Political Science and International Relations provides an understanding of governments and political systems in Australia and internationally.
Introduction
Societies can only continue to exist if they solve the problem of internal order and are able to protect themselves from external threats.
Back to top
Course description, features and facilities
Political Science and International Relations studies how societies govern themselves and the collective decisions, or public policies, they need, or choose, to make. Attention is given to the different ways government is organised; values such as liberty, participation, majority rule and minority rights which inform political institutions and public policy; and ideologies such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, feminism and environmentalism which have motivated much political action in modern societies. International Relations focuses on the ways in which states and peoples interact with other states, regional or global political organisations, and social movements in an increasingly interdependent world.
Back to top
Student profile
Student profile – Leah Pitt
I made the decision as a first-year student to study Political Science and International Relations due to my interest in international politics, human rights and social justice. There are some units that require stronger research capabilities and analytical skills, and studying these gave me a more intensive understanding of contemporary political issues and systems. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues in New York as a youth delegate. When I finish my degree, I’ll be moving to Canberra to take up a graduate position with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Back to top
Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
Back to top
Career opportunities
Graduates of this major are not only found in political parties, ministers' offices and parliament, many pursue careers in Commonwealth or WA public services including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Others enter journalism or a wide range of organisations in Australia and elsewhere, or else use their training as a basis for further study in law, education, social work, communications and other areas.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
Back to top
Further study opportunities
This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level including the Master of International Relations by coursework and other postgraduate studies.
Back to top
Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and International students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
| Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) | 80 |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
French Baccalaureat
| 12 |
International Baccalaureate
| 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
| 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
| 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
| 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
| 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
| 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
| 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
| 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
| 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
| 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
| 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
| 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
| 15.70 |
German Abitur
| 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
| 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
| 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
English competency
To be eligible for admission to a program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and International students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre. Applications open Monday 13 August 2012.
Closing dates:
- On-time closing date - Friday 28 September 2012
- The deadline for adding preferences for Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry is Friday 28 September 2012, and late applications will not be accepted.
- Late applications for other courses will be accepted, with a late fee, until Friday 4 January 2013.
- Students completing Year 12 in Australia in 2011 can add preferences (except for Medicine and Dentistry Assured Entry Pathways) until Friday 4 January 2013.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
Closing date:
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Fees
$, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student contribution will depend on the mix of units you choose. See the unit costs website for details of individual unit costs.
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
Closing dates:
- Assured Entry Pathways to Medicine and Dentistry - 30 June 2011
- All other courses - 1 December 2011
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
Closing date:
You must also:
If you will be under 18 when you begin study at UWA you are required by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to have appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements while studying in Australia.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
- About UWA
- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses
- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus
- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.
