University: The University of Western Australia

Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Law and Society and Political Science and International Relations

School Subjects: Mathematics Application, Modern History, Politics and Law, Psychology, Literature

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Introduction

From a young age, I’ve always had a clear sense of direction regarding my career, naturally gravitating toward HASS subjects. Law initially seemed like the perfect fit, but as I gained a deeper understanding of the field, I realised the challenges of pursuing a law degree didn’t align with my personal interests. This led me to explore alternative options, and I discovered International Relations—a field I felt genuinely drawn to.

My passion for International Relations was solidified when I received a scholarship to attend a summer course at the University of Cambridge. The course provided invaluable insights into global politics and policy analysis, deepening my interest in world affairs. As a result, I decided to pursue both Law and International Relations at university, seeking a comprehensive understanding of global issues and how they intersect with legal frameworks.

Law and Society

Law and Society is quite similar to Politics and Law ATAR, with assessments mainly focused on essays and weekly readings that are reviewed during tutorials. One aspect I enjoy the most about the course is its subjectivity and abstract nature. Although it can be difficult to gauge how well you understand certain concepts due to their complexity, the course offers a deep dive into how law intersects with social issues like policing, criminality, and justice. The beauty of this course is that there are rarely ‘wrong’ answers—it’s more about exploring different perspectives and critically analysing these complex issues.

I believe the course is accessible to a wide range of students, as it doesn’t require a high level of prior knowledge or specific prerequisites. While much of the content is theoretical, it also offers some practical applications of law. The workload is manageable, with a reasonable number of contact hours, making it easy to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The lecturers and unit coordinators are highly engaged and approachable, which makes the overall experience even more enriching. It’s definitely a great choice for anyone interested in exploring the social dimensions of law.

Political Science and International Relations

This course pairs with my first major really well, which is why it’s common for students to combine these two disciplines. For me, though, International Relations feels much more engaging to study. I think this is because it addresses pressing global issues and examines them from various scholarly perspectives. The course structure mirrors Law and Society, with a balanced schedule that allows for a manageable work-life balance. Lecturers and tutors create an environment that encourages critical thinking, often pushing us to challenge our worldview. In my opinion, although it is helpful to have a genuine interest and following of politics outside of the classroom, especially when it comes to tutorial discussions, it is not necessary. Even without any prior knowledge of politics, through keeping on top of the weekly lectures, you’ll be fine.

The assignments do tend to get more challenging as you progress, but there are many course options for those who want to focus on the Political Science side or the International Relations side, so you can definitely cater the course to your interests. I highly recommend this major to anyone passionate about politics, global affairs, or simply those who enjoy staying updated on current events and understanding how the world operates. A lot of students from different disciplines choose to take several units from this major (i.e. Understanding Politics and Policy – POLS1101) because it provides valuable insights into current global issues that are relevant to everyday life.

Advice to Prospective Uni Students

Many Political Science and International Relations students tend to gravitate toward careers in the government or policy analysis fields, while most Law and Society students often pursue further education with a Juris Doctor (JD). But honestly, the possibilities are endless, whether you choose to continue your studies or jump into the workforce. For example, I joined a consulting club, and now I’m seriously considering a career in consulting, even though it’s not directly tied to my degree. Things can shift, and not everything will go according to plan. Some people fall in love with their degree, while others might not. The key takeaway is that everyone moves at their own pace, and your degree doesn’t necessarily define the career path you’ll follow.