and local levels of a rapidly changing policy environment with growing public scrutiny and complex challenges. Explore the opportunities and constraints stemming from political, social, economic, civil and technological factors at both the national and global levels.
Our department offers teaching and internationally recognised research in all major fields of the discipline, including:
Our department contributes to these centres:
In 2008 the Department created an External Advisory Committee to help it relate to its community partners and to respond to the challenges of the future.
Currently there are twelve members sitting on the committee. Their professional experiences include journalism, management, parliamentary education, public service, college dean, psychologist, school education executive, chief of staff to a federal minister, and law.
View committee members' profile, previous members, terms of reference and the triennial reports: 2008-2011, 2011-2014, 2014-2017.
Members of the committee:
UPDATE: In light of COVID-19 developments, please be advised this University event will no longer take place in the short term. Some of our events are transitioning to online, and these will be advertised accordingly. Let us know what event you're interested in via our online form, and we'll update you as the situation changes.
Learn more about the University’s advice regarding COVID-19 here.
For a full listing of our upcoming events, please visit the School's events calendar.
Our Colloquium Series aims to showcase recent research by members of the Department, visiting scholars and international and interstate guests in an informal setting, conducive to lively debate. The Series is coordinated by Dr Gorana Grgic.