Politics courses

Understand policy and power in our complex world with a political science degree

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Politics

Whether you want to make it to the hallowed halls of Parliament House as a political staffer, take on a foreign affairs role in an office overseas, or work on impactful policy for an important organisation, studying politics will give you the edge you need.

You’ll gain the critical thinking needed to understand what goes into strong decision-making and diplomacy.

Commit to a full political science degree or just bolster your knowledge with a standalone subject. Studying an online politics course through Open Universities Australia is a step in the right direction. Start comparing all your politics course options below.

Explore politics courses
Open Universities Australia student Shiree at work standing in front of a colourful notice board.
Shiree studied humanities and social studies with Griffith University, through Open Universities Australia

Discover politics courses

Online politics subjects and short courses

Murdoch University

Food Security

UndergraduateMUR-SOC301

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025

Enrolments open until 7 Aug

Curtin University

Korean Society and Politics

UndergraduateCUR-KOR220

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 1 Sep 2025

Next enrolment closes 24 Aug

Griffith University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
La Trobe University

Political Theory

UndergraduateLTU-PHI3POT

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 28 Jul 2025
View all subjects

Online politics degrees

Macquarie University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG

An arts degree that no one else has

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Ancient History
  • Creative Writing
  • English
  • Critical Indigenous Studies
  • International Relations
  • Modern History
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
La Trobe University

Make the world a healthier place. Your way.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeological and Heritage Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Creative and Professional Writing
  • Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
  • Digital Media
  • English
  • Ethics and Social Justice
  • Hindi Studies Beginners
  • History
  • International Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Sustainabilty and Development
  • Visual Cultures
  • Digital Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Health, Wellbeing and Performance
  • Psychological Science
  • Public Health
  • Rehabillitation Counselling
Griffith University

A transformative course in global politics and law

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws

UndergraduateSCU-BAL-DEG

A double degree in arts and law

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

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Politics study FAQs

Why should I study politics?

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.

What will I learn in a politics course?

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.

How long is a politics course?

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.

Can I specialise in a particular area of politics?

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.

Do online politics courses include work placements or internships?

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.

What are the career opportunities for politics graduates?

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.

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

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.

Chat with us to find out more.

How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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