Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 85.00
Duration
Full-time 3 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$26,880 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Are you ready to meet the challenges, opportunities and diversity brought about by a changing global environment?
An international studies degree will see you experience a range of dynamic careers across the globe - from policymaking in China to community development in South America. If you have a passion for international affairs and cultural diversity, this program will prepare you for a versatile, articulate and imaginative future.
During your degree you will:
- build your understanding of intercultural, social and political issues and processes
- enhance your employability by learning a language
- develop professional skills in international relations, diplomacy, business and humanitarian policy
- undertake a professional internship with an international organisation either in Australia or overseas
- have access to overseas exchange programs and study tours
- learn from leading professionals in the field who enjoy sharing their knowledge, experience and contacts to prepare you for work and life as a global citizen in a global career
- join a vibrant and active student community
RMIT graduates possess the initiative, independence, language and entrepreneurial skills to face the challenges of working and managing within culturally diverse environments.
Details
Get prepared for the international workforce by applying your skills to real-world case studies. You will learn and develop professional skills in international relations, diplomacy, business and humanitarian policy.
You’ll learn from leading professionals in the field who enjoy sharing their knowledge, experience and contacts. Apply your learning in a two-month international internship and 7000-word independent research project.
You will undertake a professional internship with an international organisation in Australia or overseas as part of your studies.
During their internship students have supported diplomatic staff, provided services to refugee youth, managed projects at women’s rights organisations and strengthened business ties between international firms.
Previous students have completed their internships in organisations and locations such as:
- United Nations, Geneva
- Australian overseas missions in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Paris and New York
- UN Development Programme offices in Lebanon and the Philippines
- UN refugee agencies in Turkey and Washington
- International Organisation for Migration in Vietnam, Egypt and Colombia
- Australian Chamber of Commerce in Beijing
- Plan International in the UK and Australia
- non-government organisations (NGOs) and project management companies in Melbourne
You'll learn how to research and use those skills in an international research project.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Apply your knowledge of globalisation, language and culture in international workplaces.
You will participate in a professional internship with an international organisation overseas or in Australia. You will also have the opportunity to join overseas exchange programs and study tours as part of a close-knit and vibrant student community.
On one particular study tour, students travelled to Timor-Leste to learn about the country's war for independence (1999) and the sociopolitical crisis that followed from 2006 to 2008. Students learnt of the circumstances around how the conflict unfolded and gained a sense of its consequences, in particular the possibilities for peace and security in the aftermath. Watch the video on YouTube to find out more.
You are encouraged to take one semester of the program at a partner university. RMIT University has exchange partners all over the world, including Mexico, China, Chile and more. By combining international exchange, professional internship and international research projects, the program may allow you to be away for an entire year. Financial support is available through scholarships, RMIT travel grants and government loans.
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
- global political and social theory
- risk and global governance
- international human rights and law.
- International work practice sequence.
You will explore the intercultural 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 specialise in languages other than English, choosing from a selection of languages offered through cross-institutional enrolment.
You'll also study global language issues and professional communication.
Elective sequence
You will choose specialised courses in areas including:
- diplomacy and security
- international aid and development
- justice
- business
- media, culture and communications
- public policy
- environmental sustainability
- community service
- indigenous studies.
Honours
An Honours year is available.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) | City Campus |
3 years full time; 6 years part time
|
3 years full time
|
BP048P6 | 031941J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP048
Career
Be prepared for careers in a range of local and overseas organisations that have an international focus, including governments, businesses, non-government organisations and community organisations.
You will have knowledge of international systems and global processes, cross-cultural negotiation and management, and strategic and ethical leadership.
Graduate destinations include:
- OXFAM
- UNDP
- UNICEF
- World Vision
- Deloitte
- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Careers
- international business manager
- international educator
- international aid worker
- international development worker
- international policy adviser
- foreign affairs officer
- civil service
- communications officer
- social researcher
- international political analyst
- journalist
Where are they now?
Graduates find work in a diverse array of positions, all around the world. Read about graduates at different stages in their careers, told in their own words, and see what they have gone on to do.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above (or equivalent).
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Successful completion of an Australian senior secondary certificate of education (Year 12) or overseas equivalent.
Prerequisites: VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL (or equivalent) or achieve an overall score of at least 155 in the STAT multiple choice.
If you were not studying year 12 in 2018 you should submit a personal statement outlining:
- your reasons for wanting to study this program
- your intended career path
- the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
- details of any related work or voluntary experience
Applicants who do not submit a personal statement will be considered on the basis of academic achievement e.g. ATAR.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check calculator below).
For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Pathways
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$26,880.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$83,520.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.