Question 1

What is a politics or political science course?

Accepted Answer

There are a range of options for students interested in pursuing courses in politics and political science. Courses can differ in content quite a bit, so it’s worth thinking about what you want to get out of your study.

At the undergraduate level, you may end up opting for a broader humanities degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts. This will give you foundational knowledge in related areas that will help you in a policy role, such as economics and philosophy.

Or you could choose a double degree in a field such as a Bachelor of Political Science and International Relations, to give you a greater perspective and potentially open up career opportunities overseas.

If you’re just looking for a knowledge booster or a taste of the discipline, you could also opt for a short course or single subject in political science.

Question 2

What do you learn in a politics course?

Accepted Answer

You’ll gain a strong grounding in subjects such as:

political theory
history
philosophy
political economy
international relations
human rights

Crucially, studying the discipline will help you hone your capacity for critical thought as well as research, writing and decision making.

When choosing a course, have a think about whether you are most interested in learning about Australian politics or taking a more global lens and learning about topics such as international relations, diplomacy, and institutions like the United Nations, as the subjects on offer can differ from course to course.

Depending on your course, you may also be able to choose a second major, such as a language, which could help you out in a role abroad. You can book a call with one of our student advisors to get advice on your study options.

Question 3

How long is a politics course?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide:

Course	Duration
Single subject	10-18 weeks
Short course	10-18 weeks
Undergraduate certificate	6 months (if full time)
Diploma	1 year (if full time)
Associate degree	2 years (if full time)
Bachelor degree	3 years (if full time)
Graduate certificate	6 months (if full time)
Graduate diploma	1 year (if full time)
Masters degree	2 years (if full time)

If you study a degree in politics through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.

Question 4

Why should I study politics?

Accepted Answer

Whether you’re looking to battle it out in a role in Canberra, bring a more critical eye to reading the news, or gain greater context for your current job, studying politics can help give you the insights that you need.

A politics or political science degree will give you skills that are transferable to many different roles. It could act as a useful basis for a career in the legal system, diplomacy, state or local government, the private sector, or academia.

Outside of your career, you’ll likely find the skills that you gain in critical thinking will also be applicable and helpful to your everyday life.

Question 5

Why should I study an online politics course?

Accepted Answer

Doing a politics or political science course online will give you the opportunity to fit study around your current life commitments. You’ll be able to study where and when it suits you and juggle study and work more effectively.

Question 6

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

Accepted Answer

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Question 7

What jobs can you get with a degree in politics?

Accepted Answer

A politics degree can take you far—both within Australia and around the world. Some common roles you may land after graduating include:

Political staffer
Policy officer
Policy advisor
Media strategist
Campaign manager
Journalist
Researcher

Question 8

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Accepted Answer

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

Question 9

How do I enrol?

Accepted Answer

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

Politics courses

Introduction to Politics