Study arts and social sciences with us
Overview
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
This 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.
You will graduate with a major in Politics and International Relations, which you complete in the first three years of the degree, and work with a team of leading academics and researchers to identify and evaluate current affairs and issues that shape global politics.
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
- Advanced Coursework: Enhance your leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and increase your employment prospects. You will undertake challenging coursework and a substantial real-world project individually or in collaboration with other students.
- Honours: Develop deep analytical skills and prepare yourself for further research opportunities, such as pursuing a PhD. You will undertake a supervised but independent research project as well as connected discipline-based and/or research-focused coursework. Admission to the honours pathway is subject to meeting the specified WAM and additional entry requirements. Check with your faculty for details.
Subject areas
Students will graduate with a major in Politics and International Relations.
Shared pool
Students will graduate with a major in Politics and International Relations.
Admission, fees and how to apply
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
The details on this page based on your selections are a guide only, and are subject to change.
English language proficiency
Find out if you need to prove English language proficiency (depends on your country of origin and educational background).
Your fee
Your funding & scholarships
How to apply
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate scholarship deadlines apply visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Starting date
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
What you'll study
For full course details see our Handbook.
Completion requirement
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Sample study plan
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Introduction to International Relations | Popular Culture and Politics | Elective | Sociology major |
| 2 | Introduction to Politics | Contemporary Issues in Politics and International Relations I (Program-specific unit) | Elective | Sociology major | |
| 2 | 1 | Intermediate International Relations | Making Policy in Political Context | Open Learning Environment unit | Sociology major |
| 2 | Political Analysis | Contemporary Issues in Politics and International Relations II(Program-specific unit) | Politics and International Relations elective | Sociology major | |
| 3 | 1 | Politics and International Relations elective | Politics and International Relations elective | Sociology major | Sociology major |
| 2 | Politics and International Relations elective | Politics and International Relations advanced | Sociology major | Sociology major | |
| 4 | 1 | Project unit | Advanced coursework | Advanced coursework | Elective |
| 2 | Project unit | Advanced coursework | Advanced coursework | Elective | |
Assumed knowledge
Depends on the areas or units of study. For language studies: pathways are available for applicants with no prior language experience, as well as for those with prior experience in the respective language of study.
Admission criteria
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
- a secondary education qualification such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (including national and international equivalents), or approved higher education study, including approved preparation courses.
- English language requirements where these are not demonstrated by sufficient qualifications taught in English.
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
Credit for previous study
If you’ve already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
Course opportunities
Most subject areas within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations) allow you to take part in an international exchange program. The program enables you to have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in real-life projects with one of our partner organisations through the fourth-year placement program.
Career Pathways
Our graduates can be found in a broad range of careers and roles, including:
- Current affairs journalist
- Diplomat
- Government and public service administrator
- Intelligence and risk analyst
- Non-government or private sector administrator
- Policy researcher and consultant
- Political adviser
- Think tank participant
- Start-up innovator
The world is changing, and university education needs to change too
Domestic students
International students
