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.

Graduates of political science and international relations programs at Griffith have gone on to pursue a range of exciting careers, from international diplomacy and policy analysis to international business, from roles in local and national government to staff roles with Australian and international non-governmental organizations, and international organizations. Numerous Queensland and national parliamentarians and cabinet ministers have studied politics at Griffith.

Secondary education

ATAR/RANK (to be advised)

Griffith University's Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy will apply.

English Proficiency Requirements

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.

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.

This degree 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 lawmaking, 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.

In your second and third years, you'll gain valuable specialised knowledge by completing one or two majors in International Relations, Political Science and Public Policy; or Security, Conflict and Human Rights. Throughout your studies, you'll gain the skills and training needed for pursuing your own career pathway, including taking dedicated employability courses and having opportunities to complete a work placement, field study trip, or parliamentary internship.

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, made up of the core courses AND

• 10 credit points for an Honours Listed elective, AND
• 60 credit points for the International Relations major or Political Science and Public Policy major or Security, Conflict and Human Rights major, AND
• 60 credit points for a second major and 20 credit points of foundation courses or Listed/Undergraduate free-choice elective/s, or
• 80 credit points for an extended major, or
• 80 credit points of listed and/or Undergraduate free-choice elective/s

Other program requirements

You must successfully complete:

• no more than 120 credit points of Level 1 courses (the first digit of a course code denotes the level);
• at least 60 credit points of Level 3 courses or higher.