Political Science and International Relations studies the way in which groups of individuals govern themselves and make collective decisions.

Societies can only continue to exist if they can solve the problems of internal order and security from external forces. The discipline of political science and international relations is concerned with these problems. It studies the way in which groups of individuals govern themselves and make collective decisions, the moral arguments that inform their collective decisions, and the way in which they interact with others in the international system.

The discipline has undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is actively involved in research.

Courses

More than 600 students pursue our undergraduate programs each year across a range of units. Students also have the opportunity to undertake honours.

Political Science and International Relations has a number of postgraduate courses which include both research programs and the following coursework qualifications:

• Graduate Certificate in International Relations
• Graduate Diploma in International Relations
• Master of International Relations
  

Research

Our research spans electoral behaviour, international relations, political theory, political institutions and public administration.

Australian Government and Politics Database

We maintain the Australian Government and Politics Database – a site created by researchers at the University to provide general information about Australian parliamentary politics and elections.

Several recent WA Rhodes Scholars (2006-2008) have been Political Science and International Relations honours graduates.