Why study with us?
Ranked 24th in the world for politics and international studies in the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Gain invaluable first-hand experience in real-life projects through our fourth year placement program.
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.
Fourth year focuses entirely on the practical study of Politics and International Relations. You can complete advanced coursework and a substantial project or undertake a dedicated internship program to gain first-hand experience in real-life projects with one of our partner organisations.
Students will graduate with a major in Politics and International Relations.
Students will graduate with a major in Politics and International Relations.
For full course details see our Handbook.
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.
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 | |
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 to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
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.
If you’ve already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
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.
Our graduates can be found in a broad range of careers and roles, including:
Indicative Undergraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study in the course, and the specific units of study in which you enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
Please note that for some courses there are additional costs in addition to the student contribution. Some of these additional costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Please consult the University's web page for more information: https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Students
The tuition fee for international undergraduate students is an indication of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount. For further information about how to calculate your specific total tuition fees, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Combined undergraduate degree tuition fees
For international students, for combined undergraduate degrees, a single indicative course tuition fee applies for the duration of your study in the combined degree, regardless of the units of study that are undertaken as part of your combined degree. Importantly, the single indicative course tuition fee is subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your study in the combined degree.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
