Explore your study options
You’ll investigate the challenges of climate change, asylum seekers and refugees, inequality, political parties and new social movements. Examine the ideas behind the policy and the rhetoric – then look globally for different solutions, investigate how policy lessons are learned and assess their impact on domestic and global politics.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Choose a politics and policy degree that will get you work ready
Deakin’s industry-shaped courses and practical, real-world approach to learning will prepare you to adapt to the jobs of the future.
Benefit from industry connections
Our politics and policy courses are run by academic staff with extensive networks in government and community organisations. They provide you with exciting internship and employment opportunities to prepare you for your future career.
Get practical skills to drive change
We offer one of the few courses in Australia that combines politics and policy. You’ll develop practical skills, such as policy writing and other communication skills, to engage with and address complex challenges.
Graduate with skills employers want
Graduate with communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, plus the ability to understand new knowledge. Your clear thinking and deep understanding of policy and political drivers will allow for a challenging and exciting career.
Take the next step to a brighter future
Explore our politics and international relations courses and find out more about life at Deakin. Get more inspiration for your future career in a major growth sector.
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Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
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I decided to be involved in politics and policy, because that is where all the decisions are made. If you want to make a difference or improve anything within your community or in the world you have to understand how politics works and how policy is developed.
Sylvia Daravong
Master of Politics and Policy
Top professional roles in politics and policy
Employment in public administration and safety is projected to grow 8.8% over 10 years to May 2033.* This includes new jobs for the following roles:
- 6,600 new jobs for policy and planning managers
- 6,700 new jobs for intelligence and policy analysts
- 4,700 new jobs for journalists and other writers
- 4,500 new jobs for research and development managers
- 2,900 new jobs for social professionals (such as political scientists).
Where you could be working
Our graduates gain employment in the following fields:
- business
- civil society organisations
- foreign affairs
- government organisations
- intelligence and security
- journalism
- policy advocacy
- policy design and analysis
- policy research
- politics
- political and social research
- public communication
- public relations and lobbying
- public service
- speechwriting.
Graduate with an employment advantage
Deakin is ranked in the top 1% worldwide for arts and humanities. This means you’ll graduate with the skills employers want, enabling you to work where your passion lies, make your impact and drive change.
Politics and policy studies at Deakin
Meet the teaching team and learn about the themes covered when you study politics and policy.
World-class teaching experiences
Our politics and policy course takes a comparative approach, providing you with the skills to analyse global events critically. You'll graduate with the knowledge, expertise and practical skills to succeed in various government policy, strategy, consulting or business management roles.
Graduate with professional experience
Gaining work experience improves your job prospects and career growth. You'll have the opportunity to intern in a professional setting, learning from experienced decision-makers, while expanding your network and preparing you for future employment opportunities. You can also travel abroad and gain valuable global experiences while you study.
Learn from the best
You’ll get a world-class education when you study at Deakin – a top 1% university worldwide. Our courses are designed in collaboration with industry professionals and taught by innovative academics, giving you the competitive edge to succeed.
Want to explore more?
Study the world’s oldest and most respected intellectual disciplines in one Deakin degree.
Looking for a progressive and practical interdisciplinary degree? Study Deakin's Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
Want to explore the world? Here's how to choose your degree
Find a degree that lets you combine an interest in the arts with a love of exploring the world.
Footnotes
*2023 Employment Projections - for the ten years to 2033, Jobs and Skills Australia.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of sources.
Contact us
Got a question about our politics and policy courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9034 6205
Enquire online