VCE Australian AND Global Politics
VCE Australian and Global Politics is the study of contemporary power at both national and global levels. Through this study students explore, explain, analyse and evaluate national and global political issues, and events.
Australian Politics is the study of how power is gained and exercised. It considers the significant ideas about organising political systems and features of the way politics is practised in Australia. It evaluates Australian democratic practices against particular ideas and principles that include representation, respect for rights, recognition of diversity and freedom of speech. Australian Politics compares Australian democracy with the system of democracy of the United States of America. The study also examines the ways that the national government uses its power to make and implement public policy, and the national stakeholders and international challenges that influence that policy.
Global Politics is the study of the political, social, cultural and economic forces that shape interactions between states and other global actors in the contemporary world. It examines the interconnectedness of the contemporary global political arena and the impact of globalisation on culture, sovereignty, human rights and the environment. It examines the nature and power of key global actors and the types of power used by an Asia-Pacific state to achieve its national interests. It considers global ethical issues including human rights, people movement, development and arms control and explores the nature and effectiveness of global responses to crises such as climate change, armed conflict, terrorism and economic instability.
UNIT 1: Ideas, actors and power
In this unit students are introduced to the key ideas relating to the exercise of political power. They explore how these ideas shape political systems and in particular the characteristics of liberalism. They consider the nature of power in Australian democracy and in a non-democratic political system. They also explore the nature and influence of key political actors in Australia: political parties, interest groups and the media. All these forms of participation in Australian democracy influence the political agenda.
This unit is contemporary in focus and students must use examples and case studies from within the last 10 years.
UNIT 2: Global connections
This unit introduces students to the global community and the global actors that are part of this community. In Area of Study 1 students explore the myriad ways lives have been affected by the increased interconnectedness – the global links – of the world through the process of globalisation. In Area of Study 2, students consider the extent to which global actors cooperate and share visions and goals as part of the global community. They investigate the ability of the global community to manage areas of global cooperation and to respond to issues of global conflict and instability.
This unit is contemporary in focus and students must use examples and case studies from within the last 10 years. However, contemporary issues and events may need to be contextualised for students and this may require some investigation prior to this timeframe.
UNITS 3 AND 4
In 2025, the College will offer one or more of the following Units 3 & 4 Politics courses:
Units 3 and 4 Australian Politics
Units 3 and 4 Global Politics
For further information on the subjects on offer, refer to the VCE 2024 Subject Guide in link below
Detailed information relating to each unit can be found via the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) website: