Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Dive into diverse cultures and build a global career by studying Deakin’s Bachelor of International Studies. If you are interested in different cultures, languages and perspectives outside of your own, this experience-rich course gives you a deep understanding of the international forces shaping the world today. The Bachelor of International Studies is a degree that can take you anywhere.
Gain an understanding of globalisation and development, global power and capitalism and build your intercultural communication skills through core units. Combine these foundation skills with specialised study in your area of interest and add value to your degree through one of our many international experiences.
Ready to create a global career?
First-hand experiences in other countries and cultures let you develop the practical and soft skills required to pursue a global career. You might see yourself studying at an overseas university, completing an in-person or virtual internationally focussed internship in Australia or overseas, mastering a new language through an In-Country Language Program or completing a short study tour*.
It’s this international experience, combined with engaging course content delivered by teachers with extensive industry experience, that allows you to develop a systematic understanding of other cultures and societies. Feel confident about analysing and interpreting the international forces shaping government, business and community life in contemporary Australia, and impress employers with intercultural skills and experience.
Get even more out of your degree by choosing from nine majors to match your unique career aspirations. Your major allows you to become an expert in a specialty area, and the knowledge you’ll build will act as a bridge between you and your dream job.
*Overseas study programs to be confirmed in 2022 and beyond, subject to government travel restrictions.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of International Studies
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
1400314031 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400411201 - Regional Access Scheme - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400414031 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514031 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614031 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- A326
- CRICOS code?
- 075375D Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
Student must successfully complete 24 credit points of study including:
- 6 core units
- a major selected from the major sequences listed below
- no more than 8 credit points taken outside the Faculty of Arts and Education
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- at least 2 credit points of approved international experience such as:
- trimester of study at an overseas university exchange partner
- international internship (AIS330) or (AIS331)
- in-country language program (in Chinese, Indonesian, Arabic, or Spanish)
- approved study abroad program or approved study tour (AIS203), (AIR292*) or other
- approved onshore internship with an international organisation (available for (AIS330) only)
- 2 credit points of consecutive language units other than an in-country language program (AIB151 & AIB152; AIB251 & AIB252; AIC181 & AIC182; AIC281 & AIC282; AIC283 & AIC284; AIF146 & AIF142; AIF241 & AIF242; AIF341 & AIF342; AIF145; ALS100 & ALS150; ALS200 & ALS250) can be taken to achieve one credit point of the international experience requirement
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Notes:
(i) Students enrolled in D338 or D323 are not able to accommodate AIS331 International Internship B (4 credit points) within the 16 credit points allocated to the Bachelor of International Studies. However, AIS330 International Internship A (2 credit point) placements can be for up to 12-weeks if desired. Please contact the Unit Chair for further information.
(ii) It is envisaged that students would complete the international experience in the third or fourth year of their course.
* Unit no longer available for enrolment
Core units
International Experience
All students must complete at least 2 credit points of international experience, selected from one or more of the following:
- trimester of study at an overseas university exchange partner
- international internship (AIS330 or AIS331)
- in-country language program (in Chinese, Indonesian, Arabic, or Spanish)
- approved study abroad program or approved study tour (AIS203 or other)
- approved onshore internship with an international organisation (available for AIS330 only).
- 2 credit points of consecutive language units other than an in-country language program can be taken to achieve one credit point of the international experience requirement
Further information on the international student experience and on previous students' overseas internships is available at: www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/internships/bis/map
Students seeking to undertake an internship will enrol in the appropriate unit (either AIS330 or AIS331) once the Unit Chair has approved their planned placement.
Or
AIS330, AIS331 - Internship units are normally undertaken in third level (or equivalent) and are subject to completion of specified prerequisite units and special application requirements. Interested students should contact Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries on their campus for further information.
For further information regarding the in-country language programs, refer to the major sequences in Indonesian, Chinese and Arabic.
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Middle East Studies *
* Only for students who commenced in or prior to Trimester 1 2022
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Elective units may be selected that include work-based training or community-based learning. Placement can occur at any time, including during the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course includes completion of least 2 credit points of international experience, selected from one or more of the following:
- Trimester of study at an overseas university exchange partner
- International internship (AIS330 or AIS331) *in-country language program (in Chinese, Indonesian or Arabic)
- Approved study abroad program or approved study tour (AIS203 or other)
- Approved onshore internship with an international organisation (available for AIS330 only).
- 2 credit points of consecutive language units other than an in-country language program can be taken to achieve one credit point of the international experience requirement
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.
VCE Prerequisite subjects
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET study
If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.
Education
This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in any English, any History, any LOTE, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:
- recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
- applicants with work and life experience
- applicants with TAFE study
- applicants with higher education study.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.
To learn more about what the Bachelor of International Studies at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
The Indigenous Access Scheme is a pathway to undergraduate study for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and looks beyond academic results to recognise all the skills, experience and achievements that make you unique and prepare you for study at university.
To apply, complete the online application form.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of International Studies with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
- Diploma of Arts (A215)
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
The professional, social and personal experiences on offer throughout this course prepare you for employment in a range of areas in the private and public sector including:
- businesses with an international orientation
- communications
- defence
- diplomacy
- education
- finance
- immigration
- NGOs with regional and global links
- trade and aid.
If you’re considering further study, Deakin’s honours program and postgraduate pathways can open up a world of research and employment opportunities in Australia and abroad.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Review, analyse and apply key concepts in International Studies relating to international politics and society, globalisation and development, intercultural competency, global citizenship and professional development with reference to one or more Social Science disciplinary perspectives and appropriate theories and technical knowledge. |
| Communication | Apply learnings from personal and professional development in diverse organizational contexts to effectively communicate cross-cultural ideas, arguments and analyses to diverse audiences using a range of different mediums. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of digital technologies and platforms to conduct research, engage in discussion and debate, document personal and professional skills and attributes, communicate effectively with and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences within and outside the field of International Studies. |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and critically evaluate conceptual and theoretical approaches to issues of international politics and society, intercultural competency, global citizenship, and professional development in the context of an increasingly complex globalised world that requires appreciation of local, national, regional and international dynamics and their interactions. |
| Problem solving | Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to systematically investigate and generate context-sensitive and pragmatic solutions to complex real-world problems. |
| Self-management | Exercise autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a sustained and ongoing commitment to learning and skill development in International Studies contexts including but not limited to communities of practice and scholarship. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively and productively with others in the field of International Studies and with stakeholders from other disciplines and backgrounds to achieve shared goals. |
| Global citizenship | Analyse and respond appropriately to issues of cultural, social and political inequity; the transferability of knowledge and skills in different geographic, knowledge and organisational contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. |
| Approved by Faculty Board November 2020 | |
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