Politics courses

Studying politics provides a deep understanding of power structures, governance, and public policies. It equips you with critical thinking and analytical skills applicable to various careers, including roles in government, diplomacy, and the private sector.

A political science course covers subjects such as political theory, governance, political economy, international relations, and human rights. These areas help develop your capacity for critical thought, research, writing, and decision-making.

Expanding your learning into media studies, journalism, and economics can give you a broader perspective on politics. From political communication and reporting to policy finances, these areas can help with a broad understanding of how it all works.

The length of a politics course depends on the program you’re interested in, the level of study—and, when you study online through Open Universities Australia, the pace at which you choose to complete it. That’s right, through Open Universities Australia, you can study at your own pace.

Read more about study planning to understand how.

Yes, many politics courses offer specialisations in areas such as international relations, public policy, or political theory and global development. If you're interested in global diplomacy and institutions like the United Nations, an international relations course may be a great fit. For those who want to shape policies and drive social change, a public policy course can provide valuable insights.

Political studies often intersect with other fields. You might like to explore sociology courses to understand societal structures, law courses to delve into legal frameworks, or economics courses to analyse policy impacts. These disciplines complement a politics degree and can broaden your expertise.

Yes—an online politics degree can offer practical experiences, however not every course will. Depending on the course you choose, you may have the opportunity to take part in work placements, field study trips, or parliamentary internships. These experiences help you to engage with policymakers and build professional networks.

A politics degree can lead to a range of career opportunities. From government to diplomacy, public policy to international relations, it's a diverse area of study. Common careers for graduates include:

• Government and public policy. Work as a policy analyst, political advisor, or public affairs specialist.

• Diplomacy and international relations. Pursue roles in foreign affairs, international organisations, or global advocacy.

• Political consulting. Advise political leaders, parties, and organisations on strategy and policy.

• Research and academia. Contribute to political research, think tanks, or teach at universities.

• Advocacy and non-profits. Influence policy and social change through activism and lobbying.

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.