Politics & international relations

Understand power. Lead with difference. Change the world.

At UNSW School of Social Sciences, 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.

Learn from leading academics & thought leaders

From political instability to conflict, national security to great-power rivalry, climate change to human rights and inequality, our scholars take a dynamic approach to help you understand the forces that shape the world.

You’ll learn how to critically examine the nature of power and its influence on society from a contemporary and historical perspective. Our academics are not only teachers but are thought leaders with active, political engagement on a global level. Ultimately, making politics and international relations one of the most exciting and rewarding fields of study on offer at UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.

Become a global contributor to change

Studying politics and international relations at UNSW provides you with the essential skill-set to become a thought leader and change maker of the future. Our undergraduate students pursue career paths in government and non-government organisations across the world stage, including:

• public affairs consultant
• political researcher
• state/federal member of Parliament
• intelligence officer
• national security adviser
• foreign policy adviser
• border control adviser
• surveillance officer
• consular officer
• political adviser
• diplomatic service officer
• political journalist
• international development worker
• political campaign director.