University of Tasmania, Australia

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Political Science

UTAS Home › Faculty of Arts › Politics & International Relations ›   › Political Science

Introduction

Political Science is the study of how ideas, institutions and political power interact in modern communities and in the wider international setting. The focus is not only on how governments operate but on how power and authority shape modern society. Politics and the use of state power are central to relations between countries and between governments and citizens. But power relations can be analysed in other spheres as well, such as the role of business in market-based societies and in the struggle over regional development policy within communities. Ideas are crucial in politics. Political Science involves the study of the major ideas that drive the modern world; from democracy and liberty, to justice and authority.

Awareness of the nature of political activity is important for citizenship in a democracy such as Australia. Understanding how and how well we are governed is a central aspect to active involvement in the community. Beyond this, the study of politics offers a way of better understanding Australia's place in the international arena. To find out more about the units and courses available go to the online courses and units entry

Career Opportunities

Your studies in Political Science will provide essential skills in research, reasoned argument, and written and verbal communication. You will graduate from the program with a clear understanding of how politics and governments operate.These skills provide an important foundation for personal and professional development. Graduates with a major (area of specialisation) in Political Science typically find work with the following organisations:

  • Public sector organisations (commonwealth,state and local government)
  • Community and non government organisations
  • Private companies, including policy-oriented think thanks
  • Lobby groups
  • Media groups
  • Public relations firms
  • Schools
  • Police forces
  • Unions and employer groups

Links with other degree courses

While primarily taken by Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies) students, Political Science is also available to students taking other degrees, for example commerce, economics, law and science, and would be useful for professional development. Students should check the rules of their degree for major requirements, as restrictions may apply.

Parliamentary Internships

Students studying Political Science have the opportunity to undertake internships at undergraduate (HSA361) or Honours Level (HSA432) with the Parliament of Tasmania. This involves a part-time placement with a Member of Parliament or a Parliamentary Committee and involves the intern undertaking a practical, research-oriented report. These internships provide credit towards the completion of a major or honours in Political Science.

Honours, Postgraduate and Research Courses

The fourth-year (400 level) honours program is an advanced exploration of selected issues in Political Science. The program is open to students who have majored in Political Science with a grade-point average of 6.5 or higher. The honours year consists of specialised coursework units and a thesis, and introduces students to the skills involved in independent research. The honours program also provides a stepping stone to Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, as well as providing an additional qualification.

The School of Social Sciences also offers three postgraduate coursework programs in International Politics at the Hobart campus:

The School of Social Sciences has a strong reputation for research and welcomes enquiries from those seeking to undertake a research higher degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration or International Relations.