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Bachelor of International Studies B.Int Stud
2009

Program Outline | Related Programs | Admission Information | Areas of Specialisation | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Graduate Attributes | Useful Links | Program Rules

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 3 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

In a time of rapid globalisation, crisis and change - in political, economic, military, social and environmental terms - there is growing recognition of the importance of international knowledge. In this program, students will build their knowledge of global processes, relationships and societies, and be geared to work in areas including trade and business, foreign affairs, defence and intelligence, journalism, and humanitarian and development organisations.


Students examine the factors that determine international issues and learn how to develop future policies. Compulsory courses in international and comparative politics, history and international studies are combined with optional topics in the areas of politics, history and European or Asian studies. Studies in a language other than English are highly recommended and students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters at an overseas university to gain valuable international experience.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Full time Bachelor of International Studies students are encouraged to take advantage of the study abroad and student exchange links that the University has developed with over 100 overseas institutions. Students can study overseas for one or two semesters and earn credit towards their University of Adelaide program. Tuition fees are waived by the overseas university if a student enrols in an institution that is an exchange partner of the university.

Work Placement Opportunities

Final year students can also apply to participate in the South Australian Parliamentary Internship program co-ordinated by the Faculty. This program offers placement as an 'intern' working with a Member of State Parliament while completing an agreed research task. Students gain first hand experience in the workings of government.

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Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic ? and international ? students.

Domestic

Selection criteria: ?
  • Year 12 applicants
    2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 65.6
    You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
  • Higher Education applicants
    You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. GPAs earned from non-award study within the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences are also considered.
  • VET applicants
    You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
How to apply: ?
SATAC Code: 314961
Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees: ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $5,201
General enquiries: Student Centre

International

Selection criteria: ?
IELTS Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6
International TER 70
How to apply:
Mid-year entry? Yes
Annual tuition fees: ? International student place: $19,000
General enquiries: Student Centre
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Areas of Specialisation

Students can select courses with a strong international focus from areas such as Asian studies, economics, history and comparative politics. This focus will provide insight into the many processes which determine world events and international issues at large.

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

 All courses are worth 3 units each.

  • Major and Minor courses
  • Humanities and Social Sciences courses
  • Other Faculty courses: University Course Planner.
  • Level I: Choose the following courses (24 units)

    Please choose four courses per semester. 

    • POLI 1102 Introduction to International Politics (Semester Two)
    • POLI 1104 Introduction to Comparative Politics (Semester One)
    • Two from:
      • ASIA 1103 Asia and the World (Semester Two)
      • HIST 1105 Europe, Empire & the World 1492 - 1914 (Semester One)
      • HIST 1106 The 20th Century: A World in Turmoil (Semester Two)
    • Minor sequence: Choose two courses from the list of Level One Minor courses
    • Electives: Choose two courses from the list of Level One Humanities and Social Sciences Courses or other Faculty Level One courses.

    Level II or Advanced Level: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    • POLI 2108 Post Cold War International Relations
    • POLI 2118 Comparative Politics of Leadership
    • 2 x Advanced Level International Studies specialised courses (see below)
    • Minor sequence: Choose two courses from the list of Level II or Advanced Level Minor courses
    • Electives: Choose two courses from the list of Level II or Advanced Level Humanities and Social Sciences courses or other Faculty courses

    Level III or Advanced Level: Choose the following courses (24 units)
    • INTL 3100 International Studies Core course (capstone)
    • 3 x Advanced Level International Studies specialised courses (see below)
    • Minor sequence: Choose two courses from the list of Level II or Advanced Level Minor courses
    • 2 x Humanities and Social Sciences Level II or Advanced Level courses

    Note: In some cases the final year of the program may be replaced by International Exchange or In-country studies to the value of 24 units, and language courses to the value of 12 units.

    Advanced Level International Studies Electives
    • Governing Greater China
    • Incredible India
    • Intelligence and Security after the Cold War
    • The Ethics of War and Peace
    • Parliamentary Internship
    • Study Abroad / Exchange

    *Please note not all electives may be available each year

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    Career Opportunities

    Potential careers

    Ministerial Adviser, Parliamentary Adviser, Political Advisor, Export / Import trade, Foreign Affairs, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Humanitarian / Aid Worker, International Government and Trade Policy Adviser, International Trade or Business Analyst, Interpreter/ Translator, Journalist

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    Graduate Attributes

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    The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

    Last updated: Monday, 22 Dec 2008

    Program Talks

    International Studies: Be Internationally Known

    Listen to the Open Day Talk

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    Build your global knowledge, based on a political, historical and economic perspective. Learn how investigating world issues will gear you for a career in foreign affairs, intelligence and international organisations.