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Develop core knowledge and professional skills to understand and critically engage with the politics of our complex, dynamic and globalised world. This major will give you an understanding of governments and political systems in Australia and internationally, and the values and ideologies that have motivated political action in modern society.

Societies can only continue to exist if they solve the problem of internal order and are able to protect themselves from external threats. Political Science and International Relations studies how societies govern themselves and the collective decisions, or public policies, they need, or choose, to make.

Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Why study this course?

Prepare for a wide range of careers, gaining both the ability to identify connections between global, national and local phenomena, and skills in research, analysis, cross-cultural awareness, critical thinking, problem solving and communication

Access many internship and study abroad options

A range of important international think tanks established at UWA contribute to the teaching and learning of this major

You'll learn to

Demonstrate advanced knowledge about the nature of politics and the functions of diverse political ideas, theories, actors, institutions and systems;

Critically explain and evaluate key political and policy dynamics at local, national, transnational, regional and international levels;

Creatively apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to independently and collaboratively address challenges, crises and change in the political world;

Competently apply basic Political Science and International Relations methods and skills to design and execute social research;

Effectively communicate political knowledge, ideas, analyses and arguments in different formats.

Career Pathways

Political Science and International Relations graduates are trained in critical thinking, problem-solving, the ability to identify connections between global, national and local phenomena, research and analysis, cross-cultural awareness, and oral and written communication skills. These skills prepare students for a wide range of occupations.

Graduates of this major are not only found in political parties, ministers’ offices and parliament – many graduates often go on to policy and research positions in international, national and local government agencies, in the private sector, non-governmental and community organisations, in parliament, political parties and electoral agencies; or to careers in law, the media and the education sector. A specialisation in international relations is also directly relevant for careers in foreign affairs, diplomacy, defence, intelligence, trade and international organisations.