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Study online through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

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&#39;ll learn about political movements and institutions, processes of law making, diplomacy and global politics. You&#39;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: <ul><li>Explore the study of political systems, institutions, and global diplomacy, gaining a deep understanding of the forces shaping local and global politics. </li><li>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. </li><li>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. </li><li>Start your journey to becoming a global leader in politics and international relations today! </li></ul>Majors As a student of this degree, you can choose to specialise through majors in: <ul><li>International Relations </li><li>Political Science and Public Policy </li><li>Security, Conflict, and Human Rights </li><li>Enhance your studies by adding a second major from a variety of diverse options: </li><li>Chinese Language </li><li>Economics </li><li>French Language* </li><li>German Language* </li><li>Indonesian Language* </li><li>International Business </li><li>Islam-West Relations </li><li>Italian Language </li><li>Japanese Language </li><li>Korean Language* </li><li>Spanish Language </li></ul>*Available via cross-institutional study at the University of Queensland. These languages are offered only to students enrolled at Brisbane South (Nathan). HonoursHonours is available for this degree (through an additional year of study).

Unlock careers in the international space with policy skills and political knowledge. Get to know global events and processes. You’ll learn how democracy works across the globe and explore where Australia sits in the world’s political economy.

Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations

The Master of International Relations, which is built around innovative approaches and thinking, will empower you to comprehend and evaluate contemporary regional and global developments. It will equip you for an international career in diplomacy, journalism, the NGO sector, international business or academia.

Critically assess global risks, challenges, and opportunities. You’ll explore an international system of politics, security, and law. Work through contemporary regional and global developments. Graduate ready for a range of international careers.

Master of International Relations

International Relations is the most controversial, dynamic and exciting area of political science. This program suite has a strong practitioner focus and is highly relevant for people working in - or aspiring to work in, government and international organisations. Topics covered include international security, human rights, religion and identity politics, diplomacy and statecraft, political economy and global governance.

Step in or step up to worldwide careers spanning diplomacy, international aid and foreign policy. Broaden your focus. Get ethical. Learn to negotiate, manage conflict, and cooperate. Begin to unpack the intriguing complexity of political science.

Graduate Certificate in International Relations

Transform your passion into impact and prepare to be a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of global politics, diplomacy, and law. With this vertical double degree program integrating political science, international relations and law, you&#39;ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to start making your mark on the world and helping to shape a better future for generations to come. The vertical double degree structure allows you to earn both a bachelor&#39;s and master&#39;s degree in just four years, giving you a head start in your career while saving time and tuition costs.  You&#39;ll gain a nuanced understanding of global issues and develop the cross-cultural competencies essential for success in today&#39;s interconnected world. By combining the fields of Political Science, International Relations, and International Law, this program offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of global governance, diplomacy, and legal frameworks. You&#39;ll focus on Political Science and International Relations in years one and two, then from year three onwards International Law courses are integrated into the structure.  Career readiness and employability programs are integrated throughout the degrees, and you&#39;ll engage in workshops, case studies, internships, and collaborative projects with leading organisations, gaining practical experience and building a professional network before you graduate.

In just 4 years, gain degrees and expertise in global politics, diplomacy, and law. Explore global issues and how cultures interact. You’ll learn how countries govern, work together, and handle legal issues. Work in government, NGOs, diplomacy, and more.

Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Master of International Law

Want to know how to stop crime before it even happens? What motivates people to break the law and what deters them?This new double degree will combine the study of what makes criminals tick with an understanding of the justice system and policy making processes. With a better understanding of how policy is created and applied, plus an understanding of crime and criminal behavior, you will be equipped to influence the policy underpinning the justice system to ultimately deter crime rather than simply responding to criminal behavior.This degree will give you a better understanding of the causes and consequences of complex crime and criminal justice issues and just how it is currently dealt with by government at local, national and global levels. Could you make a difference?

Learn the workings of governments for broad career options in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Explore political structures and processes across the world. Think about the changing nature of crime. Compare economies and democracies.

Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

International Relations is a dynamic, rapidly evolving field focused on sources of conflict, cooperation and change in the international system. You&#39;ll work with Griffith&#39;s world-class academic staff in exploring topics such as diplomacy and statecraft, international security, human rights, globalisation and international organisations. The program prepares students for a range of careers in government and diplomatic relations, international business, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, media and more.

Become an expert in international relations by studying foreign policy issues, global politics and human rights ethics. When you graduate, you'll be qualified to work in several meaningful areas, including government diplomacy and international aid.

