The School of 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. It analyses different political systems, cultures and societies. It also covers the study of International Relations, in theory and practice, the global economy, international law, regionalism and institutions such as the United Nations. Our objective is to describe, analyse and understand the politics of our own country, of other countries and of the global community, as well as evaluate ideas about politics.

Any student who wishes to gain a major sequence in Politics and International Relations must obtain 6 Level 1 units of credit and 36 Upper Level (or 12 Level 1 and 30 Upper Level) units of credit in Politics and International Relations.

Normally students take only one Level 1 course in each session. Students cannot count more than 12 units of credit from Level 1 Politics and International Relations courses towards their degree.

Courses commencing with the numbers POLS2.. have as their minimum prerequisite 36 units of credit; those commencing with the numbers POLS390.. are advanced Upper Lecture courses and require 36 units of credit including 6 units of Politics and International Relations at Credit level; while those commencing with the numbers POLS30.. and POLS391.. are Upper Level seminar courses and require at least a 65% average in 18 units of Politics and International Relations.

Honours level study is available in Politics and International Relations. Students interested in Honours should refer to the Honours plan record for entry requirements.