International Studies (Bachelor of International Studies degree program)

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES at UNSW is available as the:

Bachelor of International Studies (BInSt) – Handbook
Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Law (BInStLLB) - Handbook

The Bachelor of International Studies is an innovative degree, which satisfies a growing demand, in Australia, and abroad, for graduates who are highly skilled, well informed and professionally equipped to meet the challenges of work in a rapidly changing global environment. The International Studies program at UNSW is based within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), while a combined BInStLLB is offered collaboratively through FASS and the Faculty of Law.

Key Features of The Bachelor of International Studies Degree (BInSt)

The BInSt examines the dynamics of global and regional change; explores key developments in international relations and international economics; evaluates the implications of globalisation; encourages acquisition of relevant languages; discusses questions centred on nationalism, political sovereignty, social change, multiculturalism, and interaction in an increasingly integrated world
The BInSt is a flexible, multidisciplinary program of study undertaken at two major international universities: three years of studies at UNSW and a one year Overseas Study program (OSP) at an approved partner university in Europe, Asia or the Americas
The BInSt is a four-year full-time program where all students complete a core sequence of courses in International Studies over four years at UNSW and a partner overseas university. In addition all students all students choose one of the following areas of specialised study:

The BInSt requires that all students complete a one-year Overseas Study Program (OSP) which provides invaluable experience of other cultures, languages and peoples - experience greatly valued by employers internationally. UNSW has more than 150 prestigious exchange partner universities in 26 countries around the world in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. (To explore universities where you could undertake your OSP visit the website at www.international.unsw.edu.au/exchange/exchangepartners.html and click on the UNSW Exchange Partners link).
The BInSt also promotes specialised study of a major geopolitical region - especially Asia or Europe - and students link this to study of a major language or languages - French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian. All language courses cater to various levels of language proficiency from absolute beginners to background speakers. Many students choose to undertake advanced language study while completing their 12-month OSP at a major international university.
All students receive full credit for courses completed overseas (while on OSP) towards their UNSW degree
All students receive financial assistance towards the 12 month period of overseas study (their OSP)
The four-year program leads to a degree at Pass level. To qualify for the award of the degree, a student must obtain, normally over four years of study, a minimum of 192 units of credit in approved courses.

The combined Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Laws can be taken over six years of full-time study including a twelve-month overseas study period. All candidates complete a core sequence of courses in International Studies, one of six Specialisations/Plans described below, and a two Session OSP at a UNSW partner university in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Specialisations (Plans) Available

All students in the International Studies Degree program specialise in one of the following areas of study:

Asian Studies

The study of Asian societies and Asian languages is increasingly important for Australia and Australians. Australia"s future will increasingly be determined by social, economic and political engagement with the diverse nations and peoples of Asia. East Asia and Southeast Asia are inextricably linked to Australia by trade and investment, migration, security cooperation, and international education and cultural exchanges.

Development Studies

In many parts of the developing world large numbers of people live in poverty and the natural environment is under pressure, making it difficult to access clean water, energy sources and natural materials for housing and other uses. Issues central to Development Studies include the history and political economy of development; the causes of poverty and inequality; the relationship between the environment and economic development; the problems that confront remedial efforts at local, state and international levels; social, economic, environmental and political institution building and the debate about globalisation and development.

European Studies

The study of Europe is essential if, as Australians, we are to define in an informed way, Australia"s role as a predominantly "European" country located in the Asia-Pacific. Additionally, momentous changes currently transforming Europe and the European Union will continue to have an extraordinary impact on world developments. European Studies, incorporating language study and international politics, fosters a sophisticated understanding of Europe"s position and its role in society, in the global environment, and in the political economy.

Global Studies

Globalisation has emerged as a defining trend of the twenty-first century. Many of the most crucial influences transforming Australia, its region, and international community are linked to processes often labeled as "globalisation". Relationships between globalisation, the nation-state and national identity are central to an understanding of the major currents of contemporary international change. Global Studies examines the interactions of nations, economies, institutions, peoples, cultures, technologies and ideas against a background of increasing international integration and changing modernity.

International Business

International Business is a rapidly growing field of study dealing with the development, strategy, and management of multinational enterprises. Business is becoming increasingly international and the most effective leaders and professionals of the future will be those able to deal with the problems of doing business and managing organizations in a complex and uncertain global economic environment. International Business seeks to understand how corporations organise and conduct operations globally; how the competitive international environment shapes the economic, political and cultural context for business; and the changing roles and responsibilities of corporations (and managers) in the context of increasing international competition.

Language Studies

Australia"s role and place in the contemporary world requires that its citizens communicate in an informed manner with the many peoples, cultures and nations that make up the international community. Australia has a rich heritage drawn from diverse cultural and language groups and this shapes its contemporary multicultural society. Additionally, genuine proficiency in languages other than English greatly expands personal horizons, and greatly enhances opportunities for overseas study, travel and professional development.

Graduate Attributes, Professional Skills, Career Prospects

International Studies cultivates a range of skills and experience highly valued by employers and the professions including cross-cultural communication and negotiation; high level expertise in problem-solving, research, critical analysis, and evaluation; accomplished presentation techniques; language proficiency; intellectual flexibility and sophisticated interpersonal skills; conflict resolution; and an in-depth understanding of contemporary global issues.

Graduates in International Studies possess skills and experience in high demand both in Australia and abroad. Graduates can be found in a wide range of interesting and well-paid professions in international business; government agencies, including foreign affairs; investment banks and other financial institutions with international links; NGOs, especially those linked to the United Nations and to development work; journalism and media; tourism and trade; and law and economics in fields with an international reach.

About UNSW

UNSW is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight key teaching and research universities in Australia and a founding member of the global Universities 21 consortium, a framework for international collaboration, capitalizing on the established reputation and operational reach of each of its members. The faculty is located at the University"s main campus in the Sydney suburb of Kensington, close to beaches, caf"s and shopping centres, and approximately ten kilometres from the Sydney CBD.

Further Information

Nikki Beaumont
Program Degree Manager
T: +61 2 9385 2325
E: bis@unsw.edu.au

Professor Roger Bell
r.bell@unsw.edu.au
International Studies Program
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Room G67 Morven Brown Building
UNSWSydney NSW 2052
AUSTRALIA

T: +61 2 9385 2325
E: bis@unsw.edu.au
W: http://www.arts.unsw.edu.au/futurestudents/international studies

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