About Politics

Politics is not simply about how the world is, but also about how the world should be. Politics students are introduced to a range of subjects in the School’s broad groups of political theory and political economy, culture and civilisations, social movements and war and state development. First year Politics has an emphasis on Australian politics and the political system, and on the international environment.

At upper level students can become familiar with politics in the South Pacific, North America, post-communist countries, China and Newly Industrialising Countries in East Asia and Latin America. All of our subjects heighten students’ consciousness of the world around them and the role that politics has played, and continues to play, in shaping the systems of government and the societies in which we live.

At 300 level students may apply for internships with the Public Sector (including parliament or the public service) within Australia. Recently agreement has also been reached with the US government for internships to commence on Capitol Hill with specified members of Congress.

If you want to think critically about the relationships between political power, culture, ideas and the state, or to debate key issues of the day, Politics is for you!