I chose the IR program at ANU because it is the top ranked in Australia. I wanted a program that would challenge me intellectually, and improve my chances of fulfilling my career goals.
Search Asia and the Pacific
Follow us
Create your tailored
postgraduate guide now
ANU is ranked first in Australia and eighth in the world in politics and international studies.
Study a Master of Political Science at one of the world’s leading institutions for political research. This intensive degree focuses on the contemporary politics of Australia and the Asia-Pacific region and equips students with cutting-edge analytical skills they need for independent research. Students can choose from a wide range of courses covering terrorism, human rights, interest group advocacy or Islam and democracy. They will benefit from small seminar groups taught by our renowned academics.
As an ANU student you will learn from academics who provide regular policy advice to the Australian and foreign governments. You will have the opportunity to attend guest lectures from visiting academics and policymakers in Australia’s political capital.The Master of Political Science deals with the scientific study of political behaviour. It applies social science research methods to advance our understanding of a wide range of political phenomena from voting behavior to civil war, from regime change to corruption. Our program provides you with the analytical frameworks and research skills needed to understand contemporary political events - from the immigration policies of the Trump administration to the leadership conflicts within Australia’s political parties.
View our coursework guide [PDF 3.1MB]
The Master of Political Science (Advanced) provides a pathway to doctoral programs that have a research thesis as a prerequisite. In addition to the coursework component, you will also complete a substantial original thesis as evidence of your mastery of the relevant substantive knowledge and methodological skills. You will be taught and supervised by internationally recognised research scholars. These skills open the pathway to further study and to research-oriented careers in both public and private sector.
The Master of Political Science provides students with the analytical tools they need to answer a range of critical questions - What motivates voters to support populist candidates? How can election outcomes be more accurately forecast? What is the source of ethnic conflicts and how can it be best understood? The program provides training in political science research methods and equips students with in-depth knowledge on contemporary political affairs. Students can choose from a wide selection of topics covering terrorism and counter-terrorism, human rights, interest group advocacy or Islam and democracy. The program will be of interest to those intending to pursue research-oriented careers in government, international organisations, NGOs and private bodies, and to those intending further study in the field. Internationally recognised, this Master degree also paves the way to pursuing a PhD overseas.
Our degrees will prepare you with the necessary skills to advance your career in a wide range of professions such as:
Updated: 24 April, 2017/Responsible Officer: Dean, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific/Page Contact: CAP Web Team
+61 2 6125 5111
The Australian National University, Canberra
CRICOS Provider : 00120C
ABN : 52 234 063 906
