University of the Sunshine Coast
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)
Nationally Recognised Higher EducationFor a major in International Studies, students must successfully complete 8 courses:
Introduction to International Relations: An Australian Perspective
This course is an introduction to international relations from an Australian and a global perspective. It focuses on the political system and institutions of Australia and their importance in the development of Australian foreign policy and its relations across the globe. It examines a number of key challenges facing the future of world politics.
Global Environmental Politics
This course examines global environmental politics by focusing on the institutions, policy frameworks, and forms of global governance related to the environment in world politics. A number of global environmental issues will be studied including climate change, biodiversity, oceans, forests, and ecosystems.
International Justice and Human Rights
International Justice and Human Rights examines the nature of human rights and the enshrining of those rights in law, both domestically and internationally. You will be introduced to the sources of human rights in Australia and examine those derived from the Commonwealth Constitution, enunciated in case law and articulated in international declarations and covenants.
Politics of the USA
The United States of America, as the world's only superpower, plays a dominant role in international politics. Its system of government, constitution, and democratic model have provided examples for many states including Australia. This course will examine the development of the major political institutions of the United States and consider some important contemporary political issues.
Forces of Change in International Politics
This course acquaints you with the forces that have influenced change in international relations and world orders, particularly in the twentieth century. It incorporates elements of political theory so that you acquire basic analytical tools for understanding the development of international relations.
International Security
This course is designed to engage students in the practical and theoretical processes which underpin decision making in international security. Is peace possible? Is war inevitable? It will examine the traditional and non-traditional concepts of security including military, WMD, terrorism, environmental security, human rights, amongst other.
International Relations Theory and Practice
Theory is crucial to how we understand and make meaning of global politics. In this course, you will be exposed to the evolution of theories and philosophies concerning international relations and how they apply to and explain a range of practices in world politics.
Politics and the Media
Politics and the media are closely entwined. In this course, you will be introduced to the way politicians seek to influence the media and you will evaluate the power the media has over populations. The impact of political advertising, media ownership, social media, surveillance, media law, and popular culture are investigated across international politics.
Delivery mode
University of the Sunshine Coast offers this course through the following delivery modes:
Blended
Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.
Locations
- 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
- 1 Moreton Parade, Petrie
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12:
- The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12:
- The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Previous qualifications or experience, If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago): If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study (eg AQF Bachelor degree level and higher) this will be assigned a selection rank based on the level, duration and Grade Point Average (GPA) of the study.
- have a TAFE/VET qualification: Competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), AQF diplomas and sub-degree level study (based on level, duration, Grade Point Average (GPA)) will be assigned a selection rank.
- have relevant work experience: You may also use admission pathways such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (age restrictions apply). STAT results are not accepted for current Year 12 students or for applicants under the age of 18. STAT is not accepted for graduate entry programs.
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
Tertiary Preparation Pathway:
- If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
- If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing, and referencing.
I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander:
- You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Levels)* - Minimum of 4 points calculated on an aggregate of at least 2 or 3 A/AS level subjects. Advanced Level mark A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. Advanced Subsidiary Level marks are calculated at half Advanced Level points. *Taken with an examining board registered with the regulatory body Ofqual
Global Assessment Certificate (GAC) - Successful completion with a minimum GPA of 2.3
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma - Successful completion with a minimum score of 24 (minimum score of 4 in each of six subjects)
English Language entry requirements for standard programs:
- IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each subtest
- TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 76 with minimum score of 18 for writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 50 with no subscore less than 50
- C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: Overall score of 169 or above with no less than 162 in each skill
Course fees
$37,212
$94,200
Career opportunities
The Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) will prepare you for the following roles.
Academic Researcher
Academic researchers are degree-qualified professionals who are curious about the world and seek to expand the body of knowledge in their chosen fi...
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 ...
Policy Adviser
A Policy Adviser helps to develop and improve policies impacting on government departments, commercial businesses and not-for-profit organisations....
Interpreter Translator
An Interpreter or Translator converts written, verbal or signed language into another language. You might translate words into English, or translat...
Language Teacher
Language Teachers provide private tuition and group classes for ESL students who want to learn English. They can work in Australia but many languag...
International Aid Worker
An International Aid Worker provides humanitarian assistance and support to communities affected by crises and development challenges. You might wo...
About University of the Sunshine Coast
We’re the University of the Sunshine Coast. UniSC for short.
A young, fresh university driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, given by world-class educators.
We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.
Being young has its benefits too. Our first campus, on the Sunshine Coast, opened its doors in 1996 (feels like yesterday). Today, our award-winning facilities span five campuses across South East Queensland.
It also means you’re never going to be bombarded by stale traditions or hear phrases like “That’s the way we’ve always done it”.
We prefer thinking that moves everyone forward. And our students, staff and researchers work hard every day to do just that.
Together with our people, community and partners, we’re building a safe, sustainable, supportive, and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned.
Join us and build your future, the way you want it.
