Undergraduate Major

Politics and International Studies

With a major in Politics and International Studies, you’ll learn how to engage with complex political issues of our globalised world. 

What type of student are you?

Murdoch code
MJ-POLI
Study mode
Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
CRICOS code
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Overview

Organisations, businesses, and entire nations are run by a combination of systems, decisions and activities known as governance. In this course, you’ll examine political power, public policy, political institutions, ideas and processes, and their transformations at national and global levels. You’ll learn how organisations, including government bodies, can benefit from high-performing leaders and strong internal systems.

This is the only course of its kind in WA, exploring both political and economic forces to help you develop new ways of thinking about what shapes the world.

You can expand your career opportunities through a range of programs at our Sir Walter Murdoch School of Public Policy and International Affairs, or explore the social, political, historical, environmental and economic forces at play in Asia through our Asia Research Centre.

3 reasons to study Politics and International Studies at Murdoch

  1. Explore a unique combination of global politics and economics to build knowledge and skills which will be in demand from a range of employers.
  2. Build your network of contacts through our industry connections and strong links with the Asian region through our Asia Research Centre.
  3. Have the opportunity to get work experience through working closely with politicians and senior administrators from the WA Public Sector and parliament. You’ll take on a project and work together on different issues. You’ll also get to spend time in and around the government offices giving you real exposure to the inner workings of government and the public sector.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. In this course you will: 

  • Develop a variety of approaches to analysing local and global forces that affect political institutions and the policies they produce.
  • Examine issues and theories of global politics and public policy-making. 
  • Clearly and persuasively communicate concepts, problems and arguments in the disciplines of Political Science and Public Policy.

Career opportunities

When you graduate with a degree in Politics and International Studies, you could pursue a wide range of career opportunities. Careers could include:

  • Foreign Correspondent or Journalist
  • Political and Policy Advisor
  • Politician
  • Security Analyst
  • Lobbyist

You could work in analytical and decision-making positions in state and federal public service, international organisations, government and non-government agencies, journalism, media, public relations, education, welfare, health policy, business administration, corporate government relations, think tanks and research institutes.

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code Unit name Credit points
Major24 credit points
Required Units6 credit points
POL133Politics, Power and Policy3
POL161Understanding International Politics3

Elective Units

Students complete up to 18cp of the following units
18 credit points
POL200Australian Foreign and Security Policy3
OR
POL201Global Justice, Aid and Security3
OR
POL202Policing and the Politics of Counterterrorism3
OR
POL203Climate Change, Natural Resources and Conflict3
OR
POL204Politics and the Media3
OR
POL205Australian Politics and Government3
OR
POL226Sex and Gender Matters3
OR
POL228Democracy, Dictatorship and Capitalism3
OR
POL234Violent Extremism and Radicalisation in a Globalised World3
OR
POL246Public Policy Analysis3
OR
POL298International Political Economy3
OR
POL303Politics, the state and Crisis3
OR
POL304Security Challenges in Policy and Practice 3
OR
POL305Mining and the Politics of Development3
OR
POL331Democracy in Doubt3
OR
POL345International Security Studies3
OR
POL306The Politics of Human Rights3
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Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

There may be a reduction in choice of units if completing this course in the external mode.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

 

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

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Fees and scholarships

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Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.

Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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