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Bachelor of International Studies

Overview

This page was first published on 13 November 2025 and was last amended on 20 November 2025.
View details of the changes below.

Take your first steps towards an international career with the Bachelor of International Studies. Prepare yourself to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world as you delve into the heart of global politics, history, culture and language. You will be equipped with the interdisciplinary expertise required to understand and tackle issues in international scope and embrace subjects that cross both disciplinary and linguistic boundaries. This degree brings the theoretical rigour of international politics together with the contextual approaches of history, area studies and language.

Picture yourself unravelling questions of conflict and justice, state and non-state actors, and the nature and operations of international institutions. Through captivating case studies spanning a wide range of regions and language communities, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of global affairs.

At the heart of the course is a commitment to fostering global citizenship and understanding. You will have the chance to engage with diverse perspectives, languages, and cultures, broadening your world view and preparing you to become a thoughtful and effective global leader.

The Bachelor of International Studies is a three-year (full-time) degree. You will complete a major in International Studies, available exclusively to students enrolled in this course, and either a second major or a minor in a related subject area from the humanities or social sciences. If your second major or minor is not a modern language, you will also complete studies in one or more languages. Finally, you will complete additional units of study of your choice (electives) as required to achieve the credit-point total for the degree.

Degree structure and requirements

For detailed information on degree rules and requirements, please refer to the course resolutions.

A summary of course requirements is included in the Bachelor of International Studies unit of study table (Table A).

Degree planning

The degree plan below is intended as a guide only but indicates the recommended sequence of units of study for a full-time student. Additional degree planning resources are also available.

Year Semester Units of study
1 1 INTS1001 Elective^ Second major or
minor
Elective^
2 INTS1002 Elective^ Second major or
minor
Elective^
2 1 INTS2001 Elective^ Second major or
minor
Elective^ or Dalyell
2 INTS2002 INTS2003 Second major or
minor
Elective^ or Dalyell
3 1 INTS300x* Elective^ Second major or
minor
Second major or elective^
2 INTS300x* FASS3333 or FASS3999 Second major or
minor
Second major or elective^

* 3000-level selective unit in International Studies major

^ if the second major or minor is not a modern language, 24 credit points must be completed in designated ‘language’ (not ‘culture’) units from the available language subject areas

Dalyell stream (Table D)

The Dalyell stream is a targeted stream for high achievers. Students who participate in the Dalyell stream are known as ‘Dalyell Scholars’ and have access to curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Dalyell Scholars are required to complete 12 credit points of Dalyell stream units. Dalyell stream units emphasise the development of vision, depth of understanding, adaptability, breadth of perspective, societal contribution and a high level of capability in operating across disciplinary and cultural boundaries. Dalyell Scholars may take Dalyell stream units offered by any faculty.

Additionally, with the permission of the Dalyell Program Director, students have access to enrichment and accelerated units of study that can be completed as electives.

Electives

Students may complete any additional units of study from Table S (shared pool), Table D (for students enrolled in the Dalyell stream), or Table O (maximum of 12 credit points) needed to achieve the credit-point total required for the degree.

Honours

Honours is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of the Bachelor of International Studies. It provides students an opportunity to develop research skills in International Studies by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The honours year adds greater depth to an undergraduate degree and is a pathway to higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies.

Further information can be found on the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) page.

Contacts and further information

Post-publication amendments

Date Original publication Post-publication amendment
18/11/2025

Overview section published as:

[...]

At the heart of this program is a commitment to fostering global citizenship and understanding. You will have the chance to engage with diverse perspectives, languages, and cultures, broadening your world view and preparing you to become and thoughtful and effective global leader.

 

Overview section amended to:

[...]

At the heart of the course is a commitment to fostering global citizenship and understanding. You will have the chance to engage with diverse perspectives, languages, and cultures, broadening your world view and preparing you to become and thoughtful and effective global leader.

The Bachelor of International Studies is a three-year (full-time) degree. You will complete a major in International Studies, available exclusively to students enrolled in this course, and either a second major or a minor in a related subject area from the humanities or social sciences. If your second major or minor is not a modern language, you will also complete studies in one or more languages. You may complete additional units of study of your choice (electives) as required to achieve the credit-point total for the degree.

18/11/2025

Degree Structure and requirements section published as:

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of International Studies degree, candidates must complete 144 credit points in total, comprising of:

  • a major (48 credit points) in International Studies
  • a minor (36 credit points) or second major (48 credit points) from Table A of the Bachelor of International Studies; 
    • If the minor or second major taken is not a language major or minor, 24 credit points of language units in language subject areas must be completed. 
  • For students enrolled in the Dalyell Stream, a minimum of 12 credit points of Dalyell Stream units of study as specified in Table D must be completed. 
  • As required, elective units from Table S, or for students enrolled in the Dalyell stream, Table D, or a maximum of 12 credit points of units from Table O

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook

 

Degree Structure and requirements section amended to:

For detailed information on degree rules and requirements, please refer to the course resolutions.

A summary of course requirements is included in the Bachelor of International Studies unit of study table (Table A).

18/11/2025 Degree planning section missing. Degree planning section added above Dalyell stream (Table D) section.
18/11/2025

Dalyell stream (Table D) published as:

The Dalyell stream is a targeted stream for high achievers. Students who participate in the Dalyell stream are known as the ‘Dalyell Scholars’. As a Dalyell Scholar, students will have access to curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Dalyell Scholars must take 12 credit points of Dalyell stream units in addition to their degree requirements.

