Political Science and International Relations
Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2016 academic year unless otherwise specified.
This subject is taught by the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations.
Overview
Political Science and International Relations examine ideologies, explore systems of ideas, analyse social movements and identify the principle concepts, issues and theoretical debates within the fields of Politics and International Relations. Students dig into issues of power, conflict, diplomacy, arms control, terrorism, developmental politics, civil society, foreign policy, humanitarian aid, and the international political economy. Studying Political Science and International Relations can be unsettling, exciting, and deeply compelling.
Topics covered and the approaches taken in our courses can be grouped into four main areas:
- Comparative politics studies the politics, governments and cultures of different countries and focuses on how government and politics actually operate. Courses in comparative politics begin with the introductory course POLS 114 Introduction to Comparative Politics.
- International Relations (IR) seeks to understand the political, economic and social interactions between states. Courses in International Relations begin with the introductory course INTP 113 Introduction to International Relations.
- New Zealand politics examines the country's system of government, including its prime ministers, cabinets, parliament, political parties, voting systems, elections, coalitions, policy issues and problems, and New Zealand's regional and international relationships. Courses begin with the introductory course POLS 111 Introduction to Government and Politics: New Zealand.
- Political theory studies the ideas and ideologies that inform our politics. The study of political theory begins with the introductory course POLS 112 Introduction to Political Ideas.
Undergraduate information
International relations major requirements
- INTP 113 and 20 points from POLS 100-199
- 20 points from INTP 200-299, POLS 203, 205, 208, 212, HIST 249, PHIL 264; and 20 further points from INTP 200-299, POLS 200-299, HIST 249, PHIL 264, PUBL 202, 206
- 20 points from INTP 300-399, HIST 336, POLS 378, 383; and 20 further points from INTP 300-399, POLS 300-399, HIST 336, MAOR 316, PUBL 304
Political Science major requirements
- 20 points from POLS 100-199 and 20 further points from either INTP or POLS 100-199
- 20 points from POLS 200-299, INTP 201, 250, 261, PHIL 264, PUBL 202, 206; and 20 further points from INTP 200-299, POLS 200-299, HIST 249, PHIL 264, PUBL 202, 206
- 20 points from POLS 300-399, INTP 301, 351, 365, MAOR 316, PHIL 303, PUBL 304; and a further 20 points from POLS 300-399, INTP 300-399, HIST 336, MAOR 316, PHIL 303, PUBL 304
Note: In 2016, students majoring in International Relations or Political Science may be permitted to substitute other 200-level PUBL courses for PUBL 202 and PUBL 206.
Double major in Political Science and International Relations
A student wishing to study in depth the distinct disciplines of Political Science and International Relations and thus obtain a double major in POLS and INTP must complete at least ten POLS and INTP courses, normally:
- one POLS and one INTP course at 100 level
- two POLS and two INTP courses at 200 level
- and two POLS and two INTP courses at 300 level.
Postgraduate information
Postgraduate qualifications in Political Science and International Relations
For information specific to Political Science and International Relations, please see our Postgraduate Study page. For information about the postgraduate qualifications, please click on the Faculty and School links below.
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts
- Master of International Relations
- Master of Political Science
- Doctor of Philosophy
To find out more about entry requirements to Postgraduate degrees please contact the Postgraduate Coordinator or see our Postgraduate Study page.
To find our more about our current postgraduate students see our Student Profile page.
Related subjects and careers
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How to find out more
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If you need help deciding what degree might be right for you, or what courses to take, talk with a liaison officer or book a course planning session with us, call 0800 VICTORIA (842 867) or email course-advice@vuw.ac.nz.
If you’re a returning or transferring student, contact the Faculty Student and Academic Services Office, for help with degree planning and for information on admission requirements and transfer credit from other institutions.
List of courses
Political Science and International Relations courses are taught within the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations. The School office is located on Level 5, Murphy Building, Kelburn campus.
Meet staff who teach in the Political Science and International Relations Programme, or contact the School for more information, email: hppi@vuw.ac.nz
Please note: the list of courses displays undergraduate– and postgraduate–level courses for this subject.