Can you see yourself jet-setting the globe with a career in trade, foreign affairs, journalism, international business or research? You have found the right degree.
ANU is a leader in the field of International Relations.
Our program will introduce you to International Relations, initially via the broad historical and intellectual framework which has framed the modern world of states since the 17th century. It will then concentrate on the 20th century, the age of World Wars and the Cold War, before addressing contemporary issues, the age of global political economy, global culture and communication, global environmental concerns and post-Cold war political conflict, including the 'War on Terror'.
With our flexible program you can extend your chosen language subject into a major, and have the opportunity to go on exchange or an international/national internship.
The Bachelor of Political Science is the only dedicated Political Science degree in Australia. The ANU has some of the world’s finest political scientists, and was the only Australian university to receive a 5 (“well above world class”) in both of the Excellence in Research for Australia’s reports. Located in the national capital, the ANU is the only university with a right to place interns in Australian Parliament House. The Bachelor of Political Science will give you the knowledge, theoretical understandings, and practical skills that underpin a successful career that engages with politics.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of International Relations, graduates will be able to:
- Identify the principal theoretical approaches to the study of international relations, and the relationships between them;
- Have a thorough understanding of the historical development of the global system;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principal actors in contemporary global politics and the challenges they face;
- Understand the principal factors that determine the foreign policies of major powers and of Australia;
- Reflect critically on the knowledge and skills developed in their study of International Relations.
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Political Science, graduates will be able to:
- Apply concepts and theories used in the study of political science to the analysis of interests, ideas, institutions and behaviour and to the evaluation of political phenomena;
- Apply a range of research methods to the investigation of political phenomena;
- Demonstrate understanding of differences in political systems and the contexts in which they operate; and
- Communicate and debate both orally and in writing, and work with others, using a variety of media.
Admission Requirements
Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:
• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.
Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.
More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.
The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.
- ATAR:
- 90
- QLD Band:
- 6
- International Baccalaureate:
- 33
Domestic applicant entry requirements
Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.
International applicant entry requirements
International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants
The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.
Adjustment Factors
The National Access Scheme 2014
ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.
Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.
Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.
Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.
How to apply
Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.
Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/ for more information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of International Relations - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Political Science - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $36,720.00
Scholarships
ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.
Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
For further information see the Scholarships website.
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of International Relations flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1005 Intro to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
POLS1006 Intro to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
POLS2133 International Organizations in World Politics
POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis: Understanding Global and Australian Foreign Policy Decision-Making
POLS3017 International Relations Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following theory courses:
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2102 The Political Philosophy of Deception
POLS3032 The Politics of Empire
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A minimum of 6 units from the following methods courses:
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Science
POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis
POLS3028 Researching and Writing Human Rights
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from the following areas studies courses:
ASIA2109 Politics of South Asia
EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
INTR2010 International Relations of the Asia-Pacific
INTR2028 Southeast Asia: ASEAN and Regional Order
MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2117 The International Relations of Latin America
A minimum of 6 units from the following security courses:
INTR2012 China's New Approaches to Asia Pacific Security
INTR2014 Indian Foreign and Security Policy
INTR2016 US Security Policy in Asia
INTR2018 Japan's Security Dilemmas
INTR2020 Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula
INTR2024 Nuclear Politics in Asia: Challenges and Opportunities
POLS2099 Cartographies of Security: Critical Security Studies and International Politics
POLS2123 Peace and Conflict Studies
POLS2124 Politics of Nuclear Weapons
POLS2131 Security Communities: From War to Peace
POLS3033 Environment, Human Security and Conflict
POLS3036 International Terrorism
STST1001 Introduction to International Security Studies
STST2001 International Security Issues in the Asia Pacific
STST3001 Transnational Security Issues in the Asia-Pacific
STST2003 Security in the South Pacific: Is it Australia's "Arc of Instability"?
