Bachelor of Government and International Relations

Graduates of the Bachelor of Government and International Relations will have an understanding 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.

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 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.

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

• Listed and/or Free-choice electives

• Comparative Political Institutions

Plus there’s a selection of majors, minors 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 Government and International Relations (BGovIntRel), you must successfully complete 240 credit points, made up of the core courses 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 listed and/or Undergraduate free-choice elective/s, OR
• 80 credit points for an extended major, or80 credit points of listed electives and/or Undergraduate free-choice elective/s

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

Indicative total fee $45,000

The amount shown here is 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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

ATAR/RANK 65.00

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 TOEFLOR 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 policy for further information:

• Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy

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.

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.