GOVT1621 Introduction to International Relations (University of Sydney): rated 3.2/5 overall, difficulty 1.0/5 (higher is harder), would-recommend 3.5/5 across 31 reviews collected on USYD Wall.
GOVT1621 is a University of Sydney course taught by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in Government and International Relations. This page brings together its handbook details and what USYD students say about it.
Review data updated 2026-10-24.
Chinese title: 国际关系导论
Type: Undergraduate
Credit points: 6
Subject area: Government and International Relations
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Level: Undergraduate Level 1
Handbook year: 2026
This unit provides students with a foundational understanding in two key areas of international relations. First students will gain an understanding of the history of the international political and economic system, and the forces, events, and processes that have shaped the contemporary international system.
GOVT1621 has 31 scored reviews: overall 3.2/5 · usefulness 2.6 · difficulty 1.0 · would-recommend 3.5 (all out of 5; higher difficulty means harder).
Sources: 2 reviews by USYD students on USYD Wall (4.0/5 overall); 10 StudentVIP reviews (average 2.2 stars); 19 Reddit comments that an AI model judged to be reviewing this course (average would-recommend 3.7/5).
On Reddit: "I think it will be hard to balance working full time and studying full time (unless you are only doing study part-time/domestic) but I know GOVT1621 intro to IR I got a distinction with not a ton of work. That class is recorded and the tut isn't compulsory but you do have to sub…"
On Reddit: "I’m in that class, don’t stress. Show you understood the material. It’s 2 points per discussion. Once you do the first one, you’ll see what others have written and the following weeks can adapt as needed. Best thing to do is go with your draft. And from there learn from it. It w…"
The course panel on USYD Wall shows every review and discussion in full.
Q: Is GOVT1621 hard?
A: Students rate GOVT1621's difficulty 1.0/5 on average (higher is harder), which makes it on the easier side.
Q: Is GOVT1621 worth taking?
A: Averaged over 31 reviews: would-recommend 3.5/5, usefulness 2.6/5, overall 3.2/5.
Q: Which faculty teaches GOVT1621, and when is it offered?
A: GOVT1621 is taught by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Check the official handbook for the current year.
USYD Wall is an independent student community and is not affiliated with University of Sydney.