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.

Chat with us to find out more.

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

1. Find your course

• Browse the options on this page.

• Use our comparison tool to explore the different choices.

• Need help? Book a free phone consultation with a student advisor for personalised guidance.

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:

  • Proof of identity

  • Your tax file number

  • A Unique Student Identifier (USI)

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.