Why Bachelor of Arts?
Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Arts degree is the gold standard for undergraduate study in the humanities and social sciences discipline. Major in politics and engage in lively discussions about political theories and current events. Explore ideas of power and freedom and consider opportunities for addressing the most urgent social, economic, and environmental issues of our world.
Our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics, will develop your knowledge and skills essential to engage in civic life and becoming a flexible change-maker.
You will develop in-demand skills such as advanced critical thinking, research and writing skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of complex political concepts.
Overview
With a future-focused approach, the integrity of a traditional arts degree is orientated toward the increasingly complex challenges facing individuals, communities, and societies.
Majoring in politics, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of political concepts. You will become aware of various political systems, ideologies, institutions, and processes. Dive deep into the politics of environmental change in Australia. Understand the growing policy issues and explore the impact of the internet on global politics.
You’ll have the opportunity to engage in industry placement which will enable you to explore professional pathways in sectors aligned with your interests.
Study a double major, developing in-depth knowledge in your chosen areas of interest. Learn the skills required for critical thinking, research, and communication. Graduate qualified to contribute across a range of roles that are highly regarded by prospective employers.
Key features
Be taught by internationally recognised researchers and academics. - Choose two core majors aligned to your interests.
- Create a unique degree to graduate with expertise in various fields.
- Enjoy enhanced flexibility from your first year through a wide range of elective choices.
- Participate in industry placement and global exchange to connect with community.
- Graduate with transferable skills and knowledge in local and global political climates.
What you'll learn
Explore key topics in contemporary political theory and practices and engage with a range of theoretical approaches to examine issues arising in current global politics. Build an understanding of the Australian political and government systems and delve into key political and policy issues.
You’ll consider the weaponisation of ‘culture war’ narratives. Study the impact of the internet on global politics - including fake news and social media. Explore environmental citizenship and how it shapes politics and policy.
Common core courses will develop key competencies sought by employers to ensure you graduate digitally literate with the ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and think creatively. You can also add a second major to your Bachelor of Arts, and pursue two areas of interest to boost your employment prospects.
Research potential career pathways in sectors aligning with your disciplinary interests and expertise to participate in an industry placement. You will be mentored by partner organisations and focus on networking experiences – preparing you for graduation.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for all Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Politics
|
Course code
POLI4000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policy and Practice in Australian Politics
|
Course code
POLI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Politics of Exclusion
|
Course code
POLI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australian Electoral Democracy
|
Course code
POLI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cyberpolitics
|
Course code
POLI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environment and Citizenship
|
Course code
POLI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Passions and Interests: The History of Greed
|
Course code
SOCI2001
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
Our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics will empower you to uncover a wide range of career opportunities that align with your values and interests. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills to thrive in our rapidly changing world and make influential changes.
Graduates of this program embark on fulfilling careers in diverse roles, such as:
- Campaign management
- Foreign affairs or trade
- Human rights work
- Intelligence analysis
- Policy development or advice
- Political analysis
- Project management.
Industry trends
Over the next 10 years, it’s predicted that 92% of new jobs created will require post-secondary education (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 ). In an increasingly complex and often ambiguous world the ability to recognise problems and offer solutions is more important than ever. You'll graduate with high level communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, adaptability and leadership capabilities to make positive change locally and globally.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
