Undergraduate
Political Science and International Relations
Contact us
Address
Student Central
The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009
Telephone
131 UWA (131 892)
International
(+61 8) 6488 1000
Hours
Frequently asked questions
Careers and further study
This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.
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.
Further study
This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level including:
Master of International Relations
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Cost of living
Admission requirements
The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying one of these majors, find out the admission details below.
Minimum entry requirements
- 3.6
- 75.5
- 254
- 324
- 14.5
- 280
- 61
- 1130
- 56
- 75
Admission requirements
English competency
English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
How to apply
The application process to this course is different for the assured and graduate entry pathways, and for international and domestic applicants.
Refer to the below regarding application processes for each of the pathways . More information regarding admission requirements and prerequisites for each pathway can be found on the 'Admission Requirements' tab.
Domestic Pathways
- Domestic Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via TISC. Refer to TISC Online for current course codes and application deadlines.
- Domestic Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via GEMSAS, which open and close in accordance with the GEMSAS timeline. All domestic applicants must submit a valid GAMSAT score by the application closing date.
International Pathways
- International Assured Pathway/School Leaver Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
- International Graduate Entry: Applications are lodged via UWA's online application system or via an authorised international education agent.
Course details
About the course
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Albany (Regional campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- 12-15 contact hours, plus at least twice as much of your own study time
- Undergraduate
- MJD-POLSC
- 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Amy Bowdrey
Amy Bowdrey
UWA equipped me with the skills and experiences that have shaped my chosen career path. While I was there, I was able to complete an exchange to the University of York where I was able to learn from an entirely different perspective.
I continue to work with UWA even after graduating. I am involved in the Career Mentor Link Program where I mentor a student in their career development.
My passion is to empower those to speak, not to speak for them. I hope that I can use my skills to empower people with lived experiences of injustice and inequality to develop their own organisations, causes or voices to empower others who are similarly impacted.”
Amy Bowdrey - Program Support Coordinator, DVassist
Bachelor of Arts ‘19 (Political Science and International Relations, Law and Society)
You may also be interested in these courses
Archaeology 
Asian Studies 
History Put theory into practice
Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.
Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.
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.
Popular combinations
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
Why take a second major
- Expand your skills - Taking a second major either in a complementary area or in something like Economics or Business Law will show you have developed transferable skills such as, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills – which are highly sought after in the workforce.
- Add it to your resume – Employers are looking for graduates who have skills in a variety of areas. Two majors will expand your career prospects and help you stand out amongst the crowd.
Your degree options
This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Philosophy
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
Changing the world through international relations
Interested in leading diplomatic negotiations, developing foreign policy or tackling global crises? Find out more in Changing the world through international relations.
Meet our students
