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Bachelor of International Studies

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Develop the skills and attributes that today’s employers need while engaging with some of the most pressing global challenges faced by humanity today.

Study international affairs – the interaction of people and organizations across national and cultural boundaries – and gain practical experience through our study abroad and professional placement programs.

The Bachelor of International studies offers students a wide choice of specialisations and electives, as well as comprehensive training in communication, problem solving, and social science research methods. Tailor your studies to your interests and graduate ready to pursue success in your chosen career.

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

Methods of applying:

  • You can apply direct to VU

Please note that part-time study may not be available at all campuses.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Arts

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Careers

International Studies graduates go on to work as researchers, analysts, and policy advisors within the broad range of international, government, corporate and charitable organisations engaged in international and intercultural affairs.

We’ll help you to:

  • Develop a knowledge of the types of organisations engaged in international affairs;
  • Understand the range of careers available within such organisations, and;
  • Gain experience working with such organisations through our placement program.

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

Gerard May

Bachelor of International Studies

“I had a ball during my time studying the Bachelor of International Studies because I gained practical...

Read more
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Study pathways

To find out more about the pathways available for this course, please contact the .

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Get credit for your work, study and life experience through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.

Find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Graduate faster

If you've done previous study related to this course, you may be awarded credit. This means you can graduate in less time.

Completing this course also gives you a head-start on other at VU courses at a higher level of study.

We also award credit for relevant work and life experience. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

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Course Objectives

Graduates of this course will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of international affairs – understood as human interaction across national, political, and cultural boundaries – as well as in-depth knowledge in a chosen specialised field;
  2. Apply advanced social science research skills in order to analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and the cognitive and technical skills needed to identify and solve problems in the context of international affairs;
  3. Demonstrate practical knowledge of the policies and practices of government, non-government and corporate organisations as they engage in international affairs;
  4. Evaluate the diverse career pathways open to International Studies graduates;
  5. Communicate clearly and effectively and in an environmentally, socially and culturally responsible manner; and
  6. Reflect upon and articulate the general skills developed during your studies of international affairs, including those associated with problem solving, information management and analysis, effective communication and collaborative and team work.
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Units and electives

Students are required to complete TEN core units, four of which are drawn from the Political Science specialisation. Students must also complete:

  • An additional FOUR units from the Political Science specialisation;
  • A second specialisation (comprising of SIX units) chosen from the following options: Advanced English for Speakers of Other Languages (AESOL); Asian Studies; History; Sociology, or; Vietnamese. (Note that students may also choose to complete a three-year language stream from another university with the course coordinator's consent.)
  • FOUR elective units (undergraduate level).

Specialisation 2, Unit 1

Elective 1

Specialisation 2, Unit 2

Elective 2

Politics Specialisation, Advanced Unit (4) *

Specialisation 2, Unit 3

Politics Specialisation, Advanced Unit (6) *

Specialisation 2, Unit 4

Politics Specialisation, Advanced Unit (7) *

Specialisation 2, Unit 5

Elective 3

Politics Specialisation, Advanced Unit (8) *

Specialisation 2, Unit 6

Elective 4

* Students complete eight politics units

Students interested in undertaking a study tour as one of their electives in second or third year should enrol in:

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

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Admission Information

  • TAFE: Pathways are available from a range of VET courses. Applicants with relevant VET study may also be considered.
  • Year 12: VCE with minimum study score of 20 in English units 3 and 4 (any) or equivalent.
  • International: Completion of a secondary school qualification equivalent to Australia’s year 12 or VCE qualification. IELTS minimum 6.0 (no band less than 6) or equivalent.
  • Mature: Applicants with relevant work, education and/or community experience may be considered on the basis of equivalence.

English language requirements

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Admission requirements in your country

Find out if you meet the minimum academic (international qualification) requirements to be eligible to apply for this course by reviewing the academic entry requirements listed by country.
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How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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