Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Social Science (1807)
- Approved Abbreviation: BIntlSt/BSocSc
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 1807
- AQF Level: 7
CRICOS Code: 086124K
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 2015 to 2019 - 1807.1 Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Social Science
Handbook Summary 2023
The Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Social Science degree is a broadly based, inter-disciplinary four-year double degree offering flexibility and choice within a wide range of offerings in the social sciences, as well as studies of International Relations and Asian Studies and an Asian language. The degree seeks to equip all students with the interdisciplinary and specialist skills and knowledge that a new graduate would need on entering the workforce or on proceeding to advanced study. Students choose a major from the social sciences; a major in International Relations and Asian Studies, and a minor in an Asian language. The double degree provides a wide base for understanding issues in the complex, culturally diverse and ever-changing social and international environment of the 21st century both in Australia and Asia.
Students in this double degree also have the opportunity to complete a semester of study overseas and receive advanced standing towards their BA majors and minors subject to WSU limits on advanced standing. Students are encouraged to do so but must discuss this with a BA program advisor first.
- Director of Academic Program - Dr Charles Barbour
Handbook Summary 2024
The Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Social Science degree is a broadly based, inter-disciplinary four-year double degree offering flexibility and choice within a wide range of offerings in the Social Sciences, as well as studies of International Relations. The program seeks to equip all students with the interdisciplinary and specialist skills and knowledge that a new graduate would need on entering the workforce or on proceeding to advanced study. International Studies develops students’ capacity to appreciate the historical development of relations among nation states and to analyse contemporary political, commercial, diplomatic and strategic links and developments. Students complete a major in Global Politics and International Relations and choose a major from Social Science. The double degree provides a wide base for understanding issues in the complex, culturally diverse and ever-changing social and international environment of the 21st century.
Students in this double degree will also have opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge through internships, volunteering, and international study and travel.
- Director of Academic Program - Dr Charles Barbour
Study Mode
Four years full-time or eight 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.
Admission
Two units of HSC English OR IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 overall score with a minimum 6.0 in each subtest.
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.
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.
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 320 credit points as prescribed in the structure below. Students who complete this award will graduate with a Bachelor of International Studies and a Bachelor of Social Science.
Students will complete 160 credit points of Bachelor of International Studies subjects and 160 credit points of Bachelor of Social Science subjects
International Studies component
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.
Bachelor of International Studies (BIS) core subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Students must successfully complete: | ||
| HUMN 1052 | Australian Politics and Active Citizenship | 10 |
| LANG 1029 | Foundations of Academic English | 10 |
| HUMN 1013 | Contextualising Indigenous Australia (Day Mode) | 10 |
| CULT 1001 | Asia in the World | 10 |
| POLI 2008 | Transnational Diplomacy | 10 |
| LANG 3045 | Intercultural Communication | 10 |
| POLI 3016 | International Relations Project | 10 |
| Engaged Learning Pool subjects | ||
| Select one of the following: | 10 | |
| Humanities Internship | ||
| Service Learning | ||
| Group Project | ||
| Study Tours | ||
| We Are The University: Students Co-creating Change | ||
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
And
0340 Global Politics and International Relations, Major
Social Science component
All students must enrol in and complete 80 credit points of Bachelor of Social Science Core subjects consisting of four subjects at Level 1, two subjects at level 2 and two subjects at Level 3.
Bachelor of Social Science core subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
All students must enrol in and complete an 80 credit point Social Science Major
Bachelor of Social Science Majors
Equivalent Subject
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 320 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| LANG 1029 | Foundations of Academic English | 10 |
| Select one BIS Core level 1 subject | 10 | |
| POLI 1007 | World Politics and International Relations | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| Select one BIS Core level 1 subject | 10 | |
| Select one BIS Core level 1 subject | 10 | |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| Select one Social Science Major level 1 subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| POLI 2008 | Transnational Diplomacy | 10 |
| Select one BIS Major level 1/2 subject | 10 | |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| Select one BIS Major level 1/2 subject | 10 | |
| Select one Social Science Major level 1 subject | 10 | |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| Select one BIS Major level 3 subject | 10 | |
| LANG 3045 | Intercultural Communication | 10 |
| Select one Social Science Major level 2/3 subject | 10 | |
| Select one Social Science Major level 2/3 subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 3079 | The Asian Century | 10 |
| Select one BIS Major level 3 subject | 10 | |
| Select one Social Science Major level 2/3 subject | 10 | |
| Select one Social Science Major level 2/3 subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| Select one BIS Engaged Learning subject | 10 | |
| Select one BIS Major level 3 subject | 10 | |
| Select one Social Science Major Level 2/3 subject | 10 | |
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| POLI 3016 | International Relations Project | 10 |
| Select one BIS Major level 3 subject | 10 | |
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select one Social Science Major level 2/3 subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 320 | |
Equivalent Subject
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 320 credit points as per the recommended sequence.
