University of New South Wales

Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

The study of politics and international relations focuses on the complexities of government and global politics. We help you think critically about the most pressing challenges that face our world today. We also enable you to unpack complex international issues and learn how to formulate impactful solutions. The result of studying politics and international relations is an intricate understanding of the forces that mould political development and our world at large.

Delivery mode

University of New South Wales offers this course through the following delivery modes:

Blended

Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.


Locations
  • UNSW Sydney, High St, Kensington

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Portfolio Entry

  • An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice.

Prerequisites

  • You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.
  • IB Diploma: 29

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements.

  • HSC Plus: This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree.
  • Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL): This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level.
  • Educational Access Scheme (EAS): Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12.

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university.

  • Gateway Admission Pathway: This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools.
  • Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS).

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – Academic version, IELTS Indicator and IELTS UKVI: 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)
  • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test) - including TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking)
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English – Academic): 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest)
  • C1 Advanced Cambridge (formerly known as CAE – Cambridge Advanced English): 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest)
  • C2 Proficiency Cambridge (formerly known CPE – Cambridge Proficiency English: 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest)
Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $0 - $34,845 $121,920 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Standard Tuition:
$34,845
Standard Tuition:
$121,920
Full Fee Tuition:
$34,845
Full Fee Tuition:
$121,920
Enquire with University of New South Wales to find out more.
Study mode Blended
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $0 - $34,845 $121,920 Support may be available

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) will prepare you for the following roles.

Diplomat

Diplomats, also known as Public Diplomacy Officers, work for the Australian government and are responsible for advancing Australian interests overs...

Avg yearly income $166,400
Entry barriers Low

Policy Adviser

A Policy Adviser helps to develop and improve policies impacting on government departments, commercial businesses and not-for-profit organisations....

Avg yearly income $113,620
Entry barriers Low

Political Adviser

Political Advisors provide specialist advisory services to politicians, parliamentarians, and government officials. They are employed by state and...

Avg yearly income $119,600
Entry barriers Low

About University of New South Wales

Since our foundation in 1949, UNSW Sydney has made an ongoing commitment to improve and transform lives in Australia and globally.

The essence of UNSW Sydney is not found in our impressive facilities or beautiful grounds. It is found in our students, our staff, our alumni and our generous donors. Our collective difference reflects the unique perspectives of our people, place and purpose as we play our part in the creation of a just society.

Our guiding motto, Scientia Corde Manu et Mente–Knowledge by Heart, Hand and Mind–embodies our commitment to embrace diversity of thought, integrity, innovation, and our deep connections with the community.

UNSW is a vibrant, multicultural campus with students and staff from over 120 different nationalities. We believe our cultural diversity is one of our main strengths, as it exposes us to alternative perspectives and experiences in our working, learning and research environments.