Why study Politics and International Relations?

Learn how to lead, influence change and make an impact on real-world and global challenges.

Study Politics and International Relations

Postgraduate students studying to be a Juris Doctor

Politics and International Relations is a dynamic field that explores how governments, societies and global systems interact. Throughout your studies, you’ll actively engage with real-world politics and global issues, while developing strong critical thinking skills. Discover what studying Politics and International Relations involves, the skills you’ll build and the careers you could pursue. You’ll also hear from current student Johnny Stamiris, studying a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Politics and International Relations) as he shares what it’s like studying at UNSW.

What is Politics and International Relations?

Politics and International Relations help you understand how governments, societies and global systems work. You’ll learn about the challenges shaping society today. These issues may include climate change, development, human rights, governance or inequality. You'll learn to analyse complex issues and develop practical solutions you can apply in real-world settings.

Why study Politics and International Relations?

Studying Politics and International Relations helps you understand how people, organisations and governments interact at local, national and global levels. You'll learn to think critically about power, politics and decision-making in both historical and contemporary contexts.

During your studies you’ll:

explore the major political issues governments face and how individuals and organisations influence policy and decision-making
build a versatile, future-ready skill set that can lead to careers across government, media and more
strengthen your cross-cultural communication skills by working with people from diverse backgrounds
form global connections through professional networks
develop leadership skills to confidently lead teams and make informed decisions
be encouraged to question assumptions, consider diverse perspectives and apply your thinking to real policy and social challenges.

These experiences prepare you to work ethically and effectively with communities, organisations and governments worldwide.

"Majoring in Politics and International Relations can seem daunting but is a fantastic learning opportunity that will open many doors for you. Having a grasp of the world around you through undertaking Politics and International Relations makes you a diligent student, competitive job applicant, and most of all, a good conversationalist!"

Johnny Stamiris
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts student

What jobs are available for Politics and International Relations graduates?

Politics and International Relations graduates work in roles where they influence policy, support communities and contribute to social and global progress.

Career paths are diverse and may include roles such as:

advocate
border control adviser
campaign manager
community worker
consular officer
diplomatic service officer
foreign policy adviser
government relations adviser
intelligence officer
international development worker
media adviser

national security adviser
policy analyst
policy officer
political adviser
political campaign director
political journalist
political researcher
public affairs consultant
public servant
state or federal Parliament member
surveillance officer.

What skills do you learn when studying Politics and International Relations?

For Johnny, studying Politics and International Relations taught him valuable research, communication and critical thinking skills.

He explains how understanding how politics and communities operate allows him to identify dynamics easily, allowing him to contribute to various conversations and examine the societal issues more deeply.

These skills are highly valued by employers and essential for tackling complex social, political and global challenges.

“You leave every class having learnt something [new]...or refined your own perspective on a matter. Politics and International Relations simply give you the skills to understand, influence and shape the issues you see in society every day”

When studying Politics and International Relations, you’ll develop skills such as:

communication
creative thinking
critical thinking
decision making
leadership
problem solving
research and analysis
stakeholder engagement
team collaboration.

How to study Politics and International Relations?

You can study Politics and International Relations at UNSW through undergraduate and postgraduate degrees designed to connect theory with real-world practice. “...Politics and International Relations at UNSW...is taught by world-renowned academics and scholars who use practical and tailored teaching methods that engage students,” explains Johnny.

For undergraduate degrees

Bachelor of Arts and their associated double degree
B achelor of Social Sciences
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

For postgraduate degrees

For the full list of degrees, click here.

Advice for students looking to study Politics and International Relations

If you’re interested in studying Politics and International Relations, Johnny shares some advice.

“Politics and International Relations is a brilliant and diverse specialisation that [complements] any other degree you will study.”

“I would strongly recommend students stay on top of news and current global developments; having an acute understanding of what is going on in society allows you to actively observe what you learn in class and refines your own grasp of the concepts you interact with.”

Study Politics and International Relations at UNSW

Studying Politics and International Relations at UNSW gives you the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to understand what’s shaping our world, and how you can turn insight into action locally and globally.

Whether you’re interested in public policy, global affairs, social justice or leadership, you'll learn from experts whose work shapes debate, informs decision-making and drives positive change.

At UNSW, you’ll be supported to see what progress you can make and the role you can play in shaping a more connected and sustainable world.

Discover Politics and International Relations