Undergraduate · Political Science & International Relations
Bachelor of International Studies
UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
About this program
Taught through UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture, this degree requires a study-abroad component (typically a semester or year at a partner university) as a core, not optional, part of the structure, which is its defining feature. Students combine a regional or language specialisation (options have included Chinese, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean) with a disciplinary stream in international relations, politics, or global development.
It draws a mix of students aiming at diplomacy and foreign affairs careers, NGO and development work, and international business, and the language proficiency requirement means graduates come out with genuine working fluency, not just classroom exposure, assuming they complete the exchange component seriously.
Cost & duration
Course structure
4 terms of coursework
- Year 1: Introduction to International Studies, chosen language track, Global Politics
- Year 2: Regional Studies electives, continued language study, International Relations Theory
- Year 3: Study abroad (semester or year at partner institution)
- Final year: capstone research project, advanced language subjects
Admissions
ATAR 80 or equivalent
IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0)