Bachelor of International Studies (1658)

  • Approved Abbreviation: BIntlSt
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 1658
  • AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 064562C

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.

Commencement Year 2017 to 2018 - 1658.4 Bachelor of International Studies

Commencement Year 2013 to 2016 - 1658.3 Bachelor of International Studies

Commencement Year 2010 to 2012 - 1658.2 Bachelor of International Studies

Commencement Year 2009 - 1658.1 Bachelor of International Studies

Handbook Summary 2020-2023

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 in Arabic, Chinese or Japanese. The program provides for one semester study abroad during three years of full-time study.

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.

  • Director of Academic Program - Dr Charles Barbour

Handbook Summary 2024

The Bachelor of International Studies examines the relationships of politics, nations, societies, cultures, and history across a range of countries. Students will analyse national and global issues, focusing on the way global forces and interactions increasingly influence domestic politics. It will also address the most important challenges that the world’s communities face including climate change; religion, peace and conflict; the rich-poor gap; and sustainability. International Studies is an interdisciplinary field drawing on politics, economics, sociology, and history. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to real life scenarios through core subjects.

Students will also have opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge through language study, internships, volunteering, and international study and travel. 

  • Director of Academic Program - Dr Charles Barbour

Study Mode

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

Program Advice

  • Director of Academic Program - Dr Charles Barbour

enquiriesHCA@westernsydney.edu.au

Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.

Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |

Location

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

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline.  This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is an optional work component available in this program.  Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.

International students should be aware that if an elective is a requirement of the program but the work itself was not registered with CRICOS, students can still complete these electives but it would be counted towards the work limitation.  For more details, refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Admission 

  • Assumed knowledge: two units of HSC English.
  • Recommended studies: HSC English Standard, or equivalent.

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

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

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local 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.

International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.  

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

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 Current

If you commenced in 2023  please refer to the Structure 2023 tab for details.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points as prescribed in the structure below. 

All students must enrol in and complete 80 credit points of Bachelor of International Studies Core subjects consisting of four subjects at Level 1, one subject at level 2 and three subjects at Level 3. 

And

Global Politics and International Relations, Major (0340)

And

80 credit points of flexible subjects

as follows:

Core Subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
Students must successfully complete:
HUMN 1052Australian Politics and Active Citizenship10
LANG 1029Foundations of Academic English10
HUMN 1013Contextualising Indigenous Australia (Day Mode)10
CULT 1001Asia in the World10
POLI 2008Transnational Diplomacy10
LANG 3045Intercultural Communication10
POLI 3016International Relations Project10
Engaged Learning Pool subjects
Select one of the following:10
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
Total Credit Points80

And

Students must successfully complete:

Global Politics and International Relations, Major (0340)

And

Students must successfully complete 80 credit points of Flexible Subjects.

Students may use their flexible subjects to complete an additional major (80 credit points) one or two minors (40 credit points each) from the Arts area or elect to take an interdisciplinary minor or study up to 80 credit points from the range of subjects offered by Western Sydney University.

It is strongly recommended that Bachelor of International Studies students use their flexible subjects to complete a language major or minor. 

Language Majors and Minors

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

Arts Majors and Minors

Childhood Studies, Major (0330)
Creative Writing, Major (0005)
Culture and Society, Major (0264)
Economy and Markets, Major (0008)
English, Major (0009)
Geography and Urban Studies, Major (0010)
Global Business, Major (0011)
Heritage and Tourism, Major (0012)
History and Political Thought, Major (0013)
Indigenous Australian Studies, Major (0015)
Islamic Studies, Major (0020)
Journalism, Major (0069)
Linguistics, Major (0022)
Peace and Development Studies, Major (0027)
Philosophy, Major (0028)
Gender Studies, Minor (0295)
Studies of Religion, Minor (0200)

Interdisciplinary Minors

Climate Justice, Minor (0315)
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing, Minor (0334)
Eco-Socially Conscious Design and Manufacturing, Minor (0310)
Equitable Technologies, Minor (0312)
Global Workplaces, Minor (0316)
Humanising Data, Minor (0335)
Ideate. Strategise. Innovate., Minor (0336)
Innovating, Creating and Problem Solving, Minor (0283)
Innovating For Humans, Minor (0288)
Migration and Global Change, Minor (0314)
Personal Innovation, Minor (0284)
Urban Evolution, Minor (0313)
Water for Life, Minor (0311)

Recommended Sequence Current

If you commenced in 2023  please refer to the Sequence 2023 tab for details.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 420 credit points as per the recommended sequence below. 

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
Select one core subject level 1 10
Select one core subject level 1 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one core subject level 1 10
Select one core subject level 1 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
Select one core subject level 2/3 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one core subject level 2/3 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one core subject level 3 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one core subject level 3 10
Select one major subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
Select one flexible subject 10
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Program Structure 2023

If you commenced in 2024 or later please refer to the Structure Current tab for details.

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points with no less than 60 credit points at Level 3.

All students must enrol in and complete 60 credit points of Bachelor of Arts Core subjects consisting of four subjects at Level 1, one subject at Level 2 and one subject at Level 3.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Core Subjects

Subject Title Credit Points
HUMN 1052Australian Politics and Active Citizenship10
LANG 1029Foundations of Academic English10
HUMN 1053Diversity, Language and Culture10
LANG 1030Thinking Critically About Texts and Society10
INFO 2009Multiliteracies10
Total Credit Points50

Equivalent Core Subjects

The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2021 or earlier.

