Politics and International Relations is concerned with the study of political action, ideas, institutions and actors, from the local to the global. It deals with governments and how policies are made on a wide range of issues, such as the economy, the environment, and social issues. It explores ideas and the important thinkers who have helped shape political beliefs and analyses different political systems, cultures and societies.

This discipline also covers the study of International Relations, in theory and practice, the global economy, international law, regionalism and institutions such as the United Nations. Areas of focus include Australian politics and international relations; political theory; politics in specific countries and regions such as China, Russia, the USA and South-East Asia; political sociology; political economy; public policy making; development studies; nationalism; gender politics and multiculturalism.

Studying Politics and International Relations at UNSW

The study of Politics and International Relations at UNSW is primarily through the School of Social Sciences and International Studies (http://politics-ir.arts.unsw.edu.au/). Both undergraduate and postgraduate programs of study are available. Please refer to the table below for a list of programs available at UNSW.