About the Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy
The Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy is known for its research and teaching about regional and global security, political authoritarianism, migration protection, decolonial political economy, children in politics, foreign policy, the gendered dimensions of conflict, media and sport, online harm, transnational feminist and queer solidarities, sexual health of marginalised populations, bioethics, testimony, emotions and rational choice.
We address these topics through our courses, and our research and partnerships with government organisations, industry, universities, think tanks and community groups.
Our Department is part of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
We offer a range of undergraduate courses including our Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Media and Communication and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, as well as majors in politics, philosophy, and gender, sexuality and diversity studies.
At the postgraduate level, we offer supervision for Higher Degree Research candidates and host the Graduate Certificate in International Relations.
Our students are taught by academic staff whose work has real impact on public debates and policymaking. In our Media and Communication program, our staff are experienced professionals who have worked in television, radio, journalism and consulting.
We take pride in the achievements of our students, who apply the skills and knowledge they have gained at La Trobe to help address the big challenges of our time.
Supportive learning
Our courses offer pathways to careers in the public service, diplomacy and international relations, policy analysis, consultancy and advocacy, and media and communication.
Our students benefit from our flexible approach to teaching that allows them, where possible, to engage in learning at a time and place of their choosing. We offer on-campus, online and hybrid learning opportunities, in semester-long study or shorter, block-mode options.
We also offer a range of placements, internships and study abroad programs to give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in different social and cultural environments and allow them to gain valuable workplace experience.
Our media and communication students, for example, hone their skills through our award-winning upstart program and internships with a range of media organisations, businesses, sports clubs and community groups.
In politics, our longstanding partnership with the Victorian Parliament gives our high-achieving students the opportunity to undertake work experience with members of the Victorian legislature.
Real impact
Our staff 's research has real-world applications related to foreign interference, migration governance, the political role of children and family, gendered dimensions of security and conflict, media coverage of sport, fictionalising history for documentary, cyber racism, feminist and queer solidarities, sexual health of marginalised populations, ethical perspectives on medicine, testimony, virtual reality and rational choice.
They make contributions to parliamentary committees, advise government agencies, inform public debate and advocate for our community.
Our Higher Degree Research program gives students the opportunity to join a vibrant cohort of researchers who use robust methods to create new knowledge on power, political change, communication and ethics.
We have close links to the Centre for Global Security and La Trobe Asia, which together work to rethink how societies understand and respond to the complex security challenges of our time, including geopolitical tensions, economic instability, climate disruption, information warfare, and public health pressures, to support an engagement with Asia.
School centres
Our staff make key contributions to the School's Climate Change Adaptation Lab.
The Climate Change Adaptation Lab takes a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, and reflexive approach to understanding the complex, more-than-climatic character of impacts, as they intersect in our daily lives.
Research centres
Our staff make key contributions to La Trobe University's institutes and research centres.
The Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society conducts research and education on the social dimensions of sexuality, gender, health and human relationships. The Centre works collaboratively with other researchers, communities, community-based organisations, government and professionals to advance knowledge and promote positive change in policy, practice and people’s lives.
The Care Economy Research Institute was established in 2023 by La Trobe University in recognition of the crisis facing our care sectors, and our conviction that together researchers and industry partners can make a positive difference.
The Centre for Alcohol Policy Research is at the forefront of alcohol research. Its discoveries are used to inform the development of evidence-based, effective alcohol policy in Australia and internationally.
The Centre for Global Security brings together researchers, practitioners and community partners to rethink how societies respond to today’s complex security challenges, from geopolitical tensions and economic instability to climate disruption, disinformation and public health pressures. By connecting expertise across disciplines and sectors, the Centre focuses on how different forms of security intersect, and how that understanding can inform practical, evidence-based action.
The Centre for Human Security and Social Change works for inclusive social change. It works with a range of individuals, organisations and networks that are involved in social change with a particular, but not exclusive, focus on Indigenous Australia, the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
The Centre for Sport and Social Impact is shaping the future of Australian sport and physical activity through research and engagement with industry and government. Its research addresses significant health and social issues including physical inactivity, social exclusion, physical illiteracy, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and gambling.