Bachelor of International Studies (Honours)
Overview
Pursue a career anywhere in the world with the Honours degree that elevates your already thorough knowledge of global issues from social science perspectives and your enhanced capacity for cross-cultural understanding.
The world is yours with this high-profile program, designed to prepare you for leading positions with international health and aid agencies, government departments or non-profit organisations.
During your study you'll develop core skills and knowledge in theory and research, immersing yourself in the cultural and communicative aspects of globalisation and the world system through coursework and a research project in your chosen field.
Along your journey to graduation you'll learn how to think clearly, flexibly and critically, know how to weigh up evidence and arguments, and make rational choices. You'll gain the skills to express yourself effectively, work cooperatively in a team, and demonstrate a depth of understanding in one or more areas of knowledge.
Program highlights
- The Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) degree develops core skills and knowledge in theory and research in the cultural and communicative aspects of globalisation and the world system.
- The program is based on a combination of coursework and a research project in the chosen field of study.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Research experience
- Fieldwork
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Honours Research Thesis
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Travel consultant
- Ministerial officer
- Interpreter
- Foreign language analyst
- International engagement manager
- Policy adviser
- Consular staff member
- Sales representative
- Humanitarian resourcing specialist
- Development program coordinator
“The undergraduate courses in French and History offered me the opportunity to study a broad range of topics in those fields. By doing Honours and completing my thesis in French, I significantly improved my French language skills.”
Lucy EndicottGraduate, Bachelor of International Studies (Honours)
“The undergraduate courses in French and History offered me the opportunity to study a broad range of topics in those fields. By doing Honours and completing my thesis in French, I significantly improved my French language skills.”
Lucy EndicottGraduate, Bachelor of International Studies (Honours)
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
English language requirements
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Fields of study
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Chinese
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
Many students study Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics, leading to careers in various fields.
French
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
German
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can improve career outcomes in fields such as business, engineering and law.
History
Students write a thesis of 15,000-20,000 words on a topic of their choice under the direction of a thesis adviser. In addition to the thesis component, students are required to complete four specialist research courses, including one compulsory course in historical theory and/or historiography, and selected courses in the fields of Australian, Asian, American, European, cultural, applied, and community history
Indonesian
Learn why Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, this major is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.
International Inequality and Development
As a student in this major you'll understand development and inequality in historical as well as contemporary contexts, and be introduced to a range of important issues including the roles of different actors and agencies in development, ranging from international institutions to community groups. Graduates can consider roles in international development and humanitarian and community services.
International Relations
Courses are designed to introduce you to the forces shaping the world around you and help you make sense of current events in their proper analytical, historical and global contexts.
Graduates can consider roles as policy and trade advisers, diplomats, consular attachés or humanitarian affairs advisers.
Japanese
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to broaden their career opportunities in these fields.
Korean
There are speaking and writing courses, along with teachings about Korean films, TV dramas, internet culture and even pop songs.
Many students also undertake other courses in various fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Peace and Conflict Studies
Issues you'll examine include peacekeeping, ethics and justice, Indigenous politics and development politics.
This major leads to career pathways in diplomacy and foreign affairs, defence and intelligence, international development and humanitarian and community services.
Russian
You'll learn how Russian society has changed over centuries, develop an appreciation of Russian literature, drama and film, and master a language spoken by 200 million people.
You'll develop competence in skills which can translate to careers in business, education and law, or various other fields.
Spanish
Courses also cover Latin American thinking, European film and how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance future career opportunities if you're also studying business, education, engineering and other fields.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Chinese
There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.
Many students study Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics, leading to careers in various fields.
French
Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.
Many graduates use their language competency to enhance employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.
German
Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can improve career outcomes in fields such as business, engineering and law.
History
Students write a thesis of 15,000-20,000 words on a topic of their choice under the direction of a thesis adviser. In addition to the thesis component, students are required to complete four specialist research courses, including one compulsory course in historical theory and/or historiography, and selected courses in the fields of Australian, Asian, American, European, cultural, applied, and community history
Indonesian
Learn why Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.
As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, this major is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.
International Inequality and Development
As a student in this major you'll understand development and inequality in historical as well as contemporary contexts, and be introduced to a range of important issues including the roles of different actors and agencies in development, ranging from international institutions to community groups. Graduates can consider roles in international development and humanitarian and community services.
International Relations
Courses are designed to introduce you to the forces shaping the world around you and help you make sense of current events in their proper analytical, historical and global contexts.
Graduates can consider roles as policy and trade advisers, diplomats, consular attachés or humanitarian affairs advisers.
Japanese
Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to broaden their career opportunities in these fields.
Korean
There are speaking and writing courses, along with teachings about Korean films, TV dramas, internet culture and even pop songs.
Many students also undertake other courses in various fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.
Peace and Conflict Studies
Issues you'll examine include peacekeeping, ethics and justice, Indigenous politics and development politics.
This major leads to career pathways in diplomacy and foreign affairs, defence and intelligence, international development and humanitarian and community services.
Russian
You'll learn how Russian society has changed over centuries, develop an appreciation of Russian literature, drama and film, and master a language spoken by 200 million people.
You'll develop competence in skills which can translate to careers in business, education and law, or various other fields.
Spanish
Courses also cover Latin American thinking, European film and how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.
Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance future career opportunities if you're also studying business, education, engineering and other fields.
Fees and Scholarships
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $32,352
Indicative annual fee 2020
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) for the 2020 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $6,684
Indicative annual fee 2020 Commonwealth supported place
This indicative annual fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) in the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) for the 2020 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units over two semesters).
Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses and their unit value. The Australian Government indexes fees each year.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) is 2317.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) is 2317.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - January 31 of the year of commencement.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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