Bachelor of International Studies | 2018

Overview

The Bachelor of International Studies is an interdisciplinary degree. As its title suggests, it challenges students to think beyond the confines of traditional disciplines and seek different approaches to its central theme, International Studies. The Bachelor of International Studies is a degree that reflects the growing scholarship on the interconnected political, social, economic and cultural issues, processes and forces of the modern world.

By combining a core set of subjects, a major sequence and a language minor, the degree equips students with the theoretical background and communication skills that can assist them in future careers in international organisations, non-government organisations, the private sector, and in government bureaucracy.

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes are statements of learning achievement that are expressed in terms of what the learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do upon completion of a course. Students graduating from this course will be able to demonstrate:

Course Structure

To qualify for award of this degree a student must complete a total of at least 144 credit points from subjects listed in the Course Structure of the Bachelor of International Studies and other subjects as approved by the Faculty.

The 144 credit points shall include:

1. The core subjects (24 credit points) prescribed for the Bachelor of International Studies, as outlined in the table below;
2. A minimum of a minor in a language other than English (minimum of 24 credit points);
3. At least one of the three Majors listed in this degree (48 credit points): Global Screen Media, Global Sustainable Development or International Relations. These will normally be available in the second and third years of study;
4. Electives to bring the total number of credit points completed to 144. To complete the credit points required for the degree, students can choose from the following options:
   1. taking additional elective subjects;
   2. turn their language minor into a major;
   3. take an additional major from the Bachelor of International Studies; or
   4. take an additional minor or major offered in the Bachelor of Arts or those offered by other faculties. Students may not cross count more than one subject in any minor or major;
5. Not more than 60 credit points in 100-level subjects.

Note: During the Bachelor of International Studies, students are strongly encouraged to undertake a semester of overseas study, however it is not a degree requirement.

*LHA 101 Introduction to Arts and the Humanities is undertaken in the first session and is designed to provide students with the academic skills necessary to succeed at University. LHA 101 assists students to understand the structure of their degree, plan their study pathway and plan for post-university careers. It introduces students to key concepts including critical thinking, digital literacy, academic integrity, effective communication and degree and career planning.

Timetables

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject.

To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Majors

Students must complete at least one of the degree Majors below:

Global Screen Media: 48 credit points 
Global Sustainable Development : 48 credit points 
International Relations: 48 credit points 

As part of their electives, students may wish to take a second major from those listed above, or a major from the Bachelor of Arts.

Minors

Students must complete the subjects for a minor in one of the languages listed below:

• Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background Students;
• Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students;
• French;
• Indonesian*;
• Italian;
• Japanese;
• Spanish.

*Available by cross institutional study only.

Students may take other Minors as part of their program provided they meet the requirements set. Minor studies consist of a minimum of 24 credit points of which no more than 12 credit points at 100 level can be counted.

Information regarding minors, including which subjects to take to complete a minor, are available on the 2018 General Schedule of Minors page.

Minors appear on the transcript (academic record), but do not appear on the testamur. To have a minor study recorded, students must submit an Application to Declare or Change Intended Major/Minor.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning (WIL) experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network. 

Dean's Scholar Degrees

In January of each year, the Faculty invites applications from high achieving students to apply to transfer into the Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholar) Degree or Dean's Scholar Double Degrees.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a place in the Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholar) Degree or Dean's Scholar Double Degrees, applicants would normally meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in the BIntSt 1817 or any other degree;
• Full-time student;
• Have successfully completed two full sessions of study or 8 subjects;
• Have a WAM (weighted average mark) of at least 82.

For more information including the full list of Dean's Scholar Degrees and how to apply online visit the LHA Dean's Scholar website. 

Honours

See separate entry for the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours).

The Honours Handbook can be accessed as a PDF document from the School of Humanities and Social Inquiry home page.

Other Information

Further information is available via email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au