Overview

Political Science and International Relations is the study of our communities and how we make decisions collectively as governments, why we behave as we do as citizens, and how we make choices and changes for the future.

In the Political Science and International Relations course from University of Canterbury you will study topics are grouped into four areas; international relations, comparative politics (the study of other nations), public policy (how we make choices as communities), and political thought.

Career opportunities

You will gain a variety of skills that can be applied in a wide range of careers both within politics and in more diverse areas such as law, business, education, and journalism.Career pathways could include:

policy analysis

parliamentary office

foreign affairs

diplomacy.

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Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Trump Era: Contemporary Issues in Politics and International Relations

International Relations and Humanitarian Ideals

Politics of International Aid and Development

China from Mao to Now

City Politics and Urban Policy

Check out the full curriculum

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 120 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-07-07 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-13 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

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IELTS

6

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Christchurch, New Zealand

Disciplines

International Relations Political Science View 18 other Bachelors in Political Science in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

50

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To enrol in the degree, you will need:

University Entrance (or equivalent). UC offers transition programmes for those who need help meeting these requirements.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Undergraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.

If you are a domestic student, you may also gain entry to the Bachelor of Arts via the Diploma in University Studies which is an alternative first year of the degree offering additional support.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Canterbury and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34880 NZD / year

≈ 34880 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

7789 NZD / year

≈ 7789 NZD / year

Additional Details

The ‘Tuition fee total’ is an estimate only. Your total study cost will depend on the courses you choose, and will include additional costs such as student levies, insurance, retakes, and other course-related costs.

Living costs

Christchurch

New Zealand

1300 - 2000 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Political Science and International Relations.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Christchurch

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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