Let your voice be heard in a global future.
Expand your knowledge with studies in international justice and human rights, public policy in a global era, and international security. Develop strong communication skills as you research and present arguments in international politics.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Expand your knowledge with studies in international justice and human rights, public policy in a global era, and international security. Develop strong communication skills as you research and present arguments in international politics.
You’ll increase your understanding of political, cultural and economic systems of other countries and regions. Choose to take an internship of 10-12 days in a political setting giving you practical experience and industry connections. Our students have previously interned with state and federal politicians, Amnesty International, local councils and community organisations.
Immerse yourself in another culture and travel overseas to study a semester in another country. Broaden your career options and choose a major or minor in Comparative Studies, Development Studies or International Business. Or, if learning a language speaks to you, take your pick of either Indonesian, Italian or Japanese.
Majors
Comparative Studies, Development Studies, Indonesian, International Business, Italian, Japanese
Career opportunities
Defence, intelligence, foreign affairs, foreign policy, international business, political advice, interpreting / translating (with further study).
Membership
The Australian Institute of International Affairs.
Program structure
Introductory courses (3)
COR109 Understanding Cultural Diversity
INT100 Gender and Culture
INT140 Communication and Thought
Language courses (2)
Select 2 courses from:
IND110 International Politics: An Australian Perspective
IND111 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
IND210 Indonesian A
IND211 Indonesian B
IND310 Indonesian C
IND311 Indonesian D
ITL110 Indonesian E
ITL111 Indonesian F
ITL210 Italian A
ITL211 Italian B
ITL310 Italian C
ITL311 Italian D
JPN110 Italian E
JPN111 Italian F
JPN210 Japanese A
JPN211 Japanese B
JPN310 Japanese C
JPN311 Japanese D
Advanced courses (7)
INT250 Japanese E
JST202 Japanese F
PLUS select 5 advanced courses for the Politics and International Relations major chosen from:
IND212 Forces of Change in International Politics
INT202 International Justice and Human Rights
INT230 Indonesia: Society, Culture and Politics
INT235 Industry Project 1: International Studies
INT245 Making Public Policy in a Global Era
INT257 International Relations: Theory and Practice
INT270 Politics of the USA
INT274 International Security
INT276 Politics and the Media
Major or Minor courses (8)
Select 1 major or 2 minors from:
* Students commencing in Semester 2 and completing a major in Indonesian or Italian will need to complete In-Country studies or increase the duration to a minimum of 3.5 years.
^ Students undertaking the International Business minor are required to use elective courses from the School of Business to meet prerequisite requirements.
Elective courses (4)
Select 4 advanced level (200/300 coded) elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Please note that the number of electives may vary depending on the combinations of major or minors chosen.
^ Students undertaking the International Business minor are required to use elective courses from the School of Business to meet pre-requisite requirements.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 288
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Register your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)