Let your voice be heard in a global future.
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 Development Studies or International Business. Or if learning a language speaks to you, complete a major or minor in Japanese.
Majors
Development Studies, International Business, 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) 36 units
COR109 Special Research Project
INT100 Workplace Learning II
INT140 Medical Genetics
Language courses (2) 24 units
Select 2 courses (24 units) from:
IND110 Biochemical Pharmacology
IND111 Principles of Nutrition
IND210 Nutritional Biochemistry
IND211 Analytical Sciences
ITL110 Special Research Project
ITL111 Workplace Learning I
JPN110 Microbiology
JPN111 Medical Microbiology
JPN210 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
JPN211 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
JPN310 Communication and Thought
JPN311 International Politics: An Australian Perspective
Developing and Graduate courses (7) 84 units
INT250 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
JST202 Indonesian A
PLUS select 5 developing and graduate courses (60 units) for the Politics and International Relations major chosen from:
INT202 Indonesian B
INT230 Indonesian C
INT235 Indonesian D
INT245 Italian A
INT257 Italian B
INT270 Japanese A
INT274 Japanese B
INT276 Japanese C
Major or Minor courses (8) 96 units
Select 1 major or 2 minors from:
^ Students undertaking the International Business minor are required to use elective courses from the School of Business to meet prerequisite requirements.
Elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 developing or graduate level (200/300 coded) elective courses (48 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.
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: Program structures are subject to change. 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:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.