Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholar)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

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. But what does ‘International Studies’ mean? It means the analysis, appreciation and study of the diversity of the global community. The degree reflects a growing scholarship that concentrates on processes and forces that know no national boundaries. By combining a core set of subjects, a language and an area of special study called a minor, the degree equips students with a theoretical background, a language and a specialised area of study that can help them in future careers in international organisations both overseas and in Australia, as part of the public sector or as part of non-government organisations.

The Dean's Scholars Degree provides an academic space for high-achieving International Studies students. With a limited intake of students per year, it aims to provide an enriched educational experience for high-achieving, motivated students who are hoping to make a contribution to their field of study through teaching or research, or by working as professionals in their chosen area of study.

Dean's Scholars have the opportunity to attempt subjects not normally available to first-year students. They may be granted exemption from certain first-year subjects and may be permitted extended subject loads, enabling them to complete the degree in less than the normal time and enter Honours in their third year. Dean's Scholars have an academic mentor, a member of academic staff who undertakes to offer advice in the scholar's major area of study.

The Dean's Scholars degree is not a scholarship. Students intending to apply for a place in this degree are encouraged to apply for the University's Undergraduate, Residential, Foundation or Equity and Merit Scholarships.

Dean's Scholar students benefit from:

• Access to shared study and workspace;
• Yearly text book/resource allowance for full-time students;
• Limited printing privileges;
• Dean's Scholars lunch time seminar series (seminars are conducted by high profile academic staff as well as visiting fellows);
• Opportunities to attend academic and higher degree research workshops and seminars;
• Dean’s Scholars celebratory events;
• Extended Library privileges.

The Sub Deans of the Faculty oversee the program and have regular meetings with the scholars. Dean's Scholars are assigned an academic mentor - a member of academic staff who nominates to advise the student on matters concerned with the degree. On successful completion of the first part of the course, Dean's Scholars will be guaranteed admission to Honours. Dean’s Scholars must complete the course requirements of the degree. They may also take any of the major or minor studies areas as set out in this Handbook under the entry for the Bachelor of Arts 702.

Dean's Scholars are able to use the University's student exchange program to undertake a period of study overseas. Several Dean's Scholars have competed successfully for places in the Australian National Internship Program or the University Capitol Washington Internship Program which places students in political offices in Canberra or Washington D.C. respectively.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements, English requirements and credit transfer information are available from the Course Finder.

Course structure

To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of International Studies Dean's Scholar course code 323 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:

• The subjects prescribed for the International Studies major (52 credit points) listed in the Course Program below;
• A minimum of a minor in a language other than English (minimum of 28 credit points; students may elect to take a major in a language).
• At least one of the four minors listed in this degree: Asia Pacific Studies; Global Development and the Environment; International Communication; Peace and Security Studies (minimum of 24 credit points but no more than 32). These will normally be available in the second and third years of study. Upon graduation minors will appear on the transcript (i.e. academic record).
• To complete the credit points required for the degree, students can take an additional minor offered in this degree or elective subjects. Students taking an additional minor as part of their degree can also choose from those minors offered in the Bachelor of Arts or those offered by other faculties provided they meet the requirements set by those faculties. Students may not cross count subjects from a nominated minor into any other minor or major.
• Not more than 60 credit points in 100-level subjects.
• Maintaining an average mark of 75% or better
• ARTS100 Peer-2-Peer Mentoring.

Peer-2-Peer Mentoring

Peer-2-Peer Mentoring (subject code ARTS100) is a compulsory zero credit point subject that must be undertaken by each student during their first year. This subject consists of a one hour weekly tutorial during the student's first session of study. This subject is designed to enable incoming students to adapt rapidly to the tertiary environment and engage with the university community. Students can find information at the Peer-2-Peer Mentoring website. 

Assessment

Assessment in this course varies between subjects and programs, but typically can include a combination of essays, tutorial/seminar presentations, WebCT exercises and, in some subjects, in-class tests and/or exams. Some subjects may have an additional practical component. The assessment requirements of each subject are set out in the individual subject outlines, which students receive in the first week of session.

The following is the full schedule for the degree.

Language minor

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

Degree Minor

Students must complete at least one of the degree minors below.

Internship and International Subjects

The Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting. The internship subject ARTS301 is offered in autumn and spring sessions, all Arts students can enrol into ARTS301 providing they meet the pre-requisites. Another popular internship facilitated by the Faculty is the Politics Internships. The Politics internship subject POL 301 presents interested students with the opportunity to be an intern at Washington, New York or Canberra. Read more about the Arts Faculty Internship Program on our website.

One of the Faculty's aims is to encourage students to study in an overseas university. Students can study abroad for a full session taking three to four subjects, or can study abroad for a shorter period of time by taking a study tour. The Faculty's study tour subjects currently focus on War History and incorporate visits to Gallipoli and the Western Front. Both subjects are listed below:

Honours

See separate entry for the Bachelor of International Studies Honours

Double Degree

In January of each year, the Faculty invites applications from high achieving students to apply to transfer into the Double Degree.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a place in the Bachelor of International Studies Double Degree, applicants would normally meet the following criteria:

 Currently enrolled in the BIS 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 80.

For more information including the full list of Dean's Scholars Degrees and to how to apply online click here.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au