Why study with us?
Ranked top 30 in the world for social sciences in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
Develop the skills and expertise to understand the complex inter-connections of globalisation and work within the international community.
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (International and Global Studies) uniquely positions you to explore some of the world’s most pressing problems while preparing for a career with an international focus: in business, diplomacy, policy development, and for advocacy in a global civil society.
The core major, Global Studies, will teach you how to relate local and international trends, while the combination of your chosen specialisation and language training will provide you with the specific regional knowledge and linguistic competence to work in organisations that operate across cultural and linguistic boundaries.
You’ll cross these international boundaries during the course with an opportunity to study abroad at one of our leading partner universities, exercising your language skills and gaining a first-hand, cultural experience before graduation.
Throughout the course, you will investigate the rapid growth of wealth in some parts of the world in relation to the impoverishment of others; consider the impacts of unprecedented large-scale worker, migrant, and refugee mobility; understand the rise and increasingly prominent role of global civil society (NGOs); as well as the challenges and opportunities of online information.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake an authentic, complex problem-based project, developed in tandem with our industry partners, and work within a bespoke, interdisciplinary team.
When you enrol in International and Global Studies you are preparing for work in the international arena. Think big, go global.
In the final year of your degree, you have two options, Advanced Coursework OR Honours:
Our majors include:
Minors can be completed in any of the below areas, as well as standalone minors in Celtic Studies, Diversity Studies, Sanskrit, Social Policy or Writing Studies.
Honours subject areas: Only available to students who meet the eligibility criteria for the honours pathway. Minimum WAM and additional entry requirements apply.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
Prospective domestic students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for a Commonwealth supported place . Refer to the UAC website for key dates. Separate scholarship deadlines apply, visit the scholarships website for details.
For other useful information, visit our How to apply page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Current students applying to transfer from a diploma to a bachelor's degree must apply through UAC.
Refer to the UAC website . Separate scholarship deadlines apply visit the scholarships webpage for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
Visit the How to apply page for detailed information on if you need to apply directly to the University or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). If you are a direct applicant, when you are ready to apply select the `Apply’ button on this course page.
Current University of Sydney students applying to transfer from one bachelor's degree to another apply directly to the University. The exact process will depend on the course you are currently in and the course to which you wish to transfer. For more information visit the Change your course page.
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year.
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year.
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - visit the scholarships webpage for details.
UAC Applicants: Refer to the UAC website
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You will:
For full course details see our Handbook.
View the International and Global Studies Unit timetable.
Please note this timetable is indicative only.
Please note, the following is an example of a pathway through the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (International and Global Studies) for students commencing in Semester 1.
Students commencing Semester 2 will generally follow an alternative progression pattern and may have fewer language study options depending on the level of entry. There may also be restrictions on when exchange/study abroad can be completed. Please contact the University of Sydney for further advice.
Students are free to choose any of the languages offered in the School of Languages and Cultures to fulfil the language minor requirement, and any units from Table S to fulfil the elective requirements. A minimum of 12 credit points must be taken on a study abroad or exchange program.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (International and Global Studies)
| Year | Sem | Unit of study | |||
| 1 | 1 | Global Studies Major: Introduction to International and Global Studies | Language Minor: Introductory Arabic 1A and 1B | Elective: Introduction to Cultural Studies | Elective: Introduction to Sociology 1 |
| 2 | Global Studies Major: The Making of the Global Order | Elective: Introduction to Diversity Studies* | Elective: Introduction to Sociology 2 | ||
| 2 | 1 | Global Studies Major: Transnational Actors and Networks | Global Studies Major: The Dynamics of Global Capitalism | Elective: Sociological Theory | |
| 2 | Global Studies Major: The End of Empire and New States | Language Minor: Intermediate Arabic 2A and 2B, Gender and Politics in the Arab World | Open Learning Environment: Enhancing Cultural Competence* | ||
| 3 | 1 | Global Studies Major: Social Movements in the Global South | Global Studies Major: Conflict and its Consequences | Elective: Social Inequality in Australia | Elective: Sociology, Power and Violence |
| 2 | Global Studies Major: Global Studies in Interdisciplinary Contexts | Language Minor: Advanced Arabic 3A | Elective: Contemporary Sociological Theory | Open Learning Environment: The Design of Social Media Campaigns* | |
| 4 | 1 | Global Studies Major: Global Mobilities | Global Studies Major: International and Global Studies | Elective: Nature and Society | |
| 2 | Global Studies Major: Identity Politics and Globalisation | Language Major: Advanced Arabic 3B and Arab Cities: Texts and Contexts | Elective: Sociology of Culture | ||
*OLE units are indicative only. Units can be selected from Table O of units.
Depends on the areas or units of study. For language studies: pathways are available for applicants with no prior language experience, as well as for those with prior experience in the respective language of study.
Admission to this course is on the basis of the following criteria:
Admission pathways are open to domestic applicants on the basis of equity or other adjustment factors, including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. For details, visit admission pathways.
If you’ve already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
You will be required to study a language relevant to the areas of international and global studies that you are pursuing in your degree. This will include an opportunity to study overseas to enhance your language skills and cultural knowledge.
Our graduates can be found in a broad range of careers and roles, including:
