VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Our Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science is for future leaders ready to engage with today’s most urgent global political challenges.
From climate diplomacy to national security, inequality to extremist politics, human rights to modern warfare, you’ll gain the skills to understand, analyse, and influence complex issues within Australia and across the globe. With access to unique internships – including placements in Washington, Vienna, and the South Australian Parliament – this is more than a degree. It’s your launchpad into leadership, policy, advocacy, and international careers that make a difference.
Over 961,000 South Australians work in the public sector. That makes up 18% of the total workforce. You'll find career opportunities in South Australia and abroad in foreign affairs, policy, diplomacy, analytics, trade, or international business*. You'll be studying towards an impactful career, like one of these:
Salary
$105K
typical salary in Australia
Job growth
14.8%
5-year projection
Help shape and implement policies by researching key issues, evaluating alternatives, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. They often collaborate with Policy Analysts to provide informed advice and support on a wide range of policy and regulatory matters.
Plays a key role in national security by gathering, evaluating, and interpreting information related to political, military, and social developments.
They identify emerging threats by tracking global trends and assessing risks, then provide strategic advice to inform defence and policy decisions. Their work supports the development of effective intelligence and security strategies.
Jobs growth
8.7%
5-year projection
Salary
$93K
typical salary in Australia
Represents Australia’s interests overseas, builds international relationships, and negotiates treaties or agreements on behalf of the government.
Leads the development of strategic policies and plans that guide government or organisational decision-making on key issues.
Develops and implements strategies to engage with government officials and agencies, builds relationships with policymakers, and advocates for policies that support the organisation’s goals.
Oversees communication between an organisation and the public, media, and government to shape public perception and support policy goals.
Study a variety of core topics and electives and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
GENERAL
In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of one option topic or you can focus on an area that interests you by choosing a minor.
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
In the second year, you'll study core topics and your choice of one option topic or you can also continue to concentrate on your area of interest by following the minor you started in your first year.
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of three option topics, or continue with the minor. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities or undertake an industry project.
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
After your first year, you can focus on an area that interests you by choosing a minor. This will help you work toward the career of your dreams.
MINOR
This minor can lead to exciting careers in museums, galleries, or educational organisations.
Year 2 - Core topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 3 - Core topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
Option topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
MINOR
This minor can lead to impactful careers. Explore contemporary issues like domestic violence, rape culture, pay gaps, harassment, racism, homophobia and transphobia, and national identity.
Year 2 - Core topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 3 - Core topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
Option topics
*Topics may be subject to change.
MINOR
In this minor you'll build language and intercultural skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the Francophone world - its history, culture, values, and perspectives.
Year 1 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 3 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
MINOR
This minor will develop knowledge of the Indonesian language – including vocabulary, grammar and phonetics – and make the most of future opportunities.
Year 1 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 3 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
MINOR
Gain the essential skills to communicate effectively in Italian, and connect with cultural aspects such as cinema, history, design and fashion.
Year 1 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 3 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
MINOR
This minor can lead to global careers, increase your employment opportunities and earning potential by gaining comprehensive skills to understand, speak, read and write in Spanish.
Year 1 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Beginners)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 2 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
Year 3 - Core topics (Continuers)
*Topics may be subject to change.
SATAC: 244271 (Bedford Park) 284501 (City)
Our four-year combined honours degree will equip you with exceptional research and analysis skills, enhance your professional and interpersonal competencies, and expand your career options. This program is designed to make you an expert in a specialist field, giving you a deep understanding of the key political, international, and policy ideas and trends of our time.
Your fourth year might include the following topics, including placement opportunities in Washington, the South Australian Cabinet Office or Parliament. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook:
Our four-year combined honours degree will equip you with exceptional research and analysis skills, enhance your professional and interpersonal competencies, and expand your career options. This program is designed to make you an expert in a specialist field, giving you a deep understanding of the key political, international, and policy ideas and trends of our time.
Your fourth year might include the following topics, including placement opportunities in Washington, the South Australian Cabinet Office or Parliament. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook:
Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.
Photo credit: SATC
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of International Relations & Political Science.
Learn about Flinders International Relations & Political Science with Zoe Johnston
Hear from Zoe Johnston, an Honours student, about her incredible experiences, from interning in Washington, D.C., and meeting global leaders like Nancy Pelosi, to studying diplomacy in Vietnam.
Learn more about the Vienna Space Internship Program through Claire Wilson
From exploring space-based data centres to waltzing at a Viennese ball, International Relations & Political Science student, Claire reflects on an unforgettable internship experience in Vienna.
“The Washington Internship was a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore and develop my passion of US Politics.”
Kyle Whenan
Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science
“My professors are passionate about helping students to pursue their goals and reach their potential.”
Mariah Spronk
Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science
“Working with the JBC was exceptional and gave me a pragmatic skillset I could immediately apply in the workforce.”
Jack Goldsmith
Bachelor of Public Relations and Political Science
International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.
Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.
If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.
Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.
By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.
Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.
Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.
You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.
The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.
If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Gain two qualifications in just 1.5 years of extra study with a combined degree.
Flinders combined degree options can help you pursue multiple passions and graduate with two degrees to broaden your career opportunities.
Combined SATAC code: 245041
Duration: 4.5 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Combined SATAC code: 214761
Duration: 4 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Combined SATAC code: 214921
Duration: 4 years
Delivery Mode: In person
Combining studies in Languages with a Bachelor of International Relations & Political Science strengthens your global career opportunities. You’ll develop the advanced communication, cultural understanding, and critical thinking skills needed to work in international organisations, diplomacy, government, and aid sectors.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
Flinders University uses cookies to ensure website functionality, personalisation and a variety of purposes as set out in its website privacy statement. This statement explains cookies and their use by Flinders.
If you consent to the use of our cookies then please click the button below:
If you do not consent to the use of all our cookies then please click the button below. Clicking this button will result in all cookies being rejected except for those that are required for essential functionality on our website.