Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations

Graduates of the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations will have a broad and coherent body of 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. 

Understand Power, Politics, and the World Around You 

A Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations will provide you with a deep understanding of policy, politics and power in the domestic and international spheres. You'll learn about political movements and institutions, processes of law making, diplomacy and global politics. You'll explore how democracy thrives or struggles to survive, and the strategies authoritarian leaders increasingly use to maintain their grip on power, among a range of other exciting topics in political science and international relations. 

Highlights of Studying Political Science and International Relations: 

• Explore the study of political systems, institutions, and global diplomacy, gaining a deep understanding of the forces shaping local and global politics. 
• Enhance your skills by taking employability courses and gaining hands-on experience through work placements, field study trips, or parliamentary internships. These opportunities will not only provide you with valuable knowledge but also allow you to establish professional networks and connections. 
• Develop the expertise needed to pursue a career in political science, international relations, law, diplomacy, or public policy, with a focus on real-life applications and career readiness. 
• Start your journey to becoming a global leader in politics and international relations today! 

Majors 

As a student of this degree, you can choose to specialise through majors in: 

• International Relations 
• Political Science and Public Policy 
• Security, Conflict, and Human Rights 
• Enhance your studies by adding a second major from a variety of diverse options: 
• Chinese Language 
• Economics 
• French Language* 
• German Language* 
• Indonesian Language* 
• International Business 
• Islam-West Relations 
• Italian Language 
• Japanese Language 
• Korean Language* 
• Spanish Language 

*Available via cross-institutional study at the University of Queensland. These languages are offered only to students enrolled at Brisbane South (Nathan). 

Honours

Honours is available for this degree (through an additional year of study).

Recommended study pattern

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

• Introduction to Political Science 
• International Relations
• Great Debates in Political Thought 
• Fundamentals of Policy Analysis

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 Political Science and International Relations (BPoliSciIntRel), you must successfully

Complete 240 credit points comprising:

• 100 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 100 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.

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

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

Indicative total fee $49,500

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: 65

Griffith University's Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy will apply.

VET qualification: Certificate III

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.