Politics
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.
Advanced coursework
Students enrolled in the final (fourth) year of a Bachelor of Advanced Studies combined degree are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit points of advanced coursework, including a minimum of 12 credit points of project units.
Honours
Honours in Politics is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of a bachelor’s degree with a major in the discipline. 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 a 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 Politics honours unit of study table.
Admission criteria
Honours in Politics 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;
- at least six 2000- and/or 3000-level units of study in Government and International Relations with a minimum result of 70; and
- For pre-July 2024 students undertaking a Bachelor of Advanced Studies: a second major.
Admission is subject to the availability of appropriate supervision.
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.
