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.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
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.
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.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
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.
Semester 1 (March) 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.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 30 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
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
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:
