In the view of the great ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, politics was the 'master science': essential to an understanding of what makes us human. If that was the case over 2000 years ago, it is even moreso in our fast-changing modern world. The study of our political environment is crucial to understanding and leading change in global, national, and local settings. Through completion of this major you will have developed significant mastery of the field of Political Science. We will work with you to develop your research and analytical skills so that you can engage in social and political inquiry, and we will help you to build your powers of normative analysis. In short, we will help you to identify not only how politics works, but how it ought to work. While building such skills, students can enjoy engaging with topics such as globalisation, security and terrorism, contemporary protest movements and current debates on civil society and democratic theory. Training in Politics and IR provides access to careers in foreign affairs, diplomacy, the media, the trade union movement and government and non-government sectors. Students can build on this Major by pursuing the practical experience available through our Internship programme with the Victorian Parliament.

This degree will prepare you for a range of exciting careers in the humanities and social sciences. You will develop skills in communication, research, critical analysis, intercultural relationships, and teamwork which are valued by potential employers in the modern workplace. Graduates often move straight into positions in the public service, corporate, community and non-government organisations. Others move onto graduate studies to pursue the many professional careers that are best served by graduates with a generalist first degree: media professionals creative arts administrators public servants and policy workers community sector professionals strategic communicators creative artists software developers corporate managers.