The School of Political Science and International Studies offers a wide range of undergraduate courses in governance and public policy, Australian politics, international relations, peace studies, conflict resolution, political economy, international development, and political and social theory. These courses are concerned with how we make sense of the world in which we live, the current challenges we face and how both Australian and international political institutions ought to respond to complex policy problems in an era of globalisation and rapid social change.
Students with an interest in one or more of these fields generally complete undergraduate programs in complimentary areas like Arts, Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Management, Social Work, Psychology and Journalism. While some students take political science and international studies courses as electives in these programs, many others 'specialise' by following structured plans of study ('majors') particularly in the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Social Science (or as part of a dual degree linked to one of these).
In the Bachelor of Arts, the School coordinates the following majors:
Political Science
International Relations
Peace and Conflict Studies
Public Policy
In the Bachelor of Social Science, the School contributes to the following majors:
Social and Public Policy
Development
New or first year students should generally choose from the listed introductory courses in the plan(s) they have chosen in their first semester. Many advanced courses recommend that you complete a particular introductory level course and these "prerequisites" are identified where relevant. Advanced level courses need not be undertaken in any particular sequence or in any particular year of your studies, although they should not be attempted until the recommended introductory prerequisites have been completed.
Information for first year students
Undertaking a major or extended major in Political Science
Undertaking a major or extended major in International Relations
Undertaking a major or extended major in Peace and Conflict Studies
Undertaking a major in Public Policy
If you are interested in acquiring competencies that will enhance your employment opportunities, you should consider our internship program, as well as those courses that specifically develop research methods and policy analysis skills. If you are obtaining good results you should strongly consider applying for the fourth year honours program (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science).
If you need further advice about studying in the School of Political Science & International Studies, please contact the School's Student Support Team on:
Phone: +61 7 3346 9544 or +61 7 3365 2637
Email: pols@uq.edu.au