Why study International Relations and Political Science?

For me International Relations is the intersection between politics, history, culture and languages and in this increasingly globalised world that we live in this study is extremely important.  At Flinders we have such a large number of internationally recognised experts in different fields as well as opportunities such as the Flinders University Washington Internship Program, where I was lucky enough to intern with the US Congressman Jim McDermott. This really consolidated my learnings.

The thing I enjoy most about Flinders is how my course is shaped by real life. We are taught using real scenarios, and the findings from the latest academic research papers are applied in our workshops.  I have developed the skills and knowledge that will help to progress my career.

The skills and insights gained from studying government structures and public management are highly transferable into the ever-evolving Australian work force. The Bachelor of Government and Public Management allows you to focus on both participation and productivity. I feel as though I am prepared to take on any employment opportunity or further study as an aware, informed, flexible and cultured graduate upon entering the increasingly globalised world.

As a mature aged student who graduated over 20 years ago, the Bachelor of Government and Public Management has given me a second chance at a new life. I am now in a high achiever’s program gaining invaluable experience in a government department on a real project with the opportunity to conduct myself, much like a consultant. What was once a scary dream is a fantastic university experience on my way to my new career and brand new, educated outlook on life!

The Master of Public Administration has been invaluable to my career. It opened up a whole new world for me, providing just the right mix of theoretical concepts and practical tools that could be directly applied to my work.

My combined degree gave my studies at Flinders a distinct international focus and added depth. I chose international relations because I wanted a way to continue my language studies from High School (Indonesian) while studying Law. This course gave me the flexibility to be able to study abroad and encouraged me to become a globally aware citizen. My studies enabled me to turn my passion for international law and development into a career. I have had great practical experiences as a part of my studies with an internship with AusAid at the UN in New York and at the World Bank in Jakarta.

Adding International Studies to my Law degree was the best decision I made in my university life. It gave me opportunities for exchanges and placements I would never have had in my Law degree, and when the stress and minutiae of Law was too much I always had IS topics to look forward to. Doing a language, an exchange, a placement in an NGO; all these opportunities are available in an IS degree and all have made me a more well rounded and employable graduate. If it’s something you will enjoy, picking IS can only be a good thing.