Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholars) (1739)

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

  • Approved Abbreviation: BIntlSt(DeansSchol)
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 1739
  • AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 107231G

This program applies to students who commenced in 2020 or later. 

Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.

For Commencement Year Spring 2018 to 2019 - please refer to 1739.3 Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholars)

For Commencement Year 2017 - please refer to 1739.2 Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholars)

For Commencement Year 2015 and 2016 - please refer to 1739.1 Bachelor of International Studies (Dean's Scholars)

  • Director of Academic Program - Dr Di Dickenson

This program examines the relationship of nations, cultures, languages and systems of government within the international system. It develops students’ capacity to analyse the historical development of relations among nation states and contemporary political, social and cultural issues, such as globalisation, transnationalism and migration.

International Studies allows students to combine studies from a range of discipline areas, including Asian and Islamic Studies, cultural and social analysis, history, politics and philosophy, and modern languages (Arabic, Chinese or Japanese). The program provides for one semester study abroad during three years of full-time study.

This degree is exclusively for high-achieving students, and will continually challenge you to do even better and build on your academic success. 

Students in this program also have the opportunity to complete a semester of study overseas and receive advanced standing towards their majors, minors or electives. They are encouraged to do so but must discuss this with a program advisor.

Study Mode

Three years full-time or six years part-time.

Program Advice

enquiriesHCA@westernsydney.edu.au

Location

Campus Attendance Mode Advice
Bankstown Campus Full Time Internal See above
Bankstown Campus Part Time Internal See above
Bankstown City Campus (from 2023) Full Time Internal See above
Bankstown City Campus (from 2023) Part Time Internal See above
Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road Full Time Internal See above
Parramatta Campus - Victoria Road Part Time Internal See above

Admission

Assumed knowledge: two units of HSC English.

Recommended studies: HSC English Standard, or equivalent.

ATAR score of at least 90 required.

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).  Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University.  Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Program Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points including the subjects listed in the recommended sequence below.

All students must enrol in and complete the 40 credit points of the Bachelor of Arts Level 1 core subjects plus 20 credit points from the Engaged Learning pool consisting of Level 3 subjects.

Subject Title Credit Points
Level 1 Core Subjects
HUMN 1052Australian Politics and Active Citizenship10
HUMN 1053Diversity, Language and Culture10
LANG 1029Foundations of Academic English10
LANG 1030Thinking Critically About Texts and Society10
Bachelor of Arts Engaged Learning Pool Level 3 Subjects
Select 20 credit points of the following:20
BEHV 3013
Humanities Internship
BEHV 3026
Service Learning
HUMN 3103
Group Project
HUMN 3106
Study Tours
HUMN 3108
We Are The University: Students Co-creating Change
Students must also complete subjects in the following, as per the chosen program structure:
Major - International Relations and Asian Studies80
Minor in language other than English (see Minors listed below)40
Plus 60 credit points of elective subjects60
Total Credit Points240

Major - International Relations and Asian Studies

International Relations and Asian Studies, Major (0019)

Minors

A minor in Arabic, Chinese, Indonesian or Japanese must be undertaken in conjunction with the major.

Students should seek program advice in relation to the level 2/3 language sequences. 

Bankstown Campus

Arabic, Minor (0003)
Chinese, Minor (0004)
Immersion Language, Minor (0014)
Indonesian, Minor (0309)
International English, Minor (0018)
Japanese, Minor (0021)

Parramatta Campus

Chinese, Minor (0004)
Immersion Language, Minor (0014)
International English, Minor (0018)
Japanese, Minor (0021)

Students may complete the Immersion Language minor which covers languages that are not taught at Western Sydney University. The handbook entry for 0014 Immersion Language contains further details.

Note: The Arabic, Chinese and Japanese minors have inherent requirements. Please see the link below:

Inherent Requirements

Recommended Sequence

The following recommended sequence is for students beginning in Autumn semester. For students beginning in Spring semester, the first year sequence needs to be slightly changed and you will need to complete LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English in your first semester.

Language Skill Level: Beginner - Program Structure Summary without Study Abroad

Recommended Sequence - Bankstown Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one IRAS Major pool Level 2 or 3 subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) or one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) or one elective 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one IRAS Major pool Level 2 or 3 subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) or one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) or one elective 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Language Skill Level: Beginner - Program Structure Summary including Study Abroad Semester Option

Recommended Sequence - Bankstown Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select two Level 2/3 IRAS subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Study Abroad semester 40
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select two Level 2/3 IRAS subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) or one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select two Level 2/3 IRAS subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Study Abroad semester 40
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select two Level 2/3 IRAS subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) or one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Language Skill Level: Intermediate or Advanced - Program Structure Summary without Study Abroad

Recommended Sequence - Bankstown Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select Level 2 IRAS subject and one elective or two elective subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two electives 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Language Skill Level: Intermediate or Advanced - Program Structure Summary including Year 2 Study Abroad Semester Option

Recommended Sequence - Bankstown Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one Level 2 IRAS subject and one elective or two elective subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Study Abroad semester 40
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject or one elective 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Study Abroad semester 40
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject or one elective 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Language Skill Level: Intermediate or Advanced - Program Structure Summary including Year 3 Study Abroad Semester Option

Recommended Sequence - Bankstown Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one Level 2 IRAS subject and one elective or two elective subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Study Abroad semester 40
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select two Level 2/3 IRAS subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Study Abroad semester 40
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select two Level 2/3 IRAS subjects 20
Select one Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose 4 Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese

Equivalent Core Subjects

The core subject listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2022 or earlier.

POLI 1002 Introduction to International Relations, replaced by POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations

Minor elective spaces

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved minor (40 credit points).  Western Sydney University offers minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Global Sustainability Minor 
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor

Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary minors which we encourage those students who have elective space to consider.

Equitable Technologies
Urban Evolution
Migration and Global Change  
Personal Innovation    
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving 
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing
Water for Life 
Climate Justice
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans 
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing  
Ideate.Strategise.Innovate.
Humanising Data

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective minor via MySR.

MyStudentRecords (MySR)

Students in Advanced programs may use elective subjects toward obtaining an additional approved minor in Applied Leadership or Critical Thinking.

Applied Leadership

Critical Thinking