Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Master of International Law

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 Master of International Law will have:  

1. Advanced knowledge of international law, and comparative global law, issues and their impact on professional, legal and business practices. 
2. Knowledge of the principles and methods that underpin research, which responds to the broader historical, cultural (including First Peoples), socio-economic and political contexts within the international law, and comparative global law disciplines.

Transform your passion into impact and prepare to be a leader in the ever-evolving landscape of global politics, diplomacy, and law. With this vertical double degree program integrating political science, international relations and law, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to start making your mark on the world and helping to shape a better future for generations to come. 

The vertical double degree structure allows you to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in just four years, giving you a head start in your career while saving time and tuition costs.  

You'll gain a nuanced understanding of global issues and develop the cross-cultural competencies essential for success in today's interconnected world. By combining the fields of Political Science, International Relations, and International Law, this program offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of global governance, diplomacy, and legal frameworks. You'll focus on Political Science and International Relations in years one and two, then from year three onwards International Law courses are integrated into the structure.  

Career readiness and employability programs are integrated throughout the degrees, and you'll engage in workshops, case studies, internships, and collaborative projects with leading organisations, gaining practical experience and building a professional network before you graduate. 

Recommended study pattern

This program is offered full-time and part-time on-campus, or fully Online. Students may choose to study courses at other campuses, including online, where the program structure allows.

As a full-time student you will generally attend 12-16 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the trimester. As a part-time student, you will generally attend 6-8 hours of scheduled classes per week.

Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week.

Award requirements

For the award of Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Master of International Law (BPoliSciIntRel/MIntLaw), you must successfully complete 320 credit points comprising:

• 200 credit points for Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations, and
• 120 credit points for Master of International Law.

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.
•  International students required to undertake the English Language Enhancement course must substitute 10 credit points of courses in Flexible Module with 5904LHS Language and Communication for Arts and Social Sciences.

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.

Exit points

To be eligible to exit with the 1664 - Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations award, you must successfully complete 200 credit points of the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations component from this program plus 40 credit points of undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

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

Indicative total fee $68,000

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 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

ATAR/RANK 90.00

Griffith University's Admission Policy will apply.

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.

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.