Let your voice be heard and play a role in Australia’s international relations.
Expand your knowledge with studies in international justice and human rights, public policy in a global era, and international security. Develop strong communication skills as you research and present arguments in international politics.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Expand your knowledge with studies in international justice and human rights, public policy in a global era, and international security. Develop strong communication skills as you research and present arguments in international politics.
You’ll increase your understanding of political, cultural and economic systems of other countries and regions. Choose to take an internship of 10-12 days in a political setting giving you practical experience and industry connections. Our students have previously interned with state and federal politicians, Amnesty International, local councils and community organisations.
Immerse yourself in another culture and travel overseas to study a semester in another country. Broaden your career options and choose a major or minor in Comparative Studies, Development Studies or International Business. Or, if learning a language speaks to you, take your pick of either Indonesian, Italian or Japanese.
Majors
Comparative Studies, Development Studies, Indonesian, International Business, Italian, Japanese
Career opportunities
Defence, intelligence, foreign affairs, foreign policy, international business, political advice, interpreting / translating (with further study).
Membership
The Australian Institute of International Affairs.
Program structure
Introductory courses (3)
COR109 Creative Writing and Editing for e-Publication
INT100 Communication and Thought
INT140 International Politics: An Australian Perspective
Language courses (2)
Select 2 courses from:
IND110 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
IND111 Indonesian A
IND210 Indonesian B
IND211 Indonesian C
IND310 Indonesian D
IND311 Indonesian E
ITL110 Indonesian F
ITL111 Italian A
ITL210 Italian B
ITL211 Italian C
ITL310 Italian D
ITL311 Italian E
JPN110 Italian F
JPN111 Japanese A
JPN210 Japanese B
JPN211 Japanese C
JPN310 Japanese D
JPN311 Japanese E
Advanced courses (7)
INT250 Japanese F
JST202 Forces of Change in International Politics
PLUS select 5 advanced courses for the Politics and International Relations major chosen from:
IND212 International Justice and Human Rights
INT230 Indonesia: Society, Culture and Politics
INT235 Making Public Policy in a Global Era
INT245 International Relations: Theory and Practice
INT257 Politics of the USA
INT270 International Security
INT274 Politics and the Media
INT276 Politics and Security in East Asia
INT2IP1 Internship in Politics and Public Policy
Major or Minor courses (8)
Select 1 major (8 courses) or 2 minors (8 courses) from the following study areas:
Elective courses (4)
Select 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) elective courses, up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Please note that the number of electives may vary depending on the combinations of major or minors chosen.
^ Students undertaking the International Business minor are required to use elective courses from the School of Business to meet pre-requisite requirements.
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 3 required introductory level (100 coded)
- Complete 2 required language courses from the list provided below
- Complete 7 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses
- Complete 1 major or 2 minors from the list provided below
- Complete 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) elective courses (please note that the number of electives may vary depending on the major or minor combination chosen)
- Register any selected Majors or Minors with your Faculty
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Students completing an International Business minor must use two elective courses to complete the two pre requisite introductory courses BUS101 and BUS105 .
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you are strongly encouraged to undertake an approved overseas studies program such as the Study Overseas, Colombo Plan program or ACICIS program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.