2020 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Bachelor of International Studies | 2020

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of International Studies

Abbreviation:

 BIntSt

UOW Course Code:

 1817

CRICOS Code:

 064122E

Total Credit Points:

 144

Duration:

 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Home Faculty:

 Faculty of the Arts,Social Sciences and Humanities

Intake Session(s):

 Autumn/Spring

Delivery Mode:

 On-campus (Face-to-face)

Delivery Campus / UAC Code:

 South Western Sydney / 753123

Overview

A degree in International Studies at UOW helps you step onto a world stage of global opportunities including the chance to study abroad as part of your degree. You'll benefit from our expertise in international relations, our involvement in issues of global development and sustainability, and our focus on global media and communications. 

At UOW, you will engage, interact and most importantly, be taught by experts in their fields. UOW staff are high-quality and passionate teachers and academics who are research leaders in security studies, international relations, political economy, settler colonialism, aid and development.

International Relations

International Relations is a developing and dynamic field that aims to study and solve some of the world's major problems such as war, inequality, climate change, poverty, hunger. A Bachelor of International Studies (International Relations) focuses on understanding your place in the national and global political systems, as well as appreciating the historical evolution of global politics. Many graduates progress to careers in global organisations and businesses that are focused beyond Australia's borders.

You will undertake core subjects on global politics, international security, negotiation and conflict management, and on the role of the state in the new millennium. You will take part in a model United Nations and can choose from a range of electives covering issues from war and peace, to international law and the global political economy.

Global Sustainable Development

A major in Global Sustainable Development explores ethical issues surrounding global challenges and the interaction between human and environmental security. With 2.4 billion people on the planet living on less than US$2 a day, poverty and inequality remain two of the biggest challenges of our time. Equally, environmental change is a major concern that will affect human activity for the foreseeable future.

Core subjects will teach you the key theories, approaches and practices for promoting human development for the future. You can elect to do subjects that specialise in environmental issues from a range of different disciplinary perspectives, or you can focus on issues of development from economic, social and political perspectives.

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:

CLO Description
1 Demonstrate a sound understanding of key components of global society and key global challenges through insights and knowledge gained from multiple perspectives and disciplines;
2 Communicate effectively and ethically across a wide range of contexts;
3 Apply qualitative and quantitative analytical and problem-solving skills necessary for international studies careers and global citizenship;
4 Critically review interconnections between local and global issues and events as well as the historical and contemporary processes that have transformed the globe;
5 Display in-depth knowledge in one of the offered major areas of study.

Course Structure 

To qualify for award of the degree, the Bachelor of International Studies at South Western Sydney, a candidate must successfully complete at least 144 credit points, comprised of: 

  1. The core subjects prescribed for the Bachelor of International Studies, outlined in the table below (36 credit points);
  2. At least one major chosen from 'International Relations' or 'Global Sustainable Development' (48 credit points);
  3. At least one minor, or a second major, chosen from 'International Relations' or 'Global Sustainable Development' (24 to 48 credit points);
  4. Electives to bring the total number of credit points completed to 144. (Electives may be chosen from subjects on offer in majors, or other subjects on offer at your campus);
  5. Not more than 60 credit points in 100-level subjects.

Note:

  • Students are strongly encouraged to undertake a semester of overseas study, however it is not a degree requirement.
  • Students in this degree may also choose to study electives from the Wollongong Campus Bachelor of International Studies, or choose to complete a minor or second major from the Wollongong Campus Bachelor of Arts. Students interested in these options should contact their Academic Program Director.
  • Only 1 subject can be cross-counted between majors/minors.

Bachelor of International Studies Core

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit Points
Year 1 Core
LHA 101Introduction to Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences6
INTS100Introduction to International Studies6
ELL 182Effective Academic Writing6
INDS130Indigenous Knowledge in Global Contexts6
Year 2 Core
INTS206Methods in International Studies and Politics6
Year 3 Core
INTS301Senior Seminar in International Studies6

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.

Global Sustainable Development

Subjects Required for Major Study

Students completing the Global Sustainable Development Major at the South Western Sydney Campus will complete a minimum of 48 credit points as outlined below:

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit Points
Year 1 Core
INTS121Global Politics and Power6
Year 2 Core
INTS204Global Aid and Development: Challenges and Prospects6
PHIL226Global Ethics6
Year 3 Core
INTS311Human Security, Global Capitalism and the Environment6

Electives: Complete a minimum of FOUR subjects from the below list.

At least THREE must be at 300 level.

Students in this major may also choose additional subjects from the below list to make up the total 144 credit points in their overall degree. Note that only 1 subject can be cross-counted between majors/minors.

BCM 111Global Media and Culture6
COMM101Principles of Responsible Business6
ECON100Economic Essentials for Business6
ECON102Economics and Society6
ELL 230Communication Across Cultures6
INTS200Model United Nations6
INTS207Conflict, Peace & Security6
SOC 208Cities, Communities and Families6
SOC 252Revive, Resist: Belonging Amidst Difference6
SOC 227Genders and Sexualities6
POL 309Global Political Economy6
POL 326Global Inequality6
SOC 329Globalisation and Social Transformation6
SOC 356Cultures of Dispossession6
STS 302Climate Change Policy, Possible Futures6

Subjects Required for Minor Study

A minor study in Global Sustainable Development at the South Western Sydney Campus consists of 24 credit points as outlined below:

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit Points
Core
INTS204Global Aid and Development: Challenges and Prospects6
PHIL226Global Ethics6
INTS311Human Security, Global Capitalism and the Environment6
Plus a minimum of ONE of the following:
POL 309Global Political Economy6
POL 326Global Inequality6
SOC 329Globalisation and Social Transformation6
SOC 356Cultures of Dispossession6
STS 302Climate Change Policy, Possible Futures6

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.

International Relations

Subjects Required for Major Study

Students completing the International Relations Major at the South Western Sydney Campus will complete a minimum of 48 credit points as outlined below:

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit Points
Year 1 Core
INTS121 Global Politics and Power 6
Year 2 Core
INTS200Model United Nations6
INTS207Conflict, Peace & Security6
Year 3 Core
POL 309Global Political Economy6

Electives: Complete a minimum of FOUR subjects from the below list.

At least THREE must be at 300 level

Students in this major may also choose additional subjects from the below list to make up the total 144 credit points in their overall degree. Note that only 1 subject can be cross-counted between majors/minors.

BCM 111Global Media and Culture6
COMM101Principles of Responsible Business6
ECON100Economic Essentials for Business6
ECON102Economics and Society6
POL 150Government, Power and Political Systems6
LAW 101Introduction to Law6
ELL 230Communication Across Cultures6
INTS204Global Aid and Development: Challenges and Prospects6
INTS208War and Humanitarianism6
SOC 227Genders and Sexualities6
HIST358War and Society6
INTS311Human Security, Global Capitalism and the Environment6
INTS352Special Topics in Politics and International Studies6
LAW 343International Law6
LAW 354Human Rights Law6
POL 306Complex Peace Operations6
POL 326Global Inequality6
SOC 356Cultures of Dispossession6

Subjects Required for Minor Study

A minor study in International Relations at the South Western Sydney Campus consists of 24 credit points as outlined below: 

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit Points
Core
INTS200Model United Nations6
INTS207Conflict, Peace & Security6
POL 309Global Political Economy6
Plus a minimum of ONE of the following:
INTS208War and Humanitarianism6
HIST358War and Society6
INTS352Special Topics in Politics and International Studies6
LAW 343International Law6
LAW 354Human Rights Law6
POL 306Complex Peace Operations6
 

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning 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 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 'Career Ready Learning and Practice' (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.   

Other Information

The full range of electives may not be offered at any single campus. Students have the option of taking electives at alternate campuses where available. Information on availability of subjects can be found on the Subject Database.

The University of Wollongong attempts to ensure the information contained in the Course Handbook is correct at the time of publication. However, courses may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. Check with the University for updated information.

Further information is available via email: askuow@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020