
La Trobe University
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationThe International Studies major allows you to make sense of the social, economic and political factors that contribute to how the world works. In this major, you’ll investigate the systems, structures and laws that shape international affairs from a range of perspectives. You’ll develop a keen sense of why the world faces the problems it does, how history has shaped the world we live in, and how policies to address the greatest global challenges are developed and can be improved.
You’ll study subjects about security, economics, slavery, human trafficking, migration, development, international law, international organisations, foreign policy and modern Asia, and you will be strongly supported to study a language, experience the world through overseas study tours, and undertake internships.
Delivery mode
La Trobe University offers this course through the following delivery modes:
Blended
Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.
- Plenty Road, Bundoora, Melbourne
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Applicants with current or recent secondary education (within the last two years)
- VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
- HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 2), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Subject adjustments
- VCE: A study score of 25 in any Business, any Humanities, or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
- HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in humanities, legal studies, psychology, any language other than English (Band 2), or theatre studies subject; English (Band 3). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.
Applicants with higher education study
Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.
To be eligible for an offer of admission into the Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University, an applicant must:
- Meet the stated criteria for Year 12 or Non-Year 12 admission, OR
- Successful completion of two of the following four Open Access Pathway subjects:
- LST1LOJ - LAW AND (DIS)ORDER
- SOC1SAC - SOCIETY AND CULTURE: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
- ARC1THJ - THE HUMAN JOURNEY
- POL1SNS - STATES, SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
- Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites
Applicants with work and life experience
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:
- Are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
- Have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
- Do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
Course fees
For more information about this course and payment options please enquire now.
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) will prepare you for the following roles.
Diplomat
Diplomats, also known as Public Diplomacy Officers, work for the Australian government and are responsible for advancing Australian interests overs...
International Student Advisor
An International Student Advisor supports overseas students during their academic journey by providing guidance on programs, visa regulations, and...
International Aid Worker
An International Aid Worker provides humanitarian assistance and support to communities affected by crises and development challenges. You might wo...
International Relations Officer
International Relations officers are marketing and PR professionals who manage how their company or organisational brand is perceived and experienc...
Foreign Correspondent
A Foreign Correspondent reports on international events and issues, often working in diverse and challenging environments. You’ll conduct research,...
International Journalist
An International Journalist is responsible for reporting on global news and events, providing detailed coverage of international issues. They may t...
About La Trobe University
La Trobe is a university known for making a positive difference in the lives of our students, partners and communities. We will become an even more valued and relevant university because of the way we respond to their needs in this time of great local and national crisis.
Our aim is to emerge as a more resilient, future-focused and necessarily more efficient institution that will thrive in a post-COVID world by being more sharply focused on the needs of our community, and by playing to our strengths in teaching and research.