Political Scientists
Overview
Political Scientists study how governments work, analyse political behaviour, and research public opinion on important issues. They examine political systems, conduct surveys, analyse election data, and study how political decisions are made using modern research tools and statistical software. This career requires strong analytical and communication skills, with opportunities in universities, government agencies, think tanks, and consulting firms. Most Political Scientists hold advanced degrees and work collaboratively with other researchers and policymakers.
Did you know?
A career as a Political Scientist typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, or a related field, followed by postgraduate studies. Many universities in Australia offer these programs, with honours and PhD qualifications often necessary for research positions.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$100,000 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Monitoring
Key Responsibilities
- Liaises and consults with program administrators and other interested parties to identify policy needs
- Reviews existing policies and legislation to identify anomalies and out-of-date provisions
- Researches social, economic and industrial trends, and client expectations of programs and services provided
- Formulates and analyses policy options, prepares briefing papers and recommendations for policy changes, and advises on preferred options
- Assesses impacts, financial implications, interactions with other programs and political and administrative feasibility of policies
Career Considerations
Educational Requirements in Australia
A career as a Political Scientist typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, or a related field, followed by postgraduate studies. Many universities in Australia offer these programs, with honours and PhD qualifications often necessary for research positions.
Research and Analytical Skills Development
Develop strong research, writing, and critical thinking skills during high school. Familiarity with statistical analysis and data interpretation is increasingly important, as Political Scientists often work with large datasets and survey results.
Career Opportunities and Work Environment
Political Scientists can work in universities, government departments, policy institutes, political parties, or as independent consultants. The field offers opportunities for specialisation in areas like public policy, international relations, or electoral analysis.