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.

Queensland's #1 university for political science. (ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025)

Kickstart your career in political science, international relations and international law. This vertical degree is designed for ambitious students who want to fast-track their expertise in global governance, diplomacy and international legal frameworks.

Highlights of studying the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations/Master of International Law

• Graduate with both a bachelors and a masters degree in just four years. Gain advanced knowledge, strengthen your career prospects and reach advanced qualifications sooner.
• Build a strong foundation in global politics and public policy before progressing into specialised international law studies that elevate your credentials and competitive edge.
• Gain practical experience through internships, case studies and industry engagement.
• Build cross-cultural capability and global awareness, skills and insights that are highly valued by employers.

A powerful combination of politics and international law

In your first two years, you'll explore how power, institutions and ideas influence global and domestic politics. Depending on your major, you may examine diplomacy, foreign policy and security, analyse elections and public policy, or investigate conflict, terrorism and human rights. You'll develop critical thinking, policy analysis and research skills that form the foundation of effective leadership in government and international affairs.

From year three, you'll transition into postgraduate-level international law courses. This integration of political science and international law prepares you to navigate complex international systems with confidence.

Career-ready with a global outlook

Career readiness is embedded throughout this degree. You'll engage in workshops, collaborative projects and case studies that connect theory to practice. These experiences help you build a professional network and develop the communication, negotiation and analytical skills essential in global careers.

Majors

Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations majors

International Relations: Examine how power, conflict and cooperation influence global affairs. Explore diplomacy, security, migration and foreign policy, alongside major power politics and emerging issues such as terrorism and climate change.

Political Science and Public Policy: Explore how political systems operate and how policy decisions are made. Analyse elections, governance and environmental policy, while building skills for careers in analysis, policymaking and advocacy.

Security, Conflict and Human Rights: Investigate the links between political violence, security and human rights. Study terrorism, authoritarianism and peacekeeping while analysing how governments and international organisations respond to global crises.

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.

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.

To exit, you must consult with the Program Director and then apply for a program transfer. 

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

Indicative total fee $71,200

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 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 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.