Bachelor of Communication & Media Studies - Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholar)

course description

The Dean's Scholars degree provides an academic space for high-achieving students. With a limited intake of students per year, it aims to provide an enriched educational experience for high-achieving, motivated Arts 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.

This double degree program enables Dean's Scholar students to combine the international focus of the Bachelor of International Studies with the critical perspective on media industries and practices offered by the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies. There are strong complementarities between the two degrees with their focus on internationalisation and globalisation from different perspectives which would suit students with an interest in careers in media and related fields in an international context.

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. Each Dean's Scholar has 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;

End of year Dean's Scholars Annual Dinner;

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.

To remain in the program, Dean's Scholars must maintain an average of 75% in each year of study. If the student's average falls below 75%, the student will be transferred into the BCMS/BIS (1819).

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 double degree of Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies/Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholars) course code 1819A a student must complete a total of at least 216 credit points.

The 216 credit points shall include:

a) The core subjects prescribed (52 credit points) from the Bachelor of International Studies;

b) 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);

c) 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).

d) The core subjects prescribed (48 credit points) for the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies;

e) At least one of the four majors from the BCMS degree: Digital Media and Communication, International Media and Communication, Journalism and Professional Writing, Marketing Communication and Advertising;

f) To complete the credit points required for the double degree, students can take elective subjects offered by the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts or other faculties.

g) Not more than 90 credit points in 100-level subjects.

h) 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 from the Peer-2-Peer Mentoring website.
 

Majors in the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies

For details of the majors please refer to the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies entry.

Core and Minors in the Bachelor of International Studies

For details please refer to the Bachelor of International Studies entry.

Assessment

Assessment in this course varies between subjects and typically includes 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.

MinorS

Students can take Minors as part of their double degree program provided they meet the requirements set. Minor studies consist of a minimum of 28 credit points of which no more than 12 credit points at 100 level can be counted. Students may not cross count subjects from a nominated minor into any other minor or major. Minors do not appear on the testamur but do appear on the transcript (i.e. academic record).

Where a minor is taken from outside of the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts degree, refer to the requirements prescribed for that minor.

Internship and International Subjects

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and 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 Faculty of Law, Humanities and Arts 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

Students can do an Honours degree in either the Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies or the Bachelor of International Studies. This requires additional study (one year full-time, or two years part-time).
Honours may be undertaken by students who meet the requirements for enrolment. Students should consult the single degree entries for Honours requirements.

Dean's Scholars

In November of each year, the Faculty invites applications from high achieving students to apply to transfer into the BCMS-BIS Dean's Scholars Double Degree.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a place in the BCMS/BIS Dean's Scholars Double Degree (code 1819A), applicants would normally meet the following criteria:

Currently enrolled in the BCMS 798 or BIS 1817 or BCMS/BIS 1819 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.

Other Information

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