Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science (Honours) 1 year

Undertake an Honours year in International Relations and Political Science

Contribute to economic, social and political change with innovative research

In the complex world of politics, policy and governance, an Honours program builds the competencies you need to confidently embark upon your future career. Honours develops research aptitude, opening the entry pathway to a higher degrees by research or a PhD.

The Honours program also facilitates the development of advanced knowledge in your area of specialisation and builds project management skills. Successfully completing an Honours program demonstrates to future employers that you can take initiative, devise and implement your own project, write well, produce a substantive document, and work independently.

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Why undertake an Honours year in International Relations and Political Science at Flinders

Access excellent research facilities.
Work with internationally recognised scholars in your field.
Collaborate with industry partners.
Develop transferable analytical, collaborative, communication and presentation skills.
Make a difference in the world – your research has the potential to change people’s lives.

Your career

An Honours degree in International Relations and Political Science at Flinders is a stepping stone to a career in government, think tanks, not-for-profit organisations, universities, and private corporations. Individuals with Honours are highly sought after for senior management positions within government, and as political or policy analysts.

Potential occupations include:

Public sector manager/worker
Policy analyst
Diplomat
Government analyst
Humanitarian/Aid worker
Lobbyist
Researcher
Academic

Potential employers include:

Government
National and international NGOs
Think tanks
Embassies
Multinational businesses
Universities

Your path toward a higher degree by research

Studying Honours will provide a solid grounding in research skills and enhanced knowledge to help you progress towards a higher degree by research. Use skills you will acquire in research, critical analysis and innovative problem solving and be a part of new discoveries that will shape our world.

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What you will study

The Honours program comprises 36 units of study that include your Honours thesis research project, topics in research design and methods that provide you with the required skills to complete your Honours research, as well as other topics specific to the study of international relations and political science.

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Entry requirements

Entry into one-year Honours is highly competitive. If you have demonstrated academic excellence (a Grade Point Average of 5 or above) during your bachelor degree you are invited to apply for Honours.

Whether you’re invited to apply, or want to apply, you will need to contact the Honours Coordinator to discuss you project and arrange for supervision.

Search for an Honours coordinator

Advance your career through a collaborative research project with an industry partner

Gain experience with credible organisations
Deepen your technical expertise and contribute in a meaningful way to your discipline
Accelerate your career progress, and gain access to a variety of research relevant roles
Gain access to leading-edge facilities and equipment through Flinders and your industry partner
Engage your mind and follow your curiosity while undertaking research that will change lives and the world

Apply for an Industry-Targeted Honours

Honours Bursary for College of Business, Government and Law students

Six bursaries are available annually for business, criminology, or government Honours students, and are valued at $5,000 per annum. The College of Business, Government and Law Honours Bursaries are available to students enrolled in Honours in business, criminology or government in the College and are selected based on academic merit if there are more eligible applicants than bursaries available.

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Business, Government and Law Honours Scholarship for Indigenous Students

The College of Business, Government and Law has established the Indigenous Research Honours Scholarship to promote reconciliation by furthering understanding and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, knowledge and rights through related research projects.

This scholarship will be awarded to an Indigenous student undertaking an Honours program at the College of Business, Government and Law.

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Summer Research Awards for College of Business, Government and Law students

Six Summer Research Awards provide opportunities for students interested in undertaking honours or higher degree research to get a head start on their research and gain hands-on experience in the planning, conduct and analysis of research with their supervisor. Available for Flinders University Business, Criminology, Government and Law students, the Summer Research Award is valued at $1,500 each.

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Business, Government and Law Reconciliation Scholarship for Indigenous Research Projects

This scholarship will be awarded to a student undertaking an Honours program at the College of Business, Government and Law whose Honours research project is in an area relevant to Indigenous scholarship.

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Apply

When to apply

Applications for 2025 are now open.

How to apply

Submit your application directly to Flinders University through the online application system.

If you have never studied at or made an application to Flinders University, you can register and submit your application for admission to a 1-year Honours course using the eApplication portal. You will receive two emails once your application is completed: confirmation of application submission; and a second email with your student ID. Note, it may take 1-4 hours for your student ID to be created.

If you have studied at Flinders University within the last 12 months you can submit your application for admission to a one-year Honours course via the Student System. You can apply for admission by selecting the My Applications tab at the top of the page, and searching for your course.

If you studied at Flinders University more than 12 months ago you will need to reactivate your FAN first. With an active FAN you will then be able to submit your application for admission via the Student System as advised above.