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Program

International Studies - 3447

Program Summary

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Contact: bis@unsw.edu.au

Campus: Sydney

Career: Undergraduate

Typical Duration: 4 Years  

Typical UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC Per Semester: 6

Max UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC For Award: 192

UAC Code: 422200

Domestic Entry Requirements: See Domestic Entry Requirements

International Entry Requirements: See International Entry Requirements

Award(s):

Bachelor of International Studies

View program information for previous years

Program Description
This program is for students commencing from 2017.

Students commencing prior to 2017 should refer to program 3424 Bachelor of International Studies.

The Bachelor of International Studies (UNSW BInSt) is an innovative and practical program in which you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the contemporary world, pick up a useful second language, and experience one-year of study overseas. The program satisfies a growing demand in Australia and globally for graduates who are highly skilled, internationally informed and professionally equipped to meet the challenges of work in a rapidly changing global environment.

The program examines the interactions of nations, economies, institutions, peoples, cultures, technologies and ideas against a background of increasing international integration and changing modernity. The program challenges you to: examine the dynamics of global and regional change; explore key issues and challenges in global change, evaluate the importance of globalisation, and debate key questions centred on nationalism, sovereignty, social change, development, and transnational interaction. You specialize in an area of study, complete language study and a one-year Overseas Study Program (OSP) at one of the more than 200 approved partner universities around the world.

The UNSW BInSt can be completed full-time in Single Mode (normally 4 years), in Dual Mode (the equivalent of 3 years full-time) or part-time. The basic requirements of the program are simple. The BInSt has a depth component and a breadth component. If you study in either the Single or Dual Mode, you will complete the depth component. If you study in the Single Mode, you will also complete the breadth component.

The Depth component is:
  1. The completion of an International Studies Core (24 UOC) (4 courses)
  2. The completion of Regional Electives (12 UOC ) (2 courses)
  3. The completion of Specialist Electives (12 UOC) (2 courses)
  4. The completion of a Language Study Core (24 UOC) (4 courses)
  5. The completion of a minor stream (24 UOC) (4 courses) selected from the list of UNSW BInSt approved minor streams
  6. The completion of an overseas exchange (48 UOC) (2 semesters)
The Breadth component (if you are completing the program in Single Mode) is:
  1. The completion of Arts & Social Sciences Prescribed Electives (12 UOC) (2 courses)
  2. The completion of Free Electives (24 UOC) (4 courses)
  3. General Education (12 UOC) (2 courses)

Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes

Program Objectives

The aims of UNSW BInSt are:
  1. To satisfy a growing demand, in Australia and abroad, for graduates who are highly skilled, well informed and professionally equipped to meet the challenges of work in a rapidly changing global environment.
  2. To give you a thorough preparation for further study and employment in areas vital to Australia's increasing participation in the international arena.
  3. To examine and develop a better understanding of the interactions of nations, economies, institutions, peoples, cultures, technologies and ideas against a background of increasing international integration and changing modernity.
  4. To promote competence in a major language or languages relevant and useful for the global economy in which we live (viz. French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Greek and Indonesian).
  5. To provide you with the invaluable experience of other cultures, languages and peoples - experience greatly valued by employers internationally, through the completion of a one-year Overseas Study Program.

Learning Outcomes

The Graduate Attributes for this Program are as follows:
  • Research, Inquiry and Analytic Abilities - Graduates in International Studies have high-level skills in problem solving, research techniques, analysis and critical understanding of key global issues. They display intellectual adaptability and conceptual sophistication, informed by broad international knowledge and language skills.

  • Personal and Intellectual Autonomy - Graduates in International studies have an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving and work autonomously and in ways motivated by intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas and arguments.

  • Ethical, Social and Professional Understanding - Graduates in International Studies have the capacity to critically reflect upon ethical principles and codes of conduct and contribute in socially responsible ways to local and international communities

  • Communication Skills - Graduates in International Studies consistently demonstrate high-level skills in both oral expression and written communication. Additionally, they possess advanced communication skills appropriate for negotiating and promoting understanding in a global multilingual environment.

  • Information Literacy - Graduates in International Studies are able to locate, evaluate and use information technologies appropriately and effectively.

  • Professional and Intellectual Development - Graduates in International Studies are intellectually flexible, independent and open to new ideas. They embrace enthusiastically opportunities to develop awareness, learning and professionalism and are ideally equipped to meet the challenges of work in a rapidly changing global environment.

  • Global Outlook - Graduates in International Studies display an informed appreciation and respect for cultural and social diversity. They have a keen understanding of the complexity of international political and economic interaction and they engage creatively with the dynamics of global change.

