Study with the Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy
The Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy offers degrees and majors at La Trobe University’s Melbourne campus, as well as online.
We teach our students transferable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and research methods so that they are equipped to address the complex political, ethical and social issues facing our world today.
Our courses offer pathways to careers in the public service, diplomacy and international relations, in policy analysis, consultancy and advocacy, and media and communication.
Student experience
Our students have diverse backgrounds and identities. Together, we are learning to understand the world in all its complexity and make a positive difference to the communities we serve.
We are committed to providing a learning environment and workplace where all students and staff feel valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential.
Find out how we set our students up for success.
At La Trobe University, we have a longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice.
Our students are among the most diverse of all Australian universities, and we are committed to providing a learning environment and workplace where all students and staff feel valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential.
We care about building a connected community that actively champions diversity and inclusion to help people thrive. We achieve this by supporting our people, valuing diverse thinking as a key driver of innovation, and holding ourselves to account in delivering a culture where equity is a way of life.
La Trobe is committed to promoting equal opportunities and support for all students and staff, with a focus on six key pillars: cultural, disability, gender equality, indigenous, LGBTIQA+ and life stages.
Find out more about our services and events.
We deliver an outstanding learning experience that helps students to find their voice and forge careers that make a real difference to our world.
Our staff have won teaching awards and our subjects are regularly among those with the highest student satisfaction ratings in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Our student societies provide further opportunities to connect. The La Trobe International Relations Association and the Politics, Philosophy and Economics Society are vibrant hubs where students can engage with their peers through regular events and lectures.
We also believe that wellbeing is just as important as success. La Trobe offers extensive support services to optimise the student experience.
Find out more about how we support our students to excel at La Trobe.
Our students put their theoretical learning into practice through industry placements and internships.
Students in our Bachelor of Media and Communication, for example, can complete internships with media organisations, sports clubs, community groups and businesses. These internships may lead to full-time employment after graduation.
Our Politics major gives students opportunities to complete placements in the Victorian Parliament or a range of non-government organisations.
The Department of Politics, Media and Philosophy is globally connected. Our academic staff are experts on countries such as China, Russia, Indonesia and Afghanistan, and we work closely with partners in Australia and abroad.
Our students can access a range of global opportunities including field trips, student exchanges and study tours funded by the New Colombo Plan Mobility Program. Our students have been awarded New Colombo Plan scholarships to study in countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea.
Find out more about our exchange programs.