STST3002 Australia's Security in the Asian Century
A minimum of 6 units from the following global politics courses:
HIST2136 World at War, 1939-1945
HIST2141 The Cold War: 1945-1989
HIST2240 Democracy and Dissent: Europe Since 1945
PHIL2113 Global Justice
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2064 Global Social Movements
POLS2096 Genocide Studies
POLS2100 Genocide Post-1945
POLS2101 Refugee Politics: Displacement and Exclusion in the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries
POLS2113 Human Rights
SOCY2030 Sociology of Third World Development
A maximum of 12 units from the following internships and Vice Chancellors courses:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internship B
VCUG1001 The Art of Computing
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
A maximum of 24 units from courses in the following language minors
The Bachelor of Political Science flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must consist of:
24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
POLS1002 Introduction to Politics
POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science [new course]
POLS2119 Ideas in Politics
POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis
A minimum of 12 units from completion of political theory and political philosophy courses from the following list:
PHIL1004 Fundamanetal Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL2020 Theories of Social Justice
PHIL2113 Global Justice
PHIL2115 Political Philosophy from Hobbes to Mill
POLS2063 Contemporary Political Theory
POLS2075 Globalism and the Politics of Identity
POLS2102 The Political Philosophy of Deception
POLS2120 Foundations of Political Theory
A minimum of 12 units from completion of methodology courses from the following list:
ECON2141 Strategic Thinking: An Introduction to Game Theory
POLS2125 Game Theory and Social Sciences
POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics
SOCY2038 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
SOCY2043 Qualitative Research Methods
A minimum of 12 units from completion of Australian politics courses from the following list:
HIST2227 Australian Political History
POLS2009 Bureaucracy and Public Policy
POLS2111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia
POLS2114 Australian Political Institutions
POLS2121 Ideas in Australian Politics
A minimum of 12 units from completion of comparative politics courses from the following list:
ASIA2065 Comparative Politics (Asia Pacific)
POLS2043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying
POLS2104 Media Politics: Political leaders, media moguls, journalists and audiences
POLS2105 Political Leadership and Executive Government
POLS2126 Democracy: Its Causes and Consequences
POLS3029 Multi-Level Governance and Comparative Federalism
POLS3031 Comparative Judicial Politics
A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 units from completion of area studies courses from the following list:
ASIA2026 The Politics of China
ASIA2031 Japanese Politics
ASIA2049 Politics and Society in Contemporary Korea
ASIA2070 Democracy in Southeast Asia
ASIA2109 Politics of South Asia
ASIA2516 Indonesia: Politics, Society and Development
EURO2003 European Union: Policies, Institutions and Challenges
MEAS2001 New States of Eurasia: Emerging Issues in Politics and Security
POLS2025 Politics in Britain
POLS2031 Politics in the Middle East
POLS2055 Pacific Politics
POLS2069 Politics in Russia
POLS2070 Politics in Central Asia
POLS2095 Politics in Latin America
POLS2118 Democracy and Democratization in Latin America
POLS2127 U.S. Politics
POLS3030 Contemporary Politics of Brazil
A maximum of 6 units from completion of political economy courses from the following list:
ECON2013 Behavioural Economics: Psychology and Economics
MEAS2105 The Political Economy of the Middle East
PHIL2120 Towards a Critique of Political Economy: the Young Marx on Work, Property and Emancipation
POLS2011 Development and Change
POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy
A maximum of 12 units from completion of internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from the following list:
ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program Internship A
ANIP3005 Australian National Internships Program Internship B
POLS3022 Washington DC Internship
VCUG2001 Creating Knowledge
VCUG2002 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World
VCUG3001 Unravelling Complexity
VCUG3002 Mobilising Research
Minors
Bachelor of International Relations Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 Level Course 6 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 Level Course 6 units | POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | |
| Year 2 | POLS2133 International Organisations in World Politics 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | POLS2119 Ideas in Politics 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units |
| POLS2094 Issues in International Political Economy 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | POLS3025 Contemporary Political Analysis 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | |
| Year 3 | POLS3001 Foreign Policy Analysis 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units |
| POLS3017 International Relations Theory 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | |
| Year 4 | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units |
| Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level course from the listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units | Any 2000/3000 level Course from listed award rules 6 units |
Honours
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of International Relations (Honours)
For information about honours, please see Bachelor of Political Science (Honours)
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units) - four courses per semester (24 units)
A maximum of 60 units 0f 1000 level courses
36 units of Compulsory Bachelor of International Relations Courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
48 units of electives courses from across the ANU
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
Three years full time - four courses per semester (24 units)
36 units of compulsory Bachelor of International Relations courses
6 units of theory courses
6 units of method courses
12 units of areas studies courses
6 units of security courses
6 units of global politics courses
Up to 12 units of internships and Vice Chancellors courses
Up to 24 units of language minor courses
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of International Relations degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take the 36 units of International Relations compulsory courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of language minors courses. You'll also get to choose 48 units of electives courses from across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Arts subject.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of International Relations degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Bachelor of International Relations degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take the 36 units of International Relations compulsory
courses, 6 units of theory courses, 6 units of methods courses, 12 units
of areas studies courses, 6 units of security courses, 6 units of
global politics courses. To complete the required 96 units, you may take more than 6 units from
each of the specified lists or you may take up to 12 units of
internships and Vice chancellors courses and/or up to 24 units of
language minors courses.
