Major overview
Major in politics and international studies and explore how governments and global systems work
3 reasons to study politics and international relations at Murdoch University
- Build your professional network through industry connections and strong links with the Asian region via our Indo-Pacific Research Centre.
- Work closely with politicians and senior WA public sector professionals on real projects, with opportunities to gain first-hand experience inside government offices and public sector environments.
- Combine Politics and International Studies with a wide range of other arts degree majors, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your career goals.
What you’ll learn
- Analyse political systems, institutions and power structures at local, national and global levels.
- Examine public policy processes and how decisions are shaped and implemented.
- Evaluate global political issues, including governance, security and international relations.
- Apply political theories and frameworks to interpret real-world challenges.
- Communicate complex political ideas and arguments clearly and persuasively.
Having completed three semesters and my honours research in Indonesia, I was able to get a much better idea of development on the ground. I found that when I graduated, I had a more realistic idea of what to expect in the workplace.
Karis Erceg, Bachelor of Arts
Your future career in politics and international relations
- Policy officer
- Political or policy adviser
- Diplomatic or foreign affairs officer
- Intelligence or security analyst
- Journalist or foreign correspondent
- Lobbyist or advocacy officer
- Researcher or think-tank analyst
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
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How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.
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