Bachelor of Advanced Political Science and International Relations (Honours)

Graduates of the Bachelor Honours Degree in Political Science and International Relations will have advanced knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings, major debates and contemporary relevance of political science and its sub-disciplines of international relations, comparative politics, political theory, public policy and political economy. They also will have developed advanced skills in research design, the conduct of research in Political Science and International Relations, information synthesis and the execution of an extended academic project.

Study at a Global Leader in Political Science 

Are you passionate about politics, global issues and how decisions shape our world? At Griffith, you'll study at one of the top 200 universities* worldwide for Political and International Studies, learning from world-class experts in the field. 

A Bachelor of Advanced Political Science and International Relations (Honours) will allow you to deep dive into politics, power, and policy - both in Australia and around the world. You'll explore big questions in the world today like: 

• How do political systems work and why do some fail? 
• What role does diplomacy and international relations play in global conflicts? 
• How do laws get made and who really holds the power? 
• Why do some leaders turn authoritarian and how can democracy survive in the face of such challenges? 

The Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations is an exciting degree that will help you make sense of the world and prepare you to shape its future. 

Highlights of studying Advanced Political Science and International Relations: 

• The Honours year of the Bachelor of Advanced Political Science and International Relations (Honours) allows you to delve into advanced concepts. Strengthen your grasp on research and analysis in a specific area of interest and gain advanced knowledge to stand out in the workforce.    
• Examine political systems, institutions, and global diplomacy to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing both local and international politics. 
• Strengthen your studies with employability courses and practical experiences, including work placements, field study trips, and parliamentary internships, helping you build essential skills and professional connections. 
• Acquire the knowledge and expertise required for a career in political science, international relations, law, diplomacy, or public policy, with an emphasis on practical, real-life applications and career preparedness. 

Start your journey to becoming a global leader in politics and international relations today! 

* 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Introduction to Political Science
• International Relations 
• Comparative Political Institutions
• Global Political Economy

Plus there’s a selection of majors and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

For the award of Bachelor of Advanced Political Science and International Relations [BAdvancedPoliSciIntRel(Hons)], you must successfully

Complete 320 credit points comprising:

• 180 credit points for all Core Module, and
• 60 credit points for one Major from Major Module, and
• 80 credit points for Flexible Module

You must also ensure that

•  Selected courses must include at most 120 credit points at level 1.
•  Selected courses must include at least 60 credit points at level 3 or higher.
•  International students required to undertake the English Language Enhancement course must substitute 10 credit points of courses in Electives with 5904LHS Language and Communication for Arts and Social Sciences.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $66,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

Explore Griffith courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

ATAR/RANK 80

Griffith University's Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy will apply.

 VET qualification: Diploma

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Applicants should refer to the following University procedure for further information:

• Admission Procedure

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.