Undergraduate level study in Political Science is concerned with how we make sense of the kind of society we live in, the current challenges it faces and how current political institutions ought to respond to complex policy problems in an era of rapid social change. Students develop specialist knowledge and skills concerning the philosophical and ideological issues underlying political decisions and policy. Political Science includes the study of political structures, processes and policies in Australia, as well as other societies, the contemporary ideas, ideologies and theories that determine the framework for political decision making, and the organisational and diplomatic approaches to cooperation and conflict resolution in the international system. The main aims of the Honours year are: To enable students with an adequate background in Political Science to pursue further study in one specialist area in more depth than is possible with a pass degree To enhance students' capacity for independent research and to acquire research skills appropriate to their area of specialisation. To train to a standard sufficient for enrolment in postgraduate research degrees, and for a specialist career. Achievement of first class or IIA honours allows direct entry to a PhD program.

Students may specialise in social and political theory, Australian politics, international relations, peace and conflict studies, industrial relations, public policy, or political economy. An Honours year in Political Science focuses on developing and consolidating the knowledge and skills acquired during undergraduate study, with particular emphasis on utilising those skills in a sustained and purposeful way by conducting independent research. Apart from content knowledge, employers and professionals value both the reliability and capacity for independent work, and the skill at writing substantial reports which are demonstrated by successful completion of Honours.