Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification or equivalent, and specific GPA and credit point requirements.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification or equivalent, and specific GPA and credit point requirements. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
- 084071A
Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Online | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochureA ‘capstone’ to your bachelor's degree, the Bachelor of International Studies with Honours is an opportunity to drill deep into your specialist area, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities. Develop advanced communication techniques and in-depth knowledge of issues that affect nations across the security, political, economic, social and cultural spectrum. Hone your analytical abilities and gain high level personal and professional communication skills.
Position yourself for inevitable workplace change by further developing your transferable intercultural skills, which are highly valued in today’s globalised job market.
Why study the Bachelor of International Studies with Honours with UNE?
The Bachelor of International Studies with Honours will help you extend your intellectual range by independently applying advanced knowledge, research principles and methods, in an area of international studies. You will have the opportunity to hone your research, communication and writing skills by producing a dissertation on a specialised topic custom made in line with your interests in your chosen discipline.
On graduation, you will have the skills to independently research, write about and discuss critical issues. These skills will be invaluable in your career, provide an ideal preparation if you wish to pursue further studies in any area, and prove essential to lifelong learning as well as help you to future-proof your career in a rapidly changing world.
What makes our course different?
Our International Studies teaching staff have backgrounds in the areas of security studies, international relations, global political economy, political theory, the comparative politics and societies of Asia Pacific politics, Australia’s role in a globalised world, Asian and European languages and cultures as well as international law. As an honours student, you will have opportunities to:
- Study on campus or completely online, at home in your own time.
- Take a deep dive into an area of interest and produce a dissertation of your own ideas, preparing you for an exciting and rewarding career in the field of your choice.
UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education. Students consistently award UNE 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, so no matter whether you choose to study online or on-campus, you are in very good hands.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of International Studies or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum Distinction result for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the discipline you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 36 credit points of study in the discipline you want to study. However, up to 12 credit points may be substituted by other units with the approval of the course coordinator.
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of International Studies or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum Distinction result for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the discipline you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 36 credit points of study in the discipline you want to study. However, up to 12 credit points may be substituted by other units with the approval of the course coordinator.
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
- A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed the UNE Bachelor of International Studies or an equivalent relevant qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent).
- You have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 in your relevant qualification.
- You have achieved a minimum Distinction result for at least 18 credit points of 300-level units in the discipline you want to study.
- You have completed a minimum of 36 credit points of study in the discipline you want to study. However, up to 12 credit points may be substituted by other units with the approval of the course coordinator.
Please note: Admission to this course is determined by the Head of School (or delegate) on the recommendation of the discipline convenor.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- A completed Honours Application form. This must be included in your online application.
- A research proposal. Please see the Honours application form linked above for instructions on how to develop your research proposal.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for the dissertation component of this course.
Course structure
1. To qualify for the award a candidate must pass a single unit to the value of 48 credit points comprising an advanced course work component and a dissertation component in the relevant subject area.
2. A Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) candidate is required to consult regularly with his or her supervisor(s). The nature and extent of such consultation will be determined by the supervisor(s) and course coordinator after consultation with the candidate prior to commencement of each year of candidature and may require face-to-face consultation.
48 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H) – 48 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
Fee type | Cost |
---|---|
International | $28,762* |
Commonwealth Supported Place | $16,320* |
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
The Bachelor of International Studies with Honours will extend your intellectual range, sharpen your research skills, and allow you to master global politics, societies or your chosen language and culture if you studied one. A myriad of opportunities awaits graduates, including further study or careers within:
- government, inter-governmental and non-government organisations
- defence forces
- environmental advocacy
- human rights advocacy
- immigration
- intelligence agencies
- international diplomacy
- international commerce
- journalism
- overseas development assistance.
The Bachelor of International Studies with Honours is a great preparation and a pathway to pursuing further studies in the area at Master's and PhD levels.
Course outcomes
- exhibit advanced knowledge, comprehension, analysis and critical thinking within a specialised area of international studies;
- display high level research and technical skills in relation to the collection and evaluation of information via traditional and electronic sources as well as adopt meticulous scholarly methods of referencing;
- demonstrate proficiency in generic written communication skills with regard to the presentation, fluency, style and clarity required of scholarly prose;
- compare, analyse and evaluate conflicting facts, arguments and perspectives to address complex research questions in relation to international problems applicable to their specific fields of study demonstrating the potential to make original contributions to knowledge in that particular discipline;
- apply advanced understanding of diverse societies; and accompanying values; and
- demonstrate and apply an advanced knowledge of theories and concepts in a specialised field of international studies with intellectual independence and honesty.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have obtained an in-depth knowledge of one or more cognate disciplines in their chosen majors. This will include an appreciation of the processes through which knowledge has evolved in these disciplines. They will also be familiar with transnational and multicultural approaches to the understanding of various issues. This knowledge is taught via lectures or podcasts, interactive discussion in class or online, set readings and assessments.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have developed good communication skills in their written work. They will have adopted a scholarly approach to research, presentation, writing and referencing. Assessment tasks foster these skills. On-campus students hone verbal skills in class.
- Problem Solving
Many disciplines in this degree challenge students to apply their critical reasoning capacity to address real problems and dilemmas facing individuals, states, inter-governmental organisations and non-government actors. Graduates will have developed skills to compare, analyse and evaluate conflicting 'facts', arguments and perspectives with a view to finding solutions to problems.
- Information Literacy
Graduates of international studies will have acquired skills in research and analysis, which in turn depend on the collection and evaluation of information from a range of sources. As many units are topical an ability to use up-to-date e-resources will have been mastered by graduates.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
International studies have an inherent ethical dimension as it concerns the politics of who decides who gets what on a global level. That issue is addressed in assessment tasks and in class or online discussion. After completing this course graduates will be equipped to apply a spirit of enquiry, critique, ethics and analysis to daily life and current affairs.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have honed life-long learning skills in research, analysis, interpretation and exposition. Graduates will be able to critique values, policies and processes. This includes an ability to mount arguments by developing ideas, seeking evidence, assessing alternatives and drawing independent conclusions. Graduates will have learned to engage in a flexible and open-minded pursuit of knowledge.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have developed skills in the independent study of international issues, in particular through autonomously researching and executing their assessment tasks. Teamwork is practised in interactive seminars and/or online discussion whereby students pose questions, communicate ideas and solve problems in cooperation with their peers and staff. Graduates will thus have learned to collaborate with others in a variety of contexts.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The greatest aspects of UNE would be the relationships UNE holds with overseas universities and the opportunities students have to study abroad.
Why study with us?
Studying at UNE has broadened my perspective and I have experienced different cultures from the local and international students. The learning environment at UNE is very conducive to success.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
---|---|---|
Not Offered | Not offered | Not offered |
Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024* | 26 February 2024 |
Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
*Early closing date
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.