James Cook University

Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations)

Politics, sometimes also referred to as political science, involves the study of a state’s governance. This may include the study of policies, the political system and politicians themselves. Politics is particularly concerned with the function of power, and how it is used in particular ways to achieve outcomes. Studying politics will assist you in developing a broad knowledge base, as you will consider how economics, law, history and public relations intertwine to impact the functions of modern governments.

The study of international relations revolves around two interrelated concepts of cooperation and conflict. International relations specialists consider issues such as foreign policy making and diplomacy, states and ethnic groups, military force build-up and humanitarian intervention, peace building and preventive diplomacy, international aspects of human rights, international development, environmental degradation, and international migration and refugees. They may also examine how these issues in one country may have implications regionally or globally.