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

Politics and International Relations may be studied as a major sequence within an Arts or Social Science Bachelor degree or combined degree program. Please refer to the table below for a complete list. Politics and International Relations can also be studied at a postgraduate level through PhD (Research), Masters (Research or Coursework degree programs or through Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate programs. Please refer to the table below for a complete list.