Students must also complete the International Relations and Asian Studies major, a minor in Arabic, Chinese, Immersion Language, Indonesian, International English or Japanese language and a Social Science major.
B Arts Core Subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| HUMN 1052 | Australian Politics and Active Citizenship | 10 |
| LANG 1030 | Thinking Critically About Texts and Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1053 | Diversity, Language and Culture | 10 |
| LANG 1029 | Foundations of Academic English | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 40 | |
B Social Science Core Subjects
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Major - International Relations and Asian Studies (IRAS)
Minors
Note: The following minors have inherent requirements Chinese and Japanese. Please see the link below:
Students 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:
Social Science majors
Students should seek academic program advice as the Social Science major subjects are all compulsory and only available in particular semesters.
Recommended Sequence 2023
If you commenced in 2024 or later please refer to the Sequence Current tab for details.
The recommended sequence below applies to students at Level 1 Language. Students should seek program advice in relation to the level 2/3 language sequences.
Recommended Sequence - Bankstown Campus
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 1052 | Australian Politics and Active Citizenship | 10 |
| LANG 1029 | Foundations of Academic English | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| HUMN 1053 | Diversity, Language and Culture | 10 |
| POLI 1007 | World Politics and International Relations | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 1001 | Asia in the World | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| LANG 1030 | Thinking Critically About Texts and Society | 10 |
| Select one Level 1 Language subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| Select one Level 1 Language subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 1 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 1 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| 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 Level 1 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 Social Science major subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 3079 | The Asian Century | 10 |
| Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 320 | |
Recommended Sequence - Parramatta Campus
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Autumn session | Credit Points | |
| HUMN 1053 | Diversity, Language and Culture | 10 |
| LANG 1029 | Foundations of Academic English | 10 |
| BEHV 1021 | The Individual in Society | 10 |
| CULT 1017 | Understanding Society | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 1041 | People, Place and Social Difference | 10 |
| HUMN 1060 | Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies | 10 |
| LANG 1030 | Thinking Critically About Texts and Society | 10 |
| HUMN 1052 | Australian Politics and Active Citizenship | 10 |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 1001 | Asia in the World | 10 |
| HUMN 2066 | Investigating and Communicating Social Problems | 10 |
| Select one Level 1 Language subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 1 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 2005 | Ethics in the Social Sciences | 10 |
| POLI 1007 | World Politics and International Relations | 10 |
| Select one Level 1 Language subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 1 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| 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 Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| HUMN 3079 | The Asian Century | 10 |
| Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| CULT 3001 | Applied Social Research | 10 |
| Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Spring session | ||
| CULT 3007 | Contemporary Social Issues and Professional Practice | 10 |
| Select one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject | 10 | |
| Select one Level 2/3 Social Science Major subject Or one Level 2/3 IRAS subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 40 | |
| Total Credit Points | 320 | |
Equivalent Core Subjects
The Core subject listed below count towards completion of this program for students this subject in 2022 or earlier.
POLI 1002 Introduction to International Relations, replaced by POLI 1007 World Politics and International Relations
The Core subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these units in 2020 or earlier.
CULT 1020 Working with Communities, replaced by HUMN 1060 Introduction to Indigenous Australia: Peoples, Places and Philosophies
HUMN 2049 Social Research Methods, replaced by HUMN 2066 Investigating and Communicating Social Problems