Bachelor of International Studies FAQ
What degrees can I combine International Studies with?
There are currently 28 degrees that can be combined with the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. See all Bachelor of International Studies degree combinations.
If I don't get the necessary Selection Rank/ATAR for entry into a combined degree in International Studies, is there a way I can get in at a later date?
Yes, it is possible to add International Studies to a UTS degree, once a student has commenced.
To be eligible to add International Studies to your core degree, you need to:
- have successfully completed at least one year (48cp) of full-time study in your current degree
- maintain a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of Credit in all the subjects you’ve completed in your current degree (recommended).
Find out more about transferring to a combined degree.
What language majors does UTS offer?
UTS offers 6 major languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
Find out more about choosing a language major.
What International Studies subjects will I study?
Student complete the following subjects:
- 4 x Language & Culture subjects
- Intercultural Communication
- Contemporary Society
- International Research Methods
- The Global Professional: Industry Engagement Project
- 3 x Global Exchange Electives (at host university overseas) or 3 x Electives at UTS
Within these subjects, you learn a language, gain an in-depth insight into another culture and develop intercultural communication skills. You can choose between a 6-month Global Exchange at any UTS partner university or choose relevant electives at UTS. The Global Professional: Industry Engagement Project includes a 100-hour internship at an international organisation based in Australia or overseas.
Can I apply for the International Honours?
All students admitted into the Bachelor of International Studies can apply for the International Honours degree at the end of their second year. To be eligible for the International Honours you need to have and maintain a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of Credit in all the subjects you’ve completed in your combined degree.
What subjects will I study in the International Honours?
Student complete the following subjects:
- 4x Language & Culture subjects
- Intercultural Communication
- Contemporary Society
- International Research Methods
- In-Country Study 1 & 2
Within these subjects, you learn a language, gain an in-depth insight into another culture and develop research and critical thinking skills. International Research Methods and In-Country Study 1 & 2 are undertaken while you are studying overseas for one year at a host university in the country linked to your language major. For example, if your language major is Italian you will complete your In-Country Study year at a host university in Italy. As part of your In-Country Study, you will also work with an academic supervisor to design, research and complete an applied honours-level project.
Will the International Honours add an additional year to my degree?
No. The International Honours is an 'embedded' honours, typically completed during the fourth year of your combined degree. The International Honours is completed in the same number of semesters and has the same number of credit points as the non-honours streams of the degree.
What subjects will I study during the International Honours In-Country Study Year?
The subjects you take during your In-country Study placement will largely depend on your level of language proficiency:
- If you have basic language skills, you’ll continue your language and culture studies.
- If you have intermediate language skills, you’ll develop knowledge of the history, economics, politics, society and culture of your host country.
- If you have high-level language skills, you may be given more choice in the subjects you would like to study, provided you receive permission from the host university and the School of International Studies.
Find out more about In-Country Study.
Do you provide language classes for beginners who have never studied a language?
Yes, our language classes cater for a range of proficiencies as they are organised in levels. Students who have never studied a language are automatically placed in Level 1. Students who have prior experience must complete a language level assessment to determine the correct level for their proficiency.
What financial support does UTS provide for International Studies students?
For students completing the International Honours, UTS provides travel insurance and contributes up to $1500.00 towards travel expenses. While completing your In-Country Study year you are expected to pay for your own living costs such as accommodation, public transport and daily living. Students also continue to pay (or defer through HECS-HELP) their UTS tuition fees.
Financial support, including scholarships, overseas study loans and government payments, are available to eligible students.
Will my core degree be impacted by completing International Studies, e.g. less internship or elective opportunities?
No, students studying a combined degree in International Studies will not have their core degree impacted and will still have access to the same elective and internship opportunities. However, the order in which students complete these subjects may differ due to the nature of their study plan.
Can I learn more than one language or go to more than one country for my study abroad?
No, International Studies students can only select one major to specialise in. This ensures students have a high-level understanding of the culture and language of their chosen country and are adequately prepared for their In-Country Study.
Are there any ICS host universities that teach in English?
Students who choose to go on Global Exchange have the option of studying their elective subjects in English.
Students who complete the International Honours typically study in the target language.
The aim of the In-Country Study (ICS) is to allow students to become immersed in a new culture and develop high-level language skills. Therefore, most ICS host universities teach in the local language. However, depending on the university and the subject, students may have the option to learn in English.
