Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Social Science

Western Sydney University

CRICOS 086124K · Duration: 4 Years

Duration

208 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

This degree seeks to equip you with all the interdisciplinary and specialist skills and knowledge that you will need on entering the workforce or on proceeding to advanced study. There is a core of 11 subjects offering an introduction to the humanities and a solid grounding in the social sciences. You can choose a major from the social sciences; a major in International Relations and Asian Studies, and a minor in an Asian language. The double degree provides a wide base for understanding issues in the complex, culturally diverse and ever-changing social and international environment of the 21st century both in Australia and Asia. The Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Social Science is a four-year double degree offering flexibility and the choice of a wide range of offerings in the social sciences as well as studies in International Relations. This program will equip you with the interdisciplinary and specialist skills and knowledge to understand issues in today’s complex, culturally diverse and ever-changing social and international environment. The International Studies degree will teach you the historical development of relations among nation states and how to analyse contemporary political, commercial, diplomatic and strategic links and developments. You will also complete a major in Global Politics and International Relations and choose a major from the social sciences. Benefit from the opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge through internships, volunteering and international study and travel.

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: 4 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

English Language Proficiency: Two units of HSC English OR IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 overall score with a minimum 6.0 in each subtest.

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:

Teaching
Interpreting and translation
Journalism
Business or international relations
Research

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units29 units

LANG1029

Foundations of Academic English

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN1052

Australian Politics and Active Citizenship

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

CULT1001

Asia in the World

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN1013

Contextualising Indigenous Australia (Day Mode)

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

LANG3045

Intercultural Communication

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

POLI2008

Transnational Diplomacy

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

POLI3016

International Relations Project

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

BEHV3013

Humanities Internship

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

BEHV3026

Service Learning

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN3103

Group Project

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN3106

Study Tours

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN3108

We Are The University: Students Co-creating Change

International Studies core subjects — 10 credit points

CULT3007

Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

BEHV1021

The Individual in Society

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

CULT1017

Understanding Society

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN1060

Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN1041

People, Place and Social Difference

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

CULT2005

Ethics in the Social Sciences

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

HUMN2078

Curiosity Didn't Kill the Cat: Researching towards Social Change

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

CULT3001

Applied Social Research

Social Science Core Subjects — 10 credit points

0012

Heritage and Tourism, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0027

Peace and Development Studies, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0030

Sociology, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0002

Anthropology, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0045

Child and Community, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0252

Disability Studies, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0006

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0010

Geography and Urban Studies, Major

Social Science Major — 80 credit points

0340

Global Politics and International Relations, Major

International Studies Major — 80 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What majors can I choose from in the Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Social Science?

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. You also choose a major in International Relations and Asian Studies, and a minor in an Asian language.

How long does it take to complete this double degree?

The Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Social Science is a four-year double degree available full time, and is also available part time.

Which campuses is this program offered at?

This program is offered at Parramatta South Campus (UAC code 724523) and Bankstown City Campus (UAC code 724522).

What is the minimum selection rank required to enter this program?

The Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) for this program is 60 at both the Parramatta South and Bankstown City campuses.

What will I study as part of the core curriculum in this double degree?

There is a core of 11 subjects offering an introduction to the humanities and a solid grounding in the social sciences. Students also undertake a major in International Relations and Asian Studies, a major from the social sciences, and a minor in an Asian language. Students are encouraged to undertake a sub-major in an Asian language in conjunction with the International Studies major.

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

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

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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