Bachelor of International Studies

Western Sydney University

CRICOS 064562C · Duration: 3 Years

Duration

156 weeks

Study Load

Full Time / Part Time

Intakes

Autumn 2027 (starts 01 March 2027) | Spring 2027 (starts 19 July 2027)

Course Overview

About This Course

International Studies provides you with the diverse skills and knowledge needed to meet the changes in societies, governments and businesses. It develops your capacity to analyse the historical development of relations among nation states and contemporary political, social and cultural issues, such as globalisation, transnationalism and migration. You will be able to combine studies from a range of discipline areas, including Asian and Islamic Studies, cultural and social analysis, history, politics and philosophy, and modern languages (Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian or Arabic). The program provides for one semester study abroad during three years of full-time. The major in International Relations and Asian Studies has been designed to meet the needs of Australian government, business and society to engage the states and peoples of Asia at all levels in pursuit of national interests and as part of the globalisation process. It will provide you with the opportunity to study contemporary Asia, as well as the rich and diverse histories, politics, cultures and languages of Asian countries. You will also understand the international issues affecting Australia’s interests and role in the region and in the world at large. Note: Alternative entry options apply for this degree. International Studies offers an interdisciplinary education bringing together politics, economics, sociology and history. This program is designed for students interested in analysing the complex historical development of relations among nation states and contemporary issues such as globalisation, migration, climate change, religion, peace and conflict, the rich-poor gap and sustainability. This degree offers you the opportunity to apply your growing knowledge and skills to real-life scenarios through core subjects across a range of disciplines.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)

Duration

Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*

Intakes

Autumn 2027 (starts 01 March 2027) | Spring 2027 (starts 19 July 2027)

Study Mode

Full Time / Part Time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Assumed Knowledge: Two units of HSC English.
Secondary Education: HSC English Standard, or equivalent.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

Solicitor or Barrister
General manager
Commercial analyst
Project manager
Database administrator
Network developer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units43 units

0021

Japanese, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0004

Chinese, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0003

Arabic, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0309

Indonesian (Cross-Inst USYD), Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0018

International English, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0005

Creative Writing, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0015

Indigenous Australian Studies, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0013

History and Political Thought, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0264

Culture and Society, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0022

Linguistics, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0009

English, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0008

Economy and Markets, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0027

Peace and Development Studies, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0020

Islamic Studies, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0012

Heritage and Tourism, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0010

Geography and Urban Studies, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0011

Global Business, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0330

Childhood Studies, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0069

Journalism, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0028

Philosophy, Major

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 80 credit points

0336

Ideate. Strategise. Innovate., Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0003

Arabic, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0018

International English, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0004

Chinese, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0014

Immersion Language, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0021

Japanese, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0309

Indonesian (Cross-Inst USYD), Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0262

Ancient History, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0295

Gender Studies, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

0200

Studies of Religion, Minor

Elective Space - Flexible Subjects — 40 credit points

HUMN3108

We Are The University: Students Co-creating Change

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

BEHV3026

Service Learning

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

BEHV3013

Humanities Internship

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN3106

Study Tours

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN3103

Group Project

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

POLI3016

International Relations Project

Core — 10 credit points

LANG3045

Intercultural Communication

Core — 10 credit points

POLI2008

Transnational Diplomacy

Core — 10 credit points

LANG1029

Foundations of Academic English

Core — 10 credit points

HUMN1013

Contextualising Indigenous Australia (Day Mode)

Core — 10 credit points

HUMN1052

Australian Politics and Active Citizenship

Core — 10 credit points

CULT1001

Asia in the World

Core — 10 credit points

0340

Global Politics and International Relations, Major

Major — 80 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What majors can I choose from in this double degree?

You can choose from 9 majors: International Studies, Anthropology, Child and Community, Criminology, Disability Studies, Geography and Urban Studies, Heritage and Tourism, Peace and Development Studies, and Sociology.

How long does it take to complete the Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Social Science?

The program takes 4 years to complete full time, and is also available part time. Next start dates are 20 July 2026, 01 March 2027, and 19 July 2027.

Which campuses is this double degree offered at?

This double degree is offered at Parramatta South Campus (UAC code 724523) and Bankstown City Campus (UAC code 724522), both with a selection rank of 60.

What is the International Studies major about?

The International Studies major is designed to meet the needs of Australian government, business and society to engage the states and peoples of Asia at all levels. It provides students with the opportunity to study contemporary Asia, as well as the rich and diverse histories, politics, cultures and languages of Asian countries and international issues affecting Australia's interests and role in the region and in the world at large. Students are encouraged to undertake a sub-major in an Asian language in conjunction with the major.

What are the indicative annual fees for this course?

The indicative annual domestic student fee starts from $11,885. The program code is 1807 and the CRICOS code is 086124K.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Diplomat / Foreign Service OfficerPolicy Officer – Foreign Affairs and TradeInternational Development AdviserIntelligence AnalystPolitical Risk Analyst

Key Skills

Critical analysis of international political events and trendsResearch and synthesis of complex policy informationPersuasive written and oral communicationCross-cultural communication and negotiationUnderstanding of international law and treaties

Full Course Overview

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