Politics is the study of the nature of governments and the distribution of power at the domestic level. Gain the knowledge, theoretical understandings, and practical skills that underpin a successful career that engages with politics at the domestic level. You will focus on how individuals participate in and are affected by politics, and how governing bodies that shape peoples' lives make decisions.

Compare key elements of political systems including government institutions, political parties, interest groups, elections, patterns of political participation, and social movements. At the end of your study you will be equipped with the key concepts, theories and methods used across the discipline of political science.

Key research and teaching areas include:

• comparative politics: looking at the way politics is conducted in different nations, and the impact of different political systems and structure on the distribution of power in society
• politics at a domestic level: the study of Australian politics, including the role of political parties and elections, interest groups and social movements, and the position of Australia in its region
• the policy-making process and the way governments create and implement public policy
• key issues: elections, political protest, environmental politics, leadership, state economies, constitutions, and differing political systems.

As a graduate you will have the skills desired by public, private and non-profit organisations, domestically and in different political contexts across the world.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.

This minor is offered by the Department of Government and International Relations.