Bachelor of International Studies

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of International Studies
Award abbreviation: BIntStud
QTAC code: 011021
OP/Rank for 2012 entry: OP-18 / Rank-63
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: AR323
CRICOS code: 074096G. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.

The Bachelor of International Studies prepares you to work internationally and communicate across borders.

In this program you gain a contemporary and historical understanding of international politics with a focus on international relations and multilateral institutions. You consider Australia’s engagement in the political and international sphere both within Australia and in relation to countries and regions of strategic importance. The political, cultural and economic systems of other relevant countries and regions are also examined. You supplement your studies in politics and international relations with courses in international business, a language or comparative studies.

Majors

Politics and international relations

Career opportunities

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

Professional recognition

Graduates may become members of The Australian Institute of International Affairs.

Admission requirements

Please refer to the English language entry requirements.

Enquiries

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

Program Leader
Bronwyn Stevens
Tel: +61 7 5430 1288
Email: bstevens@usc.edu.au

Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

• Complete 14 required courses, including a minimum of 8 advanced level INT courses, a minor study area (4 courses) and 6 electives.
• 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.

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

Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

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

Advanced courses

2 required advanced courses:
INT250 Forces of Change in International Politics
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights

PLUS select 8 advanced courses from:
IND212 Indonesia: Society, Culture and Politics
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

Select 4 courses from one the following study areas:

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

Elective courses

Select 6 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

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

Year 1

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

Core courses (2)

Select 2 core courses from:

Required courses (2)

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 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

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• 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

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
• Common enrolment problems
• 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