Politics
You’ll develop the cultural awareness and critical thinking skills you need to analyze and produce a broad range of discourse in a full spectrum of careers — and to make a difference in whatever you do.
- 2 Years / Onsite
- Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jun, Oct
Overview
Politics at Auckland Royal Academy investigates power — how it is acquired, exercised, contested, and constrained in democracies, authoritarian states, international institutions, and social movements. The programme covers New Zealand's political system, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy, developing graduates who understand the forces shaping political life in the Pacific and the world, and who can contribute to political analysis, policy development, and civic leadership.
The programme uses New Zealand's political institutions as a living laboratory — studying Parliament, MMP electoral dynamics, the Treaty of Waitangi partnership, and Wellington's policy machinery alongside comparative international examples. Engagement with political practitioners through guest lectures, parliamentary visits, and research placements with government agencies and NGOs provides authentic understanding of how political systems work in practice.
Career Opportunities
Politics graduates from Auckland Royal Academy pursue careers in public service, Parliament, local government, diplomatic service, political parties, think tanks, journalism, international organisations, and advocacy organisations. The analytical, communicative, and research skills developed in the programme equip graduates for leadership in any environment where the ability to understand and navigate political complexity is valued.
Program Learning Outcomes
Analyse New Zealand's political institutions, electoral system, Treaty of Waitangi framework, and policy process, applying comparative political science methods to evaluate their performance and democratic legitimacy.
Apply international relations theory — including realism, liberalism, constructivism, and postcolonialism — to analyse New Zealand's foreign policy, its Pacific relationships, and its engagement with multilateral institutions.
Conduct original political research using qualitative and quantitative methods, including elite interviewing, policy document analysis, and survey research, producing rigorous analytical writing at professional academic and policy standards.
Programme
| Semester 1 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Political Science | 4 | POLS 101 |
| Foundations & Theory | 4 | POLS 110 |
| Research Methods | 3 | POLS 120 |
| Semester 2 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Political Science I | 4 | POLS 201 |
| Professional Practice | 3 | POLS 210 |
| Industry Context NZ | 4 | POLS 220 |
| Semester 3 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Political Science II | 4 | POLS 301 |
| Critical Perspectives | 3 | POLS 310 |
| Ethics & Standards | 3 | POLS 320 |
| Semester 4 | Credits | Number |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Political Science | 4 | POLS 401 |
| Specialisation Elective | 3 | POLS 410 |
| Political Science Capstone Project | 4 | POLS 490 |
| Total for the entire period of study | 11 |
Contact us
3/60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to create your schedule.