Bachelor of Arts
Political Science
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)
Campus: Cairns; Townsville; External*
Mode: on campus or External; full time or part time
Duration: 3 years full time
Prerequisites: English
Mid-year entry: Yes
QTAC codes: Cairns 321031; Townsville 311031
External 311039
* depending on subjects chosen
What is Political Science?
Your study
Political Science includes the study of political institutions, processes
and cultures in different countries, and the analysis of relations between
countries and their governments.
A selection of subjects for this course includes:
Political scientists are at the forefront of analysing and providing strategic
advice on domestic and international affairs and policy. An understanding
of political systems and government policies is essential to anyone
interested in a career in government or international diplomacy, and is very
useful for careers in the community and private sectors. It makes an ideal
major in the Arts program alongside majors such as History, Sociology, and
Indigenous Australian Studies.
• International Relations & Foreign Policy
• Policy Analysis & Management
• Government & Politics in Developing Areas
• Australia & World Politics
• Australian Public Policy & Politics.
Students are encouraged to gain a second major in an Arts or Social
Science area, thereby providing a further distinguishing feature to
their course.
Major overview
For full course outline details, visit www.jcu.edu.au/courses
This major is available to study on campus or online, and combines
the study of politics and public policy with comparative government
and international relations. Students explore international affairs from
political, historical, economic and legal perspectives, and examine the
complex interactions between the domestic and international affairs of
nations.
Honours
Students can choose to combine this major with another Bachelor of Arts
major (double major). To add further value it is possible to combine the
Bachelor of Arts with another degree (see Joint degree opportunities).
Major highlights
Students studying this major enjoy excellent interaction with lecturers.
There are also some opportunities to participate in parliamentary
internship placements and in the Global Voices program, in which
competitively selected students attend high-level international forums
such as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the G20, North
Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the United Nations (UN).
An Honours program is available to students demonstrating high
academic performance. Honours consists of an extra year of study and the
development of a personal research project and thesis.
Joint degree opportunities
Joint degrees give students expertise in a complementary discipline in a
reduced time, and can enhance career prospects. At JCU, the Bachelor of
Arts (Political Science) can be combined with:
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Law
• Bachelor of Science.
For further details, visit page 46.
Professional recognition
Graduates can apply for membership of the Australian Political Science
Studies Association, and the International Political Studies Association.
Career opportunities
Politics graduates analyse and provide strategic advice on domestic and
international affairs and policy for governments, industry and nongovernment organisations (or NGOs).
Graduates are skilled as private consultants, researchers, advisors or
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