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) 36 units
COR109 Social Work and Human Services Practice
INT100 Social Research
INT140 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
Language courses (2) 24 units
Select 2 courses (24 units) from:
IND110 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
IND111 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
IND210 Understanding Cultural Diversity
IND211 Mental Health and Social Work
IND310 Working With Children, Youth and Families
IND311 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
ITL110 Health & Mental Health in Australia
ITL111 Social Work Field Education 1
ITL210 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
ITL211 Community Development and Social Action
ITL310 Advanced Professional Experience for Exercise Science
ITL311 Communication and Thought
JPN110 International Politics: An Australian Perspective
JPN111 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
JPN210 Indonesian A
JPN211 Indonesian B
JPN310 Indonesian C
JPN311 Indonesian D
Developing and Graduate courses (7) 84 units
INT250 Indonesian E
JST202 Indonesian F
PLUS select 5 developing and graduate courses (60 units) for the Politics and International Relations major chosen from:
IND212 Italian A
INT202 Italian B
INT230 Italian C
INT235 Italian D
INT245 Italian E
INT257 Italian F
INT270 Japanese A
INT274 Japanese B
INT276 Japanese C
Major or Minor courses (8) 96 units
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) 48 units
Select 4 developing and graduate level (200/300 coded) elective courses (48 units) 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
- 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)
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- 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 Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)