Skip to main content Skip to main navigation

Politics and International Relations Major

Code MAAALW

Why study at ECU?

About this Major

This major provides students with an understanding of political structures, power relations, governance frameworks, and key political ideologies.

It begins with a unit about the Australian system before introducing students to global political systems and international relations, and then to key ideologies shaping nation states. The final three units investigate contemporary challenges to these governance structures and their philosophical foundations. Studying politics enables students to develop and enhance their ability to think critically and communicate effectively.

Code

MAAALW

Availability & Campus

Location Availability
Joondalup Available
Mount Lawley
South West
Online Available
= Available
Enquire Apply

Details

Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
POL1305Open modalAustralian Government and Politics15
Year 1 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
POL1310Open modalGlobal Politics15
Year 2 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
POL2305Open modalThe Politics of Knowledge and Disinformation15
Year 2 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
POL2310Open modalDangerous Thoughts: Political Ideologies15
Year 3 - Semester 1
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
CRI3109Open modalInternational Human Rights15
Year 3 - Semester 2
Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
POL3310Open modalThe Politics of the Environment15
Plus, select one of the following two 30cp options. Students may choose to do the 30cp unit in either Semester One or Semester Two of their third year, and should check the timetable for unit availability.
SAH3670Open modal ^Industry Project Capstone30
SAH3680Open modal ^Research Project Capstone30

^ Core Option

For more detailed unit information for this Major take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Notes

Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply broad knowledge of politics to research, community, and professional challenges.
  2. Think critically to analyse, evaluate, and use knowledge from the discipline of Politics to make well-reasoned judgements.
  3. Think creatively to generate and integrate a range of ideas from multiple perspectives to create evidence-based responses to social justice, sustainability, and ethical issues.
  4. Use digital literacy skills to access, evaluate, and use relevant information from multiple sources to research problems and to engage with established and emerging technologies ethically and intelligently.
  5. Communicate clearly and coherently to make persuasive arguments appropriate for professional and public contexts.
  6. Demonstrate a global outlook and reflexive self-awareness with respect for culture and diversity, including Indigenous cultural responsiveness.
  7. Demonstrate effective collaboration and interpersonal skills, including personal integrity and respect.
  8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional development.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities

Studying politics enables students to develop and enhance their ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Graduates can use the knowledge and skills they have gained to pursue careers in fields such as government, the public service, teaching, academia, journalism, management, and non-government organisations.

Possible future job titles

Research Officer, Policy Officer, Public Sector Employee, Government Agency Worker, Local Government Employee, State Government Employee, Member of Parliament Employee, Researcher, Public Servant, Policy Analyst, Consultant, Political Staffer, Diplomat, Politician, Teacher, Criminology and Justice System Worker

This Major can be studied in the following courses

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.