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.

This degree is designed for future leaders, thinkers and changemakers who want to understand and influence the political and social systems that shape our world.

Explore critical global questions 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?

Highlights of studying the Bachelor of Advanced Political Science and International Relations (Honours)

• Deepen your understanding of politics, global systems, and diplomacy, examining the forces that shape nations and influence international cooperation.
• Gain practical experience through internships, parliamentary placements, field trips and employability courses, building essential professional connections while you study.
• Learn from leading political scientists, diplomats, and international policy experts, whose work informs national and global political debates.
• Develop the analytical and leadership skills to engage with complex political, economic and humanitarian issues.
• Graduate prepared to drive meaningful change in government, diplomacy, policy or international organisations.

Majors

International Relations: Explore how power, conflict, cooperation and ideology shape global affairs. You'll examine the forces influencing diplomacy, security, migration, foreign policy and global governance. Courses cover theoretical frameworks and great power politics, as well as emerging issues like terrorism, climate change and religious resurgence.

Political Science and Public Policy: Examine how power is exercised, how decisions are made and how political systems shape society. Explore key domestic and international issues like elections, governance, Indigenous politics, media influence and environmental policy. You'll gain a deep understanding of policy development, democratic systems and authoritarian regimes, with a strong focus on political dynamics. If you're passionate about influencing change, understanding political behaviour or shaping public debate, this major offers the tools to become a thoughtful analyst, policymaker or advocate in the public sphere.

Security, Conflict and Human Rights: Explore how global power struggles, political violence and human rights intersect. You'll examine key issues such as terrorism, authoritarianism, human rights in global politics and the role of international organisations in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. You'll analyse the security strategies of major powers like China, investigate the rise of populism and study how governments and movements respond to threats and crises.

Enhance your studies by adding a second major:

• Chinese language 
• Economics  
• French language*  
• German language*  
• Indonesian language*  
• International Business  
• International Relations  
• Islam-West Relations  
• Italian language  
• Japanese language  
• Korean language* 
• Political Science and Public Policy 
• Security, Conflict and Human Rights 
• Spanish language 

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

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.

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

Indicative total fee $69,600

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

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

ATAR/RANK 78.00

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 an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• 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 Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

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:

• Griffith English Language Institute

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.