Political Science
We are one of the top-ranked programs for the study of political science and international relations in the region with a reputation for excellence in research and teaching.
Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations
We are a large group of outstanding researchers and committed teachers working on a wide range of pressing contemporary and longstanding issues in political science.
We pride ourselves on our outward-looking, inclusive and collaborative culture where respectful engagement and lively debate is actively encouraged. By studying politics and international relations at Melbourne, you will develop an understanding of politics as a vibrant, plural and diverse field of study that manifests itself in a variety of different contexts from the local to the global.
We see ourselves as promoting global citizenship and awareness in all that we do with many of our students pursuing highly successful careers in politics, government, the public service, civil activism, diplomacy and international relations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Political science at Melbourne will expose you to the most compelling ideas about power, politics and policy at a time of rapid social and political change.
Professor Sally Young, Chair in Political Science
Explore our research areas
Our internationally recognised research informs and enriches our teaching programs and engagement activities, which explore key issues, ideas, institutions and actors in local, national and international politics.
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Australian politics
Australian politics speaks to issues around the country’s colonial past, historical alliances, its place in the Asia-Pacific, and confronting the challenges of climate change.
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Comparative Politics
Our research both compares different forms of national politics and pursues specialisation in specific nations and regions. These include comparative public policy, national systems and institutions, and defence and foreign policy.
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Indigenous politics
The School is home to the Indigenous Settler Relations Collaboration (ISRC), a multi-disciplinary research unit devoted to exploring the challenges that lie at the heart of relations between Indigenous and settler Australians.
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International relations
The School has a global reputation for its research in international relations and political economy. Our research is focused on a variety of contemporary challenges in domestic, regional and global politics, societies and economies.
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Political theory
Political theory research at Melbourne is diverse and pluralistic. Our research is grounded firmly in the generation of political ideas and concepts from the practice of politics.
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Public policy and governance
The School’s public policy and governance research is focused on understanding how public policy is made and implemented, and how governance conditions at local, national, regional and international levels are changing.
Study with us
Understand and explore the political, policy and social challenges of our time in Australia, the region and globally. Our programs prepare you for a career in diplomacy, government, business and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and beyond.
We teach at the undergraduate as well as the graduate coursework level into several professional programs that each offer a distinctive approach to the study of politics and the challenges of governance. We have an active cohort of graduate research students.
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts (Political and International Studies)
- Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours)(Political and International Studies)
Graduate coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Arts
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced)
- Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced)
- Master of International Relations
- Master of Public Policy and Management
Graduate research
Meet our Political Science staff
Our Political Science staff are leading teachers and researchers in a range of areas including political theory, international relations, political economy, Australian politics, comparative politics, public policy, administration and management, contemporary social issues, and research methods.
Dr Edward Goldring
Dr Liane Hartnett
Maria Katsonis
Prof Adrian Little
Prof Timothy Lynch
Prof Timothy Lynch
A/Prof Terry MacDonald
Prof Sarah Maddison
Dr Seraphine Maerz
A/Prof Aaron Martin