The Master of Political Science is an advanced postgraduate degree that equips students with the analytical tools and research skills needed to understand, explain, and influence contemporary political affairs at the domestic, regional, and global level. The program provides rigorous training in political science theory and research methods, and covers the politics of Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and other major world regions. Students engage with pressing political questions — from what motivates voters to support populist candidates, to the dynamics of ethnic conflict, democratic backsliding, election forecasting, terrorism and counter-terrorism, human rights, and interest group advocacy. Programs may be completed as a coursework degree, a research degree, or a combined coursework-research degree, typically over one to two years full-time (or part-time equivalent), and are offered by universities across Australia.

The degree is designed for a wide range of students: those seeking to deepen expertise after an undergraduate background in political science, international relations, law, economics, history, or social science; career changers wishing to enter the policy, diplomacy, or advocacy sectors; and working professionals in government, NGOs, or the private sector seeking advanced credentials. Key employers of graduates include all three tiers of the Australian Government, state and territory public services, intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations, embassies and consulates, NGOs, think tanks and policy institutes, research centres, multinational corporations, consultancies, international development agencies, and the media. The degree also serves as a strong pathway to doctoral-level study in Australia or internationally.

Most Australian universities require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution, typically with a minimum GPA of around 4.5 to 5.0 on a 7-point scale. Applicants with degrees in cognate disciplines — such as international relations, public policy, law, history, economics, sociology, or social science — are strongly encouraged to apply and may be eligible to receive credit towards their degree. Some programs are open to graduates from any discipline, provided they can demonstrate genuine interest in political science. Where an applicant's GPA falls below the standard threshold, relevant work experience — typically a minimum of three years at a professional level in a related field — may be accepted in lieu of a higher academic result. Applicants with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in a related field may also qualify, and some programs accept GRE General Test results as an alternative pathway.

International applicants must meet English language requirements, with most universities requiring an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent results in TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Some institutions set higher thresholds. All Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications and recognised international equivalents are assessed on a common scale. Admission to most programs is competitive, meaning that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a place — applicants are ranked based on academic achievement, English language proficiency, and other criteria such as relevant work experience or diversity considerations. Prospective students with non-standard backgrounds are encouraged to contact universities directly to discuss entry options and potential recognition of prior learning.