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

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Testamur Title of Degree:

Bachelor of International Studies

Abbreviation:

BIntlSt

UOW Course Code:

1817

CRICOS Code:

064122E

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 / 753121

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 specialisation called a major, 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 the growing non-government organisation sector.

Entry Requirements

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

Course Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Bachelor of International Studies 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.

 

Course Structure

To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of International Studies 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 prescribed (18 credit points) for the International Studies degree;
  2. A minimum of a minor in a language other than English (minimum of 24 credit points; students may elect to take a major in a language);
  3. 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;
  4. 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;
  5. Not more than 60 credit points in 100-level subjects; and 
  6. LHA 101 Introduction to Arts and the Humanities.

Students are strongly encouraged to take an overseas semester, however, it is not a degree requirement. 

Introduction to Arts and the Humanities

Introduction to Arts and the Humanities (subject code LHA 101) is a compulsory 6 credit point subject that must be undertaken by each student during their first year, and ideally during their first session. Students will be introduced to key concepts including critical thinking, digital literacy, academic integrity, effective communication and degree and career planning. This subject is designed to orient and support students during their first session of university and to provide students with the academic skills necessary to succeed in their first year. The subject will also assist students to understand the structure of their degree, to plan their study pathway and to plan for post-university careers.

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
All BIS students must complete the following subject:
LHA 101Introduction to Arts and the Humanities6Autumn, Spring

Students can find information at the Introduction to Arts and the Humanities eLearning site.

BIS Core Subjects

Subject CodeSubject NameCredit PointsSession(s)
Core
INTS100Introduction to International Studies6Autumn
INTS206 Methods in International Studies and Politics6

Spring   First Offered 2017

INTS301Senior Seminar in International Studies6 Spring  First Offered 2018

Language Minor

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

Majors

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

Global Media and Communication: 48 credit points 
Global Sustainable Development : 48 credit points 
International Relations: 48 credit points 

Internship and International Subjects

Internships in the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts provide students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting. Read more about the internship at the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts Internship Programs 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)
HIST273Gallipoli Study Tour6First Offered 2017
HIST282Western Front Study Tour6First Offered 2017

Dean's Scholars Degree Or Dean's Scholars Double 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 Scholars Degree or Dean's Scholars Double Degrees.

Selection Criteria

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

  • Currently enrolled in the BIS 1817 or any other 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 Scholars Degrees and how to apply online visit the LHA Dean Scholars 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.

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: 10 January, 2017