Dalyell stream units emphasise the development of vision, depth of understanding, adaptability, breadth of perspective, societal contribution and a high level of capability in operating across disciplinary and cultural boundaries. Dalyell Scholars may take Dalyell stream units offered by any faculty.

Additionally with the permission of the Dalyell Program Director, students will have access to enrichment and accelerated units of study that can be competed as electives.

For further details regarding the Dalyell stream, please refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook.

Dalyell stream (Table D) amended to:

The Dalyell stream is a targeted stream for high achievers. Students who participate in the Dalyell stream are known as ‘Dalyell Scholars’ and have access to curricular and extra-curricular activities.

Dalyell Scholars are required to complete 12 credit points of Dalyell stream units. 

Dalyell stream units emphasise the development of vision, depth of understanding, adaptability, breadth of perspective, societal contribution and a high level of capability in operating across disciplinary and cultural boundaries. Dalyell Scholars may take Dalyell stream units offered by any faculty.

Additionally, with the permission of the Dalyell Program Director, students will have access to enrichment and accelerated units of study that can be completed as electives.

18/11/2025

Electives published as:

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of International Studies can complete elective units of study from the subject areas listed in Table S (shared pool), or for students enrolled in the Dalyell Stream, Table D, or a maximum of 12 credit points of units from Table O (Open Learning Environment).

The available units of study are listed in Table S, Table O, or for students enrolled in the Dalyell Stream, Table D in the Interdisciplinary Studies handbook

Electives amended to:

Students may complete any additional units of study from Table S (shared pool), Table D (for students enrolled in Dalyell stream), or Table O (maximum of 12 credit points) needed to achieve the credit-point total required for this degree.

18/11/2025 Degree planning section missing from publication. Honours section added below Electives section.
18/11/2025 Contacts and further information section missing from publication. Contacts and further information section added below Honours section.
20/11/2025 Overview section published as:

Take your first steps towards an international career with the Bachelor of International Studies. Prepare yourself to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world as you delve into the heart of global politics, history, culture and language. You will be equipped with the interdisciplinary expertise required to understand and tackle issues in international scope and embrace subjects that cross both disciplinary and linguistic boundaries. This degree brings the theoretical rigour of international politics together with the contextual approaches of history, area studies and language.

Picture yourself unravelling questions of conflict and justice, state and non-state actors, and the nature and operations of international institutions, through captivating case studies spanning a wide range of regions and language communities, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of global affairs.

At the heart of the course is a commitment to fostering global citizenship and understanding. You will have the chance to engage with diverse perspectives, languages, and cultures, broadening your world view and preparing you to become and thoughtful and effective global leader.

The Bachelor of International Studies is a three-year (full-time) degree. You will complete a major in International Studies, available exclusively to students enrolled in this course, and either a second major or a minor in a related subject area from the humanities or social sciences. If your second major or minor is not a modern language, you will also complete studies in one or more languages. You may complete additional units of study of your choice (electives) as required to achieve the credit-point total for the degree.

Overview section amended to:

Take your first steps towards an international career with the Bachelor of International Studies. Prepare yourself to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world as you delve into the heart of global politics, history, culture and language. You will be equipped with the interdisciplinary expertise required to understand and tackle issues in international scope and embrace subjects that cross both disciplinary and linguistic boundaries. This degree brings the theoretical rigour of international politics together with the contextual approaches of history, area studies and language.

Picture yourself unravelling questions of conflict and justice, state and non-state actors, and the nature and operations of international institutions. Through captivating case studies spanning a wide range of regions and language communities, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of global affairs.

At the heart of the course is a commitment to fostering global citizenship and understanding. You will have the chance to engage with diverse perspectives, languages, and cultures, broadening your world view and preparing you to become a thoughtful and effective global leader.

The Bachelor of International Studies is a three-year (full-time) degree. You will complete a major in International Studies, available exclusively to students enrolled in this course, and either a second major or a minor in a related subject area from the humanities or social sciences. If your second major or minor is not a modern language, you will also complete studies in one or more languages. Finally, you will complete additional units of study of your choice (electives) as required to achieve the credit-point total for the degree.

20/11/2025 Degree Structure and requirements section published as:

Degree Structure and requirements

For detailed information on degree rules and requirements, please refer to the course resolutions.

A summary of course requirements is included in the Bachelor of International Studies unit of study table (Table A).

Degree structure and requirements section amended to:

Degree structure and requirements

For detailed information on degree rules and requirements, please refer to the course resolutions.

A summary of course requirements is included in the Bachelor of International Studies unit of study table (Table A).

20/11/2025 Honours section published as:

Honours

Honours is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of the Bachelor of International Studies. It provides students an opportunity to develop research skills in International Studies by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The honours year adds greater depth to an undergraduate degree and is a pathway to higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies.

Further information can be found on the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) page.

Honours section amended to:

Honours

Honours is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of the Bachelor of International Studies. It provides students an opportunity to develop research skills in International Studies by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The honours year adds greater depth to an undergraduate degree and is a pathway to higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies.

Further information can be found on the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) page.

20/11/2025 Contacts and further information section published as:

Contacts and further information

Contacts and further information section amended to:

Contacts and further information