With Griffith Business School&#39;s Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations, you can multiply your career options. In as little as four years, you can graduate with two degrees and a unique skill set that will give you an edge in the employment market.By combining in-depth knowledge and insight into the workings of government with practical business skills, you will be prepared for a future local, state and national governments, non-government organisations and private sector organisations that sectors interact with government agencies. For example, you can blend majors in Logistics and Supply Chain Management with International Relations and work for an international aid organisation providing humanitarian relief to disaster zones.

Learn the workings of business and government for broad career options in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Focus your skills and knowledge with majors including international business, economics, public policy, and more.

Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations

Study at a Global Leader in Political Science Are you passionate about politics, global issues and how decisions shape our world? At Griffith, you&#39;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&#39;ll explore big questions in the world today like: <ul><li>How do political systems work and why do some fail? </li><li>What role does diplomacy and international relations play in global conflicts? </li><li>How do laws get made and who really holds the power? </li><li>Why do some leaders turn authoritarian and how can democracy survive in the face of such challenges? </li></ul>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: <ul><li>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.    </li><li>Examine political systems, institutions, and global diplomacy to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing both local and international politics. </li><li>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. </li><li>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. </li></ul>Start your journey to becoming a global leader in politics and international relations today! * 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject

Deep dive into politics and international relations. You'll explore political movements, laws, diplomacy, and global politics. With research skills and real-world experience, you’ll be prepped for exciting careers like international diplomacy.

Bachelor of Advanced Political Science and International Relations (Honours)

This degree will immerse you in the complex issues that surround security, international trade and global diplomacy. Topics include Australia’s foreign policy and partnerships, the role of the United Nations, and the evolution of global politics and human rights. You will hone your critical thinking skills and learn how to approach issues from a range of perspectives.Our graduates have a thorough understanding of domestic and international political issues, and skills that they can apply in both private and government roles anywhere in the world.

Develop global diplomacy skills including conflict resolution and critical thinking, and explore the powers of the United Nations. Through the lens of Australian politics and foreign policy, you’ll study topics including terrorism and human rights.

Bachelor of Social Science with a Major in Security and International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts (OUA) at Macquarie University is a distinctive course that equips its graduates with knowledge and skills that can be applied in any career or in further study. No other course offers as much flexibility and a wide range of study options as the Bachelor of Arts. You will be given the opportunity to turn your passion into a career while developing a strong set of core transferable skills valued by industry and the society. In consultation with industry, the Bachelor of Arts (OUA) places a strong emphasis on skills for success in the 21st century workplace. You will be taught by active researchers, leading academics and award winning teachers.

Make your degree unique and study what interests you. Analyse critically, think creatively and problem-solve at work or in everyday life. Complete foundational studies then tailor your degree with a major. Create a portfolio and build your connections.

Bachelor of Arts

Introduction to International Relations

States, Security and International Relations

Australian Politics in Global Context

Introduction to Global Politics

Engaging Australia and the Asia-Pacific

Discovering Asia

The Making of Modern Asia

Australian Foreign Policy

Totalitarianism Reborn: Russia, China and New Cold Wars

China and Japan: Asian Perspectives

This subject examines the forces, which have shaped the economic, political and social transformation of East Asia, which is of critical importance to Australia&#39;s economic prosperity and security. The unit focuses on the growth of East Asia’s economies, democratic transitions, deepening integration of the region in the world economy, and the geopolitical dynamics of the region in the past to the present.

Australia and the Asia-Pacific Century

The study of public policy has traditionally been focused on the nation-state, and policy-making activities at the domestic level. However, national policy-makers are increasingly focused on international policy challenges. Using a series of detailed case studies, this unit reflects critically on debates around globalisation, deglobalisation and the state. The unit introduces students to the policy process and explores the impact of international institutions, interests and ideas on domestic policy-making. The unit examines direct and indirect, coercive and voluntary mechanisms of policy transfer, diffusion and mobility, as well as the factors that shape patterns of intergovernmental cooperation and coordination.

Policy Making in a Global Era

The subject provides an advanced introduction to the study of international political economy, and to develop students’ research, analytical and problem-solving skills. The subject examines the key questions, concepts, findings and controversies in the study of economic globalisation and considers the role of the state and non-state actors in shaping the regional and global integration of political economies.

Global Political Economy

This subject was previously known as POIX278 Middle East Politics.The uprisings that gripped the Arab world in 2011, the ongoing violence in Syria, the mixed results of the revolution in Egypt and the emergence of ISIS in 2014 have refocused world attention on the Middle East and its relations with the West. This course introduces students to the domestic politics of the Middle East, and to the intellectual and ideological currents shaping those politics. The first weeks are devoted to the contemporary history of the region from the late nineteenth century to the rise of post-colonial states in the region. Broad-ranging theoretical concepts necessary for an understanding of Middle Eastern political processes, and different ways of looking at those processes, are considered in the first part of the course. The subject then examines the structure of government and the politics of the region, drawing on some of the ideas from the earlier part of the course. Particular attention is paid to the region’s ongoing relations with the West and the “war against terrorism”; the emergence and future prospects of religious fundamentalism; and the rise of Arab nationalism and Zionism. The Arab-Israeli conflict, the 2003 Iraq War and the impact of globalisation are also covered.

Familiarise yourself with domestic politics in the Middle East. Build a foundational knowledge of 19th and 20th century regional politics. Appraise Middle East government structures. Use the global post-9/11 environment to contextualise your studies.

Middle-East Politics

This subject introduces students to the major theories of international relations, key debates that have shaped the discipline and interconnections between theory and the actual practice of international politics. International relations was founded as a distinct discipline shortly after the First World War, with the explicit goal of identifying the causes of war and peace. While war and great power conflict remain central concerns, the discipline has grappled with new challenges as de-colonisation and globalisation have created a densely interconnected global system of sovereign states. Students will engage with key themes including power, great power rivalry, nationalism, national interest, critical approaches, justice and cooperation under anarchy.

Theories of World Politics

This subject examines the transformation of Russia and China from the reforms of the 1990s to the restoration of totalitarian controls under Putin and Xi Jinping. By a comparative approach, you will learn about how these states grappled with the legacy of communism, reformed political institutions, transformed their economies, and embarked upon expansionist projects. The course will illuminate the domestic challenges faced by these regimes, such as corruption, civic activism, ethnonationalism, and separatism. It will also pose questions about the significance of their collaboration on the international stage, their competition in Central Asia, and their relationship with the West.This is a level 3 subject. Please consider the subject pre-requisites before enrolling. This subject includes live sessions with the expectation of student attendance and participation.

In this subject we survey the development of Australian foreign policy. We begin with an historical overview of foreign policy, highlighting the core concepts and themes required to interpret and evaluate the conduct of foreign affairs. We then survey the key issues in foreign policy-making and Australia&#39;s major foreign relations. Issues include: strategic culture, internationalism and dependence on &#39;great and powerful friends&#39;. Relationships covered include the United States, China, Japan, Indonesia and the South Pacific. We conclude with an appraisal of recent opportunities and challenges, successes and failures, such as responding to the &#39;China Choice&#39;, interventions in the South Pacific and Australia&#39;s response to climate change.

In this subject, you will study two of Australia’s Asian neighbours, China and Japan. Our understanding of China and Japan via the media and the public discourse is often based on Anglophone Western perspectives. However, there are also ‘Asian’ understandings deriving from long-existing interactions, for example, how Japanese people see China as a nation and ordinary Chinese people and vice versa. You will critically examine different aspects of the two societies from the pre-modern to modern and contemporary times, including governance, social relations, ‘culture’ and engagement with the outside world.

The twenty-first century is already being called the Asian Century. What were the countries and peoples we call Asia like 100 years ago, at the start of the twentieth century? How did they change across the century? And how did this process influence their current prosperity and sense of national identity? The subject will survey the major social, political and cultural changes of the past 100 years of so, including European colonisation, the impact of the expansion of Japan and the Second World War, the rise of Asian nationalisms and the wars of independence, consolidation of national political regimes, economic development and modernisation, the rapid recent rise of China and India.This is a level 2 subject. Please consider the subject pre-requisites before enrolling. This subject includes live sessions with the expectation of student attendance and participation.

This first year subject investigates the dynamics of Australia’s longstanding and complex relationship with the Asian region. We adopt a thematic approach while drawing on timely and relevant examples from across the region, including Japan, China, Indonesia, India, and more. The subject begins with a brief survey of Australia’s historical ties with Asia, then moves on to Australia’s contemporary regional setting. We explore Australia’s dense web of connections to Asia through personal, trade, security and cultural ties. We also consider the sources of tension that complicate the relationship, such as the threat of terrorism, rise of China, democratic rollback, and political instability, while unravelling the differences in history, culture and values that spur, at times, mutual suspicions and ambivalence about Australia’s place in Asia. We also explore efforts to improve Asia literacy and the role of migration and diasporic communities in Australian multiculturalism. The subject is delivered in StudyFlex mode and can be completed fully online or face-to-face at the Bundoora campus.

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