Overview

Politics is the study of the nature of government, and the distribution of power at the domestic level. The major in Politics gives students the knowledge, theoretical understandings, and practical skills that underpin a successful career that engages with politics at the domestic level. You will focus on how individuals engage with politics, and how governing bodies that shape peoples’ lives make decisions.

You will compare key elements of political systems, including government institutions, political parties, interest groups, elections, patterns of political participation, and social movements. Upon completion of the major, students are equipped with the key concepts, theories and methods used across the discipline of political science.

Key research and teaching areas include:

• comparative politics: looking at the way politics is conducted in different nations, and the impact of different political systems and structure on the distribution of power in society;
• politics at a domestic level: the study of Australian politics, including the role of political parties and elections, interest groups and social movements, and the position of Australia in its region;
• the policy-making process and the way governments create and implement public policy; and
• key issues: elections, political protest, environmental politics, leadership, state economies, constitutions and differing political systems.

Graduates of this major have the skills desired by public, private, and non-profit organisations, domestically and in different political contexts across the world.

Requirements for completion

The requirements of the major and minor in Politics are listed in the Politics unit of study table.

Honours

Honours in Government and International Relations is an optional, additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of a bachelor’s degree with a major in Politics and/or International Relations. It provides high-achieving students an opportunity to develop research skills by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The honours year adds greater depth to an undergraduate degree and provides a pathway to higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies. Honours graduates are sought after by employers who value their superior research, analytical, and communication skills.

Students complete:

• two ‘seminar’ units of study relevant to their research project; and
• a substantial independent research project on an approved topic of their choice, culminating in the submission of a thesis of approximately 20,000 words. Students work on their thesis throughout the course, under the supervision of an academic staff member with expertise in the chosen area. The research should identify an area for investigation which makes an original contribution to knowledge.

Requirements and units of study for honours are listed in the Government and International Relations honours unit of study table.

Admission criteria

Honours in Government and International Relations may be undertaken in certain appended honours degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (Honours).

Applicants must have completed:

• the requirements of a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, including a major in Politics with a minimum weighted average mark of 70, or an equivalent qualification; and
• at least six 2000- and/or 3000-level units of study in Government and International Relations with a minimum result of 70.

Admission is subject to the availability of appropriate supervision and is not possible in Semester 2.

Students interested in undertaking Honours should contact the Discipline Honours Coordinator during the final semester of their bachelor’s degree. Information on the application process is available on the Honours page.

Contacts and further information