Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science

Entry Requirements

Flinders University recognises international secondary schooling for direct entry to undergraduate programs.

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 Overall with 6.0 Speaking, 6.0 Writing;
• TOEFL iBT: 72 Overall with 18 Speaking, 21 Writing;
• Pearson PTE Academic: 50 Overall with 50 Speaking, 50 Writing;
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169 Overall with 169 Writing, 169 Speaking;
• Occupational English Test (OET): 300 Speaking, 300 Writing; Duolingo (Up to and including Semester 2, 2024): Overall 95-100

Course Details

International relations and political science is a degree for students with an interest in political and social questions that arise where they live and overseas. You’ll gain a comprehensive grounding in politics, public policy and international relations, and an understanding of Australia’s political system in a regional and global context.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:

• core topics on international relations, democracy and government, public policy, and the key revolutionary ideas in political and economic thought
• topics in innovation and creative thinking, and academic and professional communication
• option topics focusing on political change in either Australia, Asia or the United States.

Second year

A typical second year may include:

• core topics on the international political system; nationalism, populism and democracy; policy design; and visions of global order
• a broad range of topics within the study of politics, public policy and international relations, looking at Australia, America, Europe and Asia.

Third year

A typical third year may include:

• core topics focusing on digital governance, cyber security and the future of democracy; Australian foreign policy; and critical approaches to international relations
• a professionally oriented capstone topic
• option topics that include a selection of internship and placement topics to prepare students for employment, as well as topics which address themes including environmental politics, the rise of China and global inequality.

Your career

This degree provides you with skills which are in high demand across many sectors. Today’s employers are seeking graduates who can lead, analyse and pre-empt movements within the political arena. As well as specific skills, you will develop enhanced general skills relevant to many jobs.

Our graduates are employed in areas including international government and non-government organisations, diplomacy, foreign affairs, social analysis, journalism, research, management, the parliamentary sector, defence, intelligence, foreign aid, humanitarian services, politics, education, language services and media.

Potential occupations include:

• policy analyst
• diplomat or public service officer
• Journalist or digital media content maker/manager
• international aid or development worker
• electorate officer
• research officer, analyst or assistant
• intelligence, security or political analyst
• risk manager or public relations specialist
• education – teacher, aid, administration
• advocacy officer/researcher
• human resources