Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)

3 years full-time or 6 years part-time

Learning and teaching

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

International studies sequence

You will explore global-local interconnections through innovative, problem-based learning experiences, including:

• global history
• global political processes
• international political economy
• human mobility
• international security
• risk and global governance
• international human rights and law.

International work practice sequence

You will explore the inter-cultural and cross-cultural dimensions of international management, social research, public policy and project management. You will also undertake an international internship for a minimum of 2 months and conduct an independent research project.

Language sequence

You will undertake specialist studies in languages other than English, choosing from Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and other languages through cross-institutional enrolment. You'll also study global language issues and professional communication. International students can choose professional English.

Elective sequence

You will choose to undertake specialised courses in areas including:

• diplomacy and security
• international aid and development
• justice
• business
• media and communications
• public policy
• environmental sustainability
• community service
• Indigenous studies.

Honours

An Honours year is available.

The following program structure(s) is an example of what students are currently studying in this program.

The program prepares you to apply your knowledge of globalisation, language and culture in international workplace settings.

Previous students have completed their internships in a wide range of organisations and locations, including:

• Australian overseas missions in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Paris and New York
• UN Development Programme offices in Lebanon and the Philippines
• the UN's refugee agency in Turkey and Washington
• the International Organisation for Migration in Vietnam, Egypt and Colombia
• Plan International in the UK and Australia
• NGOs and project management companies in Melbourne.

The program also includes research training that culminates in the international research project, a major research project usually conducted in conjunction with the international internship.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

As well as internationally internships and research projects, you can complete exchange semesters at a range of overseas universities, undertake study tours to destinations like East Timor, the Philippines, Thailand and Nepal, and participate in interdisciplinary industry-based projects in Vietnam.

You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.

Program entry requirements

Prerequisites

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 and 4—a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English.

Selection tasks

Form: Non year-12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Personal History online if they wish other information to be considered. Applicants should explain their reasons for wanting to study the course and include details of any relevant work or other experience.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Check and complete the selection tasks (if applicable) by the relevant closing date - these tasks are listed in the program entry requirements.

3. Check the table below for how to apply.

4. Apply using the appropriate method by the closing date.

Application method

Equity access

If circumstances have interrupted or disadvantaged your access to education, RMIT offers equity access schemes that allow selection officers to give applicants extra consideration, which may improve your prospects of studying at RMIT.

Tuition fees vary according to program and are adjusted annually.

In a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) your tuition fee is shared between you and the Commonwealth Government - if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Fee assistance

As a Commonwealth supported student, you may be able to either:

• pay all or part of your student contribution up front and receive a 10% discount, or
• defer your tuition fees through the HECS-HELP loan scheme.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds. Learn more about RMIT Scholarships.

Other fees

Students will be required to undertake field trips and placements. You will be required to pay for travel and accommodation expenses and any academic fees for the international internship, international field work and any overseas study component of the program.

In addition to tuition fees you will also pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF). You may be able to defer the fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

There may be other additional expenses and administrative fees associated with your studies.

Graduates of the following programs may be eligible to apply for exemptions:

• Advanced Diploma of Justice
• Diploma of Interpreting (up to 6 courses/1.5 semesters)
• Advanced Diploma of Interpreting
• Advanced Diploma of Translating.

Graduates of non-RMIT translating and interpreting programs may also be eligible to apply for exemptions, depending on the nature of the program and grades.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Global, Urban & Social Studies

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