Program Structure
The basic requirements for the degree are:

Single Mode (192 UOC) made up of:

  1. International Studies core (24 UOC)
  2. Regional Electives (12 UOC)
  3. Specialist Electives (12 UOC)
  4. Language Study core (24 UOC )
  5. A minor stream (24 UOC)
  6. Overseas Study Program (48 UOC)
  7. Arts & Social Sciences Prescribed Electives (12 UOC)
  8. Free Electives (24 UOC )
  9. General Education (12 UOC )
Dual Mode (144 UOC) made up of:
  1. International Studies core (24 UOC)
  2. Regional Electives (12 UOC)
  3. Specialist Electives (12 UOC)
  4. Language Study core (24 UOC )
  5. A minor stream (24 UOC)
  6. Overseas Study Program (48 UOC)

Core

International Studies

Compulsory International Studies courses (24 UOC) made up of:

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
 
The notes below outline program specific caveats:
 
NOTE 1: If you study in the single mode you may use your free electives to convert a minor to a major in the International Business External Stream.
 
NOTE 2: If you study in the International Studies/Media dual degree mode you will complete 12 UOC in Regional and 6 UOC Specialist rather than 24 UOC. The 6 UOC is then made available to meet the General Education requirement. If you are pursuing a minor in International Business you are deemed to have met the General Education requirement.
 
NOTE 3: If you are undertaking the Asian Studies minor or the European Studies minor you must complete a sequence of 24 UOC in an Asian or European language stream as appropriate.
 
NOTE 4: If you study in the International Studies/Law dual degree mode and undertake a minor in International Business you will complete 12 UOC in Regional and 6 UOC Specialist rather than 24 UOC.
 
NOTE 5: If you study in the single mode and undertake a minor in International Business you will complete 12 UOC in Regional and 6 UOC Specialist rather than 24 UOC.
 
NOTE 6: If you study in BInSt/Media or BInSt/LLB dual mode you have the option of undertaking a major in International Business by completing three International Business approved electives (18 UOC or equivalent) as part of your Overseas Study Program (OSP).
 
NOTE 7: Courses that form part of your minor stream may not be double counted towards the Regional and Specialist components of the program.

Languages

Compulsory Language courses (24 UOC) in one of the following Languages:
  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Greek
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Spanish

Minor Streams

24 units of credit from any of the minor Internal Streams listed below
 
Asian Studies Chinese Studies Chinese Studies (Advanced) Development Studies
Environmental Humanities European Studies French Studies French Studies (Advanced)
German Studies International Relations (pre-2018 students only)
 Japanese Studies Japanese Studies (Advanced)
Korean Studies Korean Studies (Advanced)
Politics (pre-2018 students only)
 Politics and International Relations
Sociology and Anthropology Spanish and Latin American Studies

External Stream UOC Requirement in International Business

If you are completing the degree in single mode you may undertake an external minor in International Business or you may utilise your free electives or General Education to complete the 48 UOC requirement for the award of the External Major Stream in International Business.

If you are completing a dual degree in International Studies you have the option of completing an External Major in International Business (see Note 6).
 
(UNSW Business School)
(UNSW Business School)
 


Core Language Study and Language Stream

If you choose to complete a minor stream in a language you must complete that study in a Language other than the Language which you chose for the Core requirement.

Overseas Studies Program

You will undertake two semesters of approved study at an overseas university. The Overseas Study Program (OSP) provides invaluable experience of other cultures, languages and peoples, an experience greatly valued by employers internationally. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with more than 200 different student exchange opportunities at prestigious partner universities in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

To proceed on the Bachelor of International Studies Overseas Study Program (OSP) you must have achieved satisfactory academic progress in your first and second years of study and must fulfil the requirements of the Universities Exchange Program.

You will undertake OSP during Semester 1 and Semester 2 of your third year of study.

Overseas Studies Program and Dual Mode

Overseas studies program is full-time overseas for two semesters. If you are enrolled in the program in Dual Mode you will suspend study in your other degree program during this period of exchange.

Electives

Regional Electives

Regional Electives provide specific area studies knowledge on regions of the world. The regions of the world we currently cover are: Asia, Europe and the Americas. Later offerings may include Africa and the Middle East. These add depth to your understanding of specific regional issues and challenges.

Regional Electives - Asia

You must take 12 UOC of regional electives consisting of one course that focuses on contemporary developments and one that focuses on historical trajectories in the region. If you wish to focus on Asia you may take 12 UOC of the following courses:
Regional Electives - Europe

You must take 12 UOC of regional electives consisting of one course that focuses on contemporary developments and one that focuses on historical trajectories in the region. If you wish to focus on Europe you may take 12 UOC of the following courses:
Regional Electives - The Americas

You must take 12 UOC of regional electives consisting of one course that focuses on contemporary developments and one that focuses on historical trajectories in the region. If you wish to focus on The Americas you may take 12 UOC of the following courses:

Specialist Electives

Specialist Electives add depth to your knowledge of particular areas of academic and professional interest. They permit greater concentration or specialisation in areas of interest and professional relevance. You must take 12 UOC of the following courses:

UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives

UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives are any courses chosen from the offerings of UNSW Arts and Social Sciences. You can use these courses to add depth to your major or minor stream (above the minimum requirements) or undertake other courses from other areas of study within UNSW Arts and Social Sciences. Indigenous Studies courses (ATSIxxxx) cannot be studied as UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives.