COMM 2050 - Multiliteracies, replaced by INFO 2009 Multiliteracies

Engaged Learning Pool Subjects

Students must successfully complete 10 credit points from the list below

Subject Title Credit Points
Select one of the following:10
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
Total Credit Points10

Students must also complete subjects in the following, as per the chosen program structure for Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced language skill

Major

International Relations and Asian Studies, Major (0019)

Minor

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

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

Inherent Requirements

Bankstown campus

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

Parramatta campus

Chinese, Minor (0004)
Indonesian, Minor (0309)
International English, Minor (0018)
Japanese, Minor (0021)

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

Students at either Bankstown or Parramatta campus may complete the Immersion Language minor which covers languages that are not taught at Western Sydney University. Details of this minor are available via the link below:

Immersion Language, Minor (0014)

Recommended Sequence 2023

If you commenced in 2024 or later please refer to the Sequence Current tab for details.

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

The following recommended sequence is for students commencing in Autumn semester. For students commencing in Spring semester, complete LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English in your first semester and discuss subject selection with an academic program advisor.

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
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 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
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 10
One IRAS Major pool Level 2 or 3 subject
  
One elective subject
  
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 30
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
Note: If the Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) has not been previously completed, students are required to complete this subject in their final semester of study.  
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one of the following: 30
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 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 elective 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 10
One IRAS Major pool Level 2 or 3 subject
  
One elective subject
  
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 30
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
Note: If the Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) has not been previously completed, students are required to complete this subject in their final semester of study.  
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one of the following: 30
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose four Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese, International English 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
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 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 of the following options: 40
Option 1:  
Optional: Study Abroad semester
  
Option 2:  
HUMN 3079
 The Asian Century  
INFO 2009
 Multiliteracies  
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject
  
Select one IRAS Major pool Level 2 or 3 subject
  
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one of the following options: 40
Option 1:  
Optional: Study Abroad semester
  
Option 2:  
One Level 2/3 IRAS subject
  
Select one of the following:
  
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
Note: If the Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) has not been previously completed, students are required to complete this subject in their final semester of study.  
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one of the following: 30
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
Select one Level 1 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 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 elective 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
Select one Level 2 Language subject 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
Select one of the following options: 40
Option 1:  
Optional: Study Abroad Semester
  
Option 2:  
HUMN 3079
 The Asian Century  
INFO 2009
 Multiliteracies  
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject
  
Select one IRAS Major pool Level 2 or 3 subject
  
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one of the following options: 40
Option 1:  
Optional: Study Abroad semester
  
Option 2:  
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject
  
Select one of the following:
  
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
Note: If the Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) has not been previously completed, students are required to complete this subject in their final semester of study.  
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one of the following: 30
Three electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and two Electives
  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose four Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese, International English 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
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one of the following: 20
Level 2 IRAS subject and one elective
  
Two elective subjects
  
 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
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 20
Two electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and one Elective
  
Note: If the Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) has not been previously completed, students are required to complete this subject in their final semester of study.  
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 20
Two electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and one Elective
  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Year 2
Autumn session
POLI 2006 Politics of Australia and Asia Relations 10
Select two Level 2 Language subjects 20
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Year 3
Autumn session
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 20
Two electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and one Elective
  
Note: If the Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) has not been previously completed, students are required to complete this subject in their final semester of study.  
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 20
Two electives
  
One Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) and one Elective
  
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose four Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese, International English 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
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one of the following: 20
Level 2 IRAS subject and one elective
  
Two elective subjects
  
 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 Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select one of the following: 20
One Level 2 IRAS subject and one elective subject
  
Two elective subjects
  
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

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

Recommended sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 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 Engaged Learning Pool subject (Level 3) 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 IRAS subjects 20
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 3079 The Asian Century 10
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 Credit Points40
 Total Credit Points240

Note: Students may choose four Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese, International English 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
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 10
Select one of the following: 20
Level 2 IRAS subject and one elective
  
Two elective subjects
  
 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
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 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 four Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese.

Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Autumn sessionCredit Points
LANG 1029 Foundations of Academic English 10
HUMN 1053 Diversity, Language and Culture 10
CULT 1001 Asia in the World 10
Select one elective 10
 Credit Points40
Spring session
LANG 1030 Thinking Critically About Texts and Society 10
HUMN 1052 Australian Politics and Active Citizenship 10
POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations 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
INFO 2009 Multiliteracies 10
Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject 10
Select two Level 2/3 Language subjects 20
 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 four Language subjects from Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese as part of their electives, and graduate with a Major in Arabic, Chinese, International English or Japanese.

Equivalent Subjects

The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2021 or earlier.

COMM 2050 - Multiliteracies, replaced by INFO 2009 Multiliteracies

The 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 

Major and Minor elective spaces

Elective subjects may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major (80 credit points) or minor (40 credit points).  Western Sydney University offers majors and minors in a range of areas including Sustainability and Indigenous Studies.

Global Sustainability Minor  
Indigenous Australian Studies Major   
Indigenous Australian Studies Minor

Western Sydney University also offers the following innovative transdisciplinary Challenge 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
Creative and Visual Communication
Global Workplaces
Innovating For Humans
Creative Living for Cultural Wellbeing
Ideate. Strategise. Innovate. 
Humanising Data

For more information, visit the Challenge Minor website.  

Search for majors and minors

Students can apply for an elective major or minor via Western Now.

WesternNow