International studies and politics courses
Want to work in politics, policy or international affairs? Both ways in are bachelor degrees: one on how countries deal with each other, one on how governments work at home. Neither is required to enter the field, but either can build skills employers look for.
- Quickest way to start
- 2 years
- Bachelor degree, typical full time length
- What the jobs pay
- $52,000 to $234,000
- median pay across 5 jobs, some estimated
Which course do you need?
None of these jobs needs a set qualification, but these courses teach what employers look for.
Bachelor of International Relations
Work in international affairs and policy
Assess visa and citizenship applications, apply migration rules and explain decisions to applicants.
A job it helps withVisa and Citizenship Officer
Median pay$85,800 (estimate)
Helps, not required. Employers hire on skills and experience as well as study.
- How long it takes
- 2 to 3 years full time
- How you'll study
- On campus
Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations)
Work in politics, policy or advocacy
Make the case for an organisation's interests to politicians and public servants, and track the policies that affect it.
A job it helps withLobbyist
Median pay$130,000 (estimate)
Helps, not required. Employers hire on skills and experience as well as study.
- How long it takes
- 3 years full time
- How you'll study
- Online or on campus
Other university courses
- Bachelor of International Studies3 years. Looks at world affairs through politics, history, culture and language, usually with a language or regional major and often exchange or an internship.
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics3 to 4 years. Brings politics, philosophy and economics together to explain how societies make decisions, which suits policy and public sector work.
- Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics3 years. The same three disciplines with a different emphasis, on how governments and markets work and how to reason about evidence.
- Bachelor of Global Studies3 years. Covers issues that cross national borders, such as security and international relations, and some programs include time overseas.
Jobs this study can help with
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
- LobbyistStudy that can helpBachelor degreeMedian pay$130,000 (estimate)
Electorate OfficerStudy that can helpBachelor degreeMedian pay$78,000 (estimate)
Local CouncillorStudy that can helpBachelor degreeMedian pay$52,000 (estimate)- Visa and Citizenship OfficerStudy that can helpBachelor degreeMedian pay$85,800 (estimate)
Member of ParliamentStudy that can helpBachelor degreeMedian pay$234,000 (estimate)
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.