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.
Related Programs
Combined/Double Degrees
Students interested in studying at Adelaide should consider the benefits of completing a combined degree program, sometimes referred to as a double degree. Combined degrees allow students to further expand their knowledge and acquire skills in diverse areas. Such degrees usually require four years of full-time study with students receiving two degree certificates upon completion. Graduates of combined degree programs emerge in an enviable position, having added an extra dimension to their employment potential.
There are two main types of combined programs for students in our Faculty: formal and flexible.
Formal combinations require direct entry through SATAC, and may have a higher number of compulsory courses or streams within a particular discipline area. Students following these combinations may need to take additional courses to complete in the minimum time.
Flexible combinations generally allow more free choice in course selection, with fewer compulsory requirements. Students who are enrolled in a single degree only, but wish to apply for a second degree in order to undertake a flexible combined program, may be able to apply internally rather than having to apply through SATAC.The University rules for internaltransfers, i.e. transferring from one degree to another or applying to enrol in a second degree, can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/admission/internaltransfers.
It is recommended that students planning to undertake a combined degree contact the Student Centre or the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Office for advice.See contact details below.
Flexible combinations of programs can also be completed in four years and include:
Bachelor of International Studies/ Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of International Studies/ Bachelor of Media
Bachelor of International Studies/ Bachelor of Social Sciences
Bachelor of International Studies/ Bachelor of Development Studies
Bachelor of International Studies/ Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management
The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts combination can be completed in 5.5 years.
Students can also choose to undertake an informal combination of programs not covered in any of the arrangements listed above. Again, students may be able to apply internally rather than having to apply through SATAC.The University rules for internaltransfers, i.e. transferring from one degree to another or applying to enrol in a second degree, can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/admission/internaltransfers.
It is recommended that students planning to undertake an informal combined degree contact the Student Centre or the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty Office for advice.
Concurrent degree combinations are not available to international students.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Study Plans
The study plans
given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description,
see the program rules.
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
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
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.