Diploma of Political Science and International Relations

Graduates of the Diploma of Political Science and International Relations will have a broad and coherent knowledge that underpins theory, research, problem-solving and professional practice within the political science discipline. They will have foundational content knowledge in politics, political economy and international relations, which can be extended and deepened through further studies and/or professional practice.

The Diploma of Political Science and International Relations provides you with a foundational knowledge of political science and public policy, political economy and international relations. You'll learn about political ideas, movements and institutions, government policy making, international diplomacy and a range of issues in global politics and security. You'll also study an academic foundation course that prepares you for your university studies.

Completion of the Diploma of Political Science and International Relations provides a head start for continuation into the Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations program where you'll gain specialised knowledge by completing a major in International Relations, Political Science and Public Policy; or Security, Conflict and Human Rights. For those who progress to the Bachelor program, you'll gain the skills and training needed for pursuing your career pathway, including taking dedicated employability courses and having opportunities to complete an overseas exchange, work placement, field study trip, or parliamentary internship.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Foundation Studies
• International Relations
• Introduction to Political Science 
• Fundamentals of Policy Analysis

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

This program is offered full-time and part-time at the Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast campuses and online. You may choose to study courses at other campuses 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.

Award requirements

For the award of Diploma of Political Science and International Relations (DipPoliSciIntRel), you must successfully

Complete 80 credit points comprising:

• 80 credit points for all Core Module

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

Indicative total fee $18,000

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.

Learn more about Griffith University

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

ATAR/RANK 60.00

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.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) pathway is not accepted for this program.

Applicants should refer to the English Language Requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

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.