Bachelor of International Studies

Overview

The term 'global village' may have become a cliché but it's true that the world has never felt smaller. Globalization has seen many countries become increasingly dependent on each other, with the effects of internal politics, foreign policy and diplomacy impacting nations and individuals worldwide. With such a backdrop, the ability to make sense of it all and assess the issues that affect nations across the political, economic, social, environmental and cultural spectrum is a highly valued skill.

This course gives you the opportunity to specialize in areas such as human futures and global challenges, international law, global politics and peace, international business, and an Asian, European or classical language. You will also have the option to study overseas. Available for study fully online, as well as on campus, the degree will equip you with transferable intercultural skills that are highly valued in today's globalized job market.

Why study the Bachelor of International Studies with UNE?

When you embark on a Bachelor of International Studies, you’ll examine an array of fascinating topics, such as global security, earth in crisis, human rights and refugees, cross-cultural communication, trade, the rise of China and Australia's relations with the US, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

You can pursue your interests by choosing two of these majors:

International Business - In this major, you will gain an introduction to key issues in contemporary economics and business studies. The core program covers macroeconomics and international political economy, including the key economies of India and China. You can also choose electives such as cross-cultural communication and management, international finance, professional skills, Indigenous development, and small business and digital marketing.

Global Politics and Peace – You will engage with the most challenging issues of the 21st century, from the 9/11 attacks signaling the age of globalized terrorism, tackling civil war via conflict resolution, weathering the Global Financial Crisis, Brexit's impact on European regionalism, populist trends undermining democracy, to the implications of China's rising power, Trump's presidency, and the COVID-19 pandemic for international relations.

International Law – This major allows you to examine topics of global significance including the development of treaties, navigating trade wars, human rights advocacy at the United Nations; wildlife trafficking; global governance of water, mining, fisheries and forests; maritime security notably the South China sea dispute; and combating the nefarious underworld of transnational crime.

Languages and Cultures – You can pursue a language and its culture to an advanced level (Chinese, Classical Languages, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese or Spanish). This typically includes an exploration of that country’s history, literature and film, as well as the option of an in-country language unit.

Human Futures and Global Challenges – You will examine an eclectic mix of topics, from communications and literature, to geography, indigenous and peace studies, sociology and studies in religion. The concerns in this major will ultimately determine the future of humanity such as the clash of civilizations, mitigating climate change, food insecurity and natural disasters, as well as managing the world refugee crisis and the diabolical challenges posed by megacities.

All students have the option of an exchange trimester overseas, studying at one of UNE's partner universities in North America, Europe or Asia. This gives you valuable in-country experience that is highly regarded by employers.

The Bachelor of International Studies will set you up to pursue a lifetime of fascinating careers, whichever direction you wish to take your study journey.

What makes our course different?

UNE’s Bachelor of International Studies enables you to establish or enhance your career and make a difference in the world via your vocation and as an engaged citizen. A myriad of opportunities will be open to you upon graduation. During the course, you will get to:

Complete your studies on campus or completely online, at home in your own time.

Have the option to travel overseas and get credit towards your degree by studying at one of our partner universities.

Elect to study a language as one of your majors. You may then wish to transfer to the four-year Bachelor of Languages on completion of two years (or part-time equivalent) of the three-year degree, including the opportunity to study abroad for a year. This can be an immensely rewarding experience and invaluable to building language skills.

Take the opportunity to progress to an Honours year on the recommendation of the Head of School. The honours program comprises advanced coursework and a thesis on a topic of interest.

UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education. Year after year, students award us 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide, so no matter whether you choose to study online or on campus, you are in very good hands.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.