Societies can only continue to exist if they solve the problem of internal order and are able to protect themselves from external threats. Political Science and International Relations studies how societies govern themselves and the collective decisions, or public policies, they need, or choose, to make. Attention is given to the different ways government is organised; values such as liberty, participation, majority rule and minority rights which inform political institutions and public policy; and ideologies such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, feminism and environmentalism which have motivated much political action in modern societies. International Relations focuses on the ways in which states and peoples interact with other states, regional or global political organisations, and social movements in an increasingly interdependent world.

Graduates of this major are not only found in political parties, ministers' offices and parliament, many pursue careers in Commonwealth or WA public services including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Others enter journalism or a wide range of organisations in Australia and elsewhere, or else use their training as a basis for further study in law, education, social work, communications and other areas.