Free Electives

If you are completing the program in single mode you have a 24 UOC free elective breadth requirement. You may complete any courses for which you are eligible to enrol either within or outside UNSW Arts and Social Sciences.

ARTS2050 Academic Writing for the Humanities (6 UOC)
HUMS1005 Personalised English Language Enhancement (6 UOC)

These courses, ARTS2050 and HUMS1005, can be counted as UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Prescribed Electives or Free Electives.

General Education

General Education requires you to complete 12 UOC (two courses) offered outside UNSW Arts and Social Sciences. This requirement is met if you complete an external major or minor (for example, Economics). Indigenous Studies courses (ATSIxxxx) can be studied as General Education only if you are not following a major or minor in Indigenous Studies within the BA program.

Award with Distinction

You are eligible for the award of your Pass Degree "with Distinction" if you achieve a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 75 in all courses and complete at least 50% of the requirements of your award at UNSW.

Sample Program

Bachelor of International Studies - Single Mode - Example only
YEAR 1
 UOC
S1 INST1005 Key Debates in International Studies (6 UOC) Regional Elective (6 UOC) Language (6 UOC) Minor (6 UOC)  24
S2 INST1006 The World in Transition (6 UOC) Free Elective (6 UOC) Language (6 UOC) Minor (6 UOC)  24
YEAR 2 UOC
S1 Specialist Elective (6 UOC)
 Language (6 UOC)
 Minor (6 UOC)
  24
S2 Free Elective (6 UOC)
 Free Elective (6 UOC)
 Language (6 UOC)
 Minor (6 UOC)
 24
YEAR 3 UOC
OVERSEAS STUDY PROGRAM
  48
YEAR 4
 UOC
S1 Free Elective (6 UOC)
 Regional Elective (6 UOC)
 General Education (6 UOC) A&SS Prescribed Elective (6 UOC)
 24
S2 INST3900 Advanced Seminar in International Studies (6 UOC) Specialist Elective (6 UOC) General Education (6 UOC)
A&SS Prescribed Elective (6 UOC)
  24
 
Note: You should refer to the specific requirements for your minor stream.


Academic Rules

Single Mode

To qualify for the award of the degree at pass level, you must:
  1. enrol in the Bachelor of International Studies and complete 192 units of credit;
  2. complete the requirements for the core in International Studies and the core in Language Study
  3. complete the requirements of Regional and Specialist Electives
  4. complete the requirements for one minor stream
  5. complete the requirements for the Overseas Study Program (OSP)
  6. complete 12 UOC of Arts & Social Sciences Prescribed Electives
  7. complete 24 UOC of Free Electives
  8. complete 12 UOC of General Education
  9. complete at least 30 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses
  10. specify your minor stream at the time of enrolment into the program
  11. complete at least 48 UOC, including 6 UOC at Level 1 and 6 UOC at Level 2 in your minor, before enrolling in Level 3 courses.

Dual Mode

To qualify for the award of the degree at pass level, you must:
  1. enrol in the Bachelor of International Studies and complete 144 units of credit;
  2. complete the requirements for the core in International Studies and the core in Language Study
  3. complete the requirements of Regional and Specialist Electives
  4. complete the requirements for one minor stream
  5. complete the requirements for the Overseas Study Program (OSP)
  6. complete at least 30 UOC of Level 1 courses before enrolling in Level 2 courses
  7. specify your minor stream at the time of enrolment into the program
  8. complete at least 48 UOC, including 6 UOC at Level 1 and 6 UOC at Level 2 in your minor, before enrolling in Level 3 courses.

Fees
For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Important Information
The Academic Rules for the UNSW BInst and the online enrolment facility provide you with a wide range of course choices. The online enrolment facility checks that you meet the enrolment requirements for individual courses but not that a course complies with Program Rules. You are responsible for ensuring you are enrolling in accordance with the Academic Rules outlined above. You should not assume that because you have enrolled in a course online that the course is automatically credited to your degree program.

Further Information
Contact the UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Student Centre for advice.
Tel: + 61 2 9385 2289
Email: arts@unsw.edu.au
Location: Room G1 Ground Floor, Morven Brown building (C20)
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
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