Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations

Build a strong understanding of politics, policy and international relations in an increasingly connected world. This online degree develops analytical, research and critical thinking skills while exploring how governments, institutions and global actors influence decisions that affect communities, nations and international affairs.

You'll develop the knowledge and skills to:

1. Analyse political systems and institutions: examine how governments, elections and political processes influence decision-making.
2. Understand international relations and global affairs: explore diplomacy, foreign policy, security and international cooperation.
3. Evaluate public policy: investigate how policies are developed, implemented and assessed across different contexts.
4. Apply critical research and analytical skills: assess complex political issues using evidence, data and competing perspectives.
5. Examine power, conflict and governance: understand the factors that influence political change at local, national and global levels.
6. Communicate complex ideas effectively: present informed arguments through written, verbal and digital communication.

Explore contemporary politics and international relations

Ranked Queensland's #1 university for political science (ShanghaiRanking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025), Griffith combines academic excellence with real-world relevance to help you understand how political decisions affect societies across the globe.

Gain a deeper understanding of the political, economic and social forces influencing the world around you. You'll examine political institutions, public policy, law-making processes, international relations and global governance while developing the skills to analyse challenges from multiple perspectives.

Gain insights from teaching staff at the forefront of research in diplomacy, governance, security and public policy. Their engagement with government, industry and international organisations like the UN, World Bank, WTO and IMF, ensures you'll explore the latest developments influencing political decision-making around the world.

Tailor your studies to your interests

Choose from majors that align with your career goals and interests:

• International Relations
• Political Science and Public Policy
• Security, Conflict and Human Rights

You can also broaden your expertise through electives and complementary study areas, building specialised knowledge in topics such as global politics, security, diplomacy, public policy, economics and languages.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Introduction to Political Science 
• International Relations
• Great Debates in Political Thought 
• Fundamentals of Policy Analysis.

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 (BPoliSciIntRel), you must successfully

Complete 240 credit points comprising:

• 100 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 100 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 $53,400

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

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 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.