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

Graduates of the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations will have a broad and coherent body of 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.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice will have a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the fields of criminology and criminal justice including an in-depth understanding of the:

1. Fundamental knowledge, theories and methodological frameworks used in the study of crime, crime prevention and criminal justice. 
2. Impacts diversity has on social justice and criminal justice outcomes.
3. Contributions of inter-disciplinary knowledge about the nature and causes of offending and contemporary social problems.

Step into the world of politics, power and justice with this double degree that combines political science and international relations with criminology and criminal justice. You'll be empowered to see the bigger picture, connect global issues, national policy and local justice systems and influence change at every level of society.

Highlights of studying the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

• Gain a deep understanding of how societies are governed, why people commit crimes and how evidence-based policy can contribute to safer and fairer communities.
• Study political systems, diplomacy and global relations to understand the forces shaping both Australian and international policy.
• Build career-ready skills through internships, field trips and placements in parliamentary, policy and criminal justice fields.
• Broaden your horizons with overseas study or international experiences that boost your global career potential.

Learn from experts in policy and justice 

Be taught by experts at the forefront of criminology research and practice and gain real insights into how politics and justice work. Our academics and practitioners work closely with government departments, law enforcement agencies and international organisations such as the UN, World Bank and Interpol. Their research and expertise ensure your learning stays relevant.

Double your impact 

By combining political science and criminology, you'll graduate with an advanced understanding of how public policy, law and justice intersect. Whether you're interested in national policy, investigating crime trends or working in international relations, this double degree gives you the analytical, research and communication skills to make an impact.

Political science and international relations majors 

International Relations: Discover how power, conflict and cooperation shape global affairs. Explore key issues like diplomacy, security, migration, and climate change and understand how global forces influence politics and policy.

Political Science and Public Policy: Examine how power works in society and how decisions are made. Study elections, governance, media, and policy development to gain the skills to analyse political behaviour and influence real change.

Security, Conflict and Human Rights: Investigate how global power struggles, political violence and human rights intersect. Study major issues such as terrorism, authoritarianism, and international peacekeeping to understand how nations respond to conflict and crises.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Language and Communication for Arts and Social Sciences
• Introduction to Political Science
• International Relations
• Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice.

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 Political Science and International Relations/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (BPoliSciIntRel/BCCJ), you must successfully complete 320 credit points comprising:

• 260 credit points for all Core Module, and
• 60 credit points for one Major from Political Science and International Relations Major 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.

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

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.

Learn more about Griffith University

Explore Griffith University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

ATAR/RANK: 65

Griffith University's 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 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.

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.