Humanities and Social Sciences

School of Social Sciences

Politics and International Relations Program

What is Politics?

Many people imagine that studying politics is just studying government. Government is important, but Politics is much more than this. Politics (sometimes called political science) is a diverse, sprawling and dynamic discipline, which is not defined by a particular method or approach, but by a concern with themes of human community, power, conflict and change.

It also concerns itself with practical understanding of the structures of power and governance which shape human lives and societies. This gives it a central position in intellectual life, and makes it an excellent complement to studies in Sociology, Anthropology, Law and Legal Studies, History, Philosophy and Economics.

Teaching

Politics is currently available to students at the following campuses:

• Albury Wodonga
• Bendigo
• Melbourne (Bundoora)
• Mildura
  

Career Opportunities

Politics provides an excellent background for people aiming to work in the public service, political parties, international organisations, government and non-government agencies, journalism and media, law, public relations, education, welfare, health policy, business administration, corporate-government relations, and a number of other fields.

But Politics is useful for people working in almost any professional field. Apart from the advantages deriving from thorough political knowledge, Politics helps students develop excellent skills of research, synthesis, analysis and communication. The strength of Politics at La Trobe, especially in Asian and international studies, greatly enhances this benefit.

Politics keeps in touch with graduates through the La Trobe Politics Society, Inc. Among Politics graduates who have checked in recently, one is a manager with a major development agency, another runs the conference section of the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, a number are working in the departments of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Trade and Immigration in Canberra and at least two have become administrators at other universities in Melbourne.