Study Politics in Australia
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Politics in Australia
Although many see politics as a field for governors and politicians, it is actually a quite diverse and far-reaching field. In Australia, a degree in politics will help you develop a strong understanding of political organizations and institutions and their practices. It will also equip you with skills that are crucial and transferable to many other non-political job positions. Furthermore, Australian universities that offer courses in political sciences have a great reputation and stand quite high among other universities in international rankings - a fact that will open up your employment doors far and wide!
Reasons to Study Politics in Australia
International Accreditation
Australian universities pride themselves in their outstanding and inclusive education system. They also have committed lecturers, and some of the most outstanding researchers who work on various political issues, and from whose expertise you can learn a lot. All these great factors have made Australian qualifications quite reputable around the world, so earning a politics degree in Australia will equip you with an internationally recognized qualification.
A Variety of Politics Courses
While each university may have different programs, your politics degree in Australia may include modules on international law, American government, voting, political research, freedom of speech etc. You will learn how politics is conducted in different nations, the role of political parties, the role of elections, you will study Australian politics, the policy-making processes and the impact that different political systems have.
Build Professional Capabilities
Studying politics in Australia will give you the opportunity to gain insights into the dynamics of change that happens around the world. In addition to this, you will learn through real-world case studies, and by applying your skills to projects that are industry-relevant. Due to the huge number of international students you will also be able to network with fellow students which can have a great impact on your employment opportunities.
Top Universities to Study Politics in Australia
Some of the best universities in Australia for Politics are:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Queensland
- Australian National University
- University of New South Wales
- University of Sydney
- University of Western Australia
- Monash University
- University of Wollongong
- Deakin University
- Griffith University
Requirements
In Australia, to be eligible for admission for a course in politics you must submit the following:
- Documentary evidence of your qualifications (High school diploma or Bachelor’s degree)
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Work experience (for postgraduate studies)
- Study Visa
- Proof of financial stability
Note that some universities may have other requirements in addition to those mentioned above. Therefore, you must always check with the university about their requirements - be them specific or general.
Application Process
You should always start your application process by deciding which politics course you would like to pursue. After that you are advised to find the university you think will prepare you the best for the career you have envisioned. Once you have taken these two steps the rest of the procedure becomes easier.
As part of the application process you will also need to fill out an application form and prepare all the supporting documents and submit them in the online application portal of your university, or send your application via post. Both application forms are acceptable. Note that you must make sure you apply before the deadline.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Politics in Australia?
The duration of your degree depends on the level of study you are planning to undertake i.e:
- Bachelor’s degrees usually take 3 years of full-time study to complete
- Master’s degrees take 1 to 2 years of full-time study to complete
- Ph.D.’s typically last 3 years (a bit of additional study and the rest is dissertation work and research)
As a graduate of the field of politics you will be able to transform what you learn into engagement, policy and hopefully make a positive impact through your work.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Politics in Australia?
In Australia, tuition rates for courses in the field of politics differ depending on your residence classification (national or international), the school/university you choose to attend, level of study you plan to undertake, and the subjects you will choose to study. This means that you will be paying the total sum of the subject fees in which you are going to enroll.
If you plan to study politics at the undergraduate level you can expect to pay around AU$43,200 (US$30,794) per year. Whereas, the cost of a Master’s degree in the field of politics in Australian universities ranges from AU$22,000 (US$15,683) to AU$50,000 (US$35,643) per year. Ph.D.’s in the field of politics are priced similarly as Master’s degrees.
Politics Career Prospects in Australia
Studying the field of politics in Australia will lead to entry-level roles in numerous departments, sub-departments and agencies. As a politics graduate you can work as a member of parliament, political assistant, government social research officer, diplomatic service officer, public affairs consultant, political journalist, etc. You can also use your politics degree to find employment in human rights and charities.
An advantage of working in Australia is the fact that each person regardless of their citizenship or visa status has the same workplace rights and protections. In addition to excellent working conditions, Australia also offers great salaries to politics graduates. After you graduate you can expect to receive a starting salary of AU$50,000 (US$36,228), which can then go up to AU$140,000 (US$101,439) per year.
