Bachelor of International Studies - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Examine the political, cultural and economic systems of relevant countries and regions.

Advanced courses include international justice and human rights, making public policy in a global era, and international security. There are opportunities to undertake an internship or work-integrated learning with politicians, political parties, NGOs, lobby groups, the public service and local government. Complement studies with courses in international business or Indonesian, Italian or Japanese.

Majors

Politics and international relations

Career opportunities

Defence, intelligence, foreign affairs, foreign policy, international business, media, political advice, international tourism, teaching (with further study), interpreting/translating (with further study).

Membership

The Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 2 core courses.
• Complete 2 required introductory (100 level) courses.
• Complete 10 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
• Complete 4 courses towards a minor study area (Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, International Business or Comparative Studies).
• Complete 6 elective courses.
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
• Register any selected Majors or Minors with Student Administration.

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Students completing an International Business minor must use two elective courses to complete the two pre requisite introductory courses BUS101 and BUS105.
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Program structure

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses (2)

2 required courses:

INT100 International Politics: An Australian Perspective
INT140 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?

Advanced courses (10)

2 required courses:

INT250 Forces of Change in International Politics
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights

PLUS select 8 courses from:

INT230 Making Public Policy in a Global Era
INT235 International Relations: Theory and Practice
INT245 Politics of the USA
INT257 International Security
INT270 Politics and the Media
INT274 Politics and Security in East Asia
INT276 Internship in Politics and Public Policy
INT2IP1 Industry Project 1: International Studies
ENP236 Rural and Regional Sustainability
SCS211 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State

Minor courses (4)

Select 4 courses from one the following study areas:

• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• International Business
• Comparative Studies

Elective courses (6)

Select 6 elective courses, up to 6 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

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Study Plan

The Bachelor of International Studies Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Year 1

• Two (2) required introductory (100 level) courses
• Two (2) core courses: One core course should be studied in your first semester and one in your second semester
• Four (4) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Required courses (2)

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

Elective courses (4)

Select 4 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Year 2

• Six (6) required advanced (200/300 level) courses
• Two (2) courses towards your minor study area

Required courses (6)

Minor courses (2)

Select 2 courses from your chosen minor study area:

• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• International Business
• Comparative Studies

Year 3

• Four (4) required advanced level courses
• Two (2) courses towards your minor study area
• Two (2) elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Required courses (4)

Select 4 required courses from:

Minor courses (2)

Select 2 courses from your chosen minor study area.

Elective courses (2)

Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

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How to apply for an undergraduate program

• Confirm that you meet the undergraduate admission requirements below
• Once you have decided on your degree, check the semester of offer on the program summary
• Refer to the application dates for cut-off dates and deadlines, check your eligibility for credit, and complete the appropriate application forms, if required
• To submit your application, refer to how to apply

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have questions about applications and admissions:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

Am I eligible for admission to an undergraduate program?

USC makes admission offers for undergraduate programs to applicants who are judged to have a reasonable expectation of success in the program to which they are made an offer, in accordance with the Admissions – Academic Policy.

International applicants must meet specific entry requirements and apply directly to USC International.

To be eligible for admission as a domestic student to an undergraduate program at the University of the Sunshine Coast, an applicant needs to:

• be eligible for an OP or Selection Rank equal to or above the cut-off level in the offer round, through completion of a recognised formal or non-formal qualification, including:
  • Secondary study
  • Tertiary and certificate study
  • Bridging / preparatory study
  • Alternative entry qualifications (eg professional qualifications, employment experience, Personal Competencies Assessment, Special Tertiary Admissions Test).
  Refer to Entry pathways for more information
• have satisfied any subject prerequisites as specified in the program summary. Refer to Satisfying subject prerequisites for more information. Recommended prior study is not a prerequisite subject, but a recommendation as to what knowledge students should possess in the subject area.
• have satisfied the English Language Proficiency requirements. If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program.

Once a completed application is submitted, a student is eligible for admission when they receive an offer to an undergraduate program.

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central guide
• Class timetables
• Academic calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business