AUG Social Media
AUG Student Services logo
Menu
Australian National University logo

Master of Political Science (Advanced)

Masters.
Australian National University

73

in world overall ranking*

4

in local overall ranking*
Apply

About the course

The Master of Political Science (Advanced) builds strong analytical capability to investigate contemporary political affairs, from elections and institutions to conflict and contested political orders. It combines advanced coursework in political science with rigorous research training and an independent thesis. Students can tailor study through specialisations across regional and thematic areas, preparing for research-oriented work in public, international and non-government sectors within political science at master’s level.

What you might learn

You will develop advanced skills in political science research design and methods, including quantitative, qualitative and interpretivist approaches. The program strengthens your ability to evaluate evidence, compare political institutions and behaviour, and analyse regional and global political dynamics. Through the thesis, you learn to frame a research question, conduct independent inquiry and communicate findings to academic and professional audiences in political science at master’s level.

Career outcome

Graduates may pursue research-oriented roles in government departments, policy and advisory units, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks and private-sector organisations working on political risk or public affairs. The advanced research focus and thesis also support progression to higher degree research pathways or roles requiring strong analytical and methodological capability. Outcomes align with master’s-level professional and research careers in political science. Preparing graduates for research scientist, laboratory leadership, and specialist technical roles in the sciences.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with GPA 6/7, or a Graduate Diploma with GPA 6/7, or 48 units of postgraduate study with GPA 6/7. Students must secure written agreement from an identified supervisor to enrol in the thesis course (THES8103). To remain enrolled, students must maintain a minimum 70% weighted average mark across the first 72 units. English language requirements also apply.


Living Costs in Canberra**


living costs restaurant icon
Restaurant
(Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant)
A$ 17 - 23
living costs house icon
Rent per Month
(1 bedroom in City Centre)
A$ 1,584 - 2,095
living costs house icon
Rent per Month
(1 bedroom Outside of Centre)
A$ 1,253 - 1,657
living costs transportation icon
Transportation
(Daily)
A$ 4 - 10
living costs utilities icon
Utilities per Month
(Electricity, Mobile & Internet)
A$ 264 - 348

Average Salary***


Salary Chart
*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)
**Source: numbeo.com
***Source: PayScale.com (2026)

Costs

tick icon Tuition fees per year

Contact us for more details

Information

tick icon Duration

2 years

tick icon Course Code

VPLSC

hotline icon Hotline

+61 3 9663 5333

email icon Email

australia@augstudy.com

Scholarships

tick iconANU GLOBAL DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP

A$18,750

FIND OUT MORE

Related Courses