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
• A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major, minor or specialisation.
• You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
• You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
• You need to enrol in the compulsory 1000 level courses for the Bachelor of International Relations POLS1005 and POLS1006
• You need to enrol in 12 units of 1000 level courses from the areas studies list EURO1004, MEAS1001 and POLS1007 and/or courses from the language minor
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Bachelor of International Relations half of the double degree
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When
you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses
have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as POLS1234.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You need to enrol in two 1000-level compulsory courses for the Bachelor of International Relations:
• POLS1005 - Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts
• POLS1006 - Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues
You need to enrol in two 1000-level courses from the areas studies list
• EURO1004 Europe in the Modern Era
• MEAS1001 Introduction to the Modern Middle East
• POLS1007 An Introduction to Latin American Studies
or
You need to enrol in two courses from the language minors
Electives
Single Degree
You can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors.
Study Options
Bachelor of International Relations - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of International Relations.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Language Minor Course 6 units | Areas Studies Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units |
Bachelor of International Relations - Double Degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1005 Introduction to International Relations: Foundations and Concepts 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
| POLS1006 Introduction to International Relations: Contemporary Global Issues 6 units | Any 1000 level course from the Area Studies or Security Lists or Minor 1000/2000 level Course | Degree B 6 units | Degree B 6 units |
Single degree
The Bachelor of Political Science requires the completion of 144 units
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
24 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 12 units of Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses for designated list
A minimum of 12 units of methodology course from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Australian Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Comparative Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units of Area Studies courses from designated list
A maximum of 6 units of Political Economy courses from designated list
A maximum of 12 units of Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from designated list
48 units of Elective Courses from across the ANU
Double degree
The Bachelor of Political Science requires the completion of 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
24 units of compulsory courses
A minimum of 12 units of Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses for designated list
A minimum of 12 units of methodology course from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Australian Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 12 units of Comparative Politics courses from designated list
A minimum of 6 units and a maximum of 12 units of Area Studies courses from designated list
A maximum of 6 units of Political Economy courses from designated list
A maximum of 12 units of Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses from designated list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Political Science degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take 4 compulsory courses (24 units), a minimum of two Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses (12 units), a minimum of two Methodology courses (12 units), a minimum of two Australian Politics courses (12 units), a minimum of two Comparative Politics courses (12 units), a minimum of one and a maximum of two Area Studies courses (6-12 units), a maximum of one Political Economy course (6 units), A maximum of two Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses (12 units), and 8 Elective Courses from across the ANU.
Double Degree
In a Bachelor of Political Science degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll
need to take 4 compulsory courses (24 units), a minimum of two
Political Theory and Political Philosophy courses (12 units), a minimum
of two Methodology courses (12 units), a minimum of two Australian
Politics courses (12 units), a minimum of two Comparative Politics
courses (12 units), a minimum of one and a maximum of two Area Studies
courses (6-12 units), a maximum of one Political Economy course (6
units), A maximum of two Internship/Vice-Chancellors courses (12 units).
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called
studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your
degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
A
course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
You
need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the
year.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These
courses have‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as
ARTS1234.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
The Bachelor of Political Science does not have a major or minor requirement, however in a single degree you can complete a major with your elective courses.
Electives
Once you have enrolled in the compulsory courses you can choose elective courses to make up the balance of your courses.
Study Options
Bachelor of Political Science - Single Degree
Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | POLS1002 Introduction to Politics 6 units | PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |
| POLS1009 Research and Writing in Political Science 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |