Undergraduate Courses
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Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholar)

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholar)

Abbreviation:

BIS(Dean'sSchol)

UOW Course Code:

323

CRICOS Code:

081893J

Total Credit Points:

144

Duration:

3 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts

Intake Session(s):

Autumn/Spring

Delivery Mode:

On-campus (Face-to-face)

Delivery Campus / UAC Code:

Wollongong / 753131

Additional Information:

Course Finder

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. 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 Scholar 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 Scholar 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 Scholar 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 Scholar 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 and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholar) will be able to:

  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 in both speech and writing in English and at an intermediate level in a language other than their own.
  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.
  6. Independently plan and execute a research or professional based project that demonstrates an understanding and critical analysis of the area of study.

 

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:

  1. 12 credit points consisting of the following two 6 credit point subjects for Dean’s Scholars: LHA 102 Dean’s Scholars Seminar and LHA 302 Dean’s Scholars Research Project;
  2. The core subjects prescribed (22 credit points) for the International Studies degree;
  3. 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);
  4. At least one of the three Majors listed in this degree: International Relations, Global Sustainable Development or Global Media and Communication. These will normally be available in the second and third years of study;
  5. 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 BIS; or (4) take an additional minor or major 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 more than one subject from a nominated minor into any other minor or major; and
  6. Not more than 60 credit points in 100-level subjects.

Dean’s Scholars are also required to maintain an average mark of 75% or better.

Subject Codesubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
Core
Students must complete all of the core subjects listed below:
LHA 102Dean's Scholars Seminar6Autumn
LHA 302Dean's Scholars Research Project6Spring
INTS100Introduction to International Studies6Autumn
INTS205Methods in International Studies and Politics8Spring
INTS300Senior Seminar in International Studies8Not offered in 2015

Language Minor

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

* Available by cross institutional study only

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

 

Internship and International Subjects

The Law, Humanities and the Arts (LHA) 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 LHA students can enrol into ARTS301 providing they meet the pre-requisites. Another popular internship facilitated by the Faculty is the Politics Internship. 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 LHA Faculty Internship Program on our LHA Faculty Internship Program 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:

Subject Codesubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
HIST265Gallipoli Study Tour8Winter
HIST270Western Front Study Tour8Not offered in 2015

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:

  1. Currently enrolled in the BIS 1817 or any other degree.
  2. Full-time student.
  3. Have successfully completed two full sessions of study or 8 subjects.
  4. Have a WAM (weighted average mark) of at least 80.

For more information including the full list of Dean's Scholar Degrees and how to apply online visit the Humanities and Social Inquiry Courses web page.

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

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

Last reviewed: 25 February, 2015