Program Overview

Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Social Science

This is a broadly based, inter-disciplinary four-year double degree offering flexibility and choice within a wide range of offerings in the social sciences, as well as studies of International Relations and Asian Studies and an Asian language.

Program Details

• Duration: Full Time - 4 Years (Available Part Time)
• Next Start Date: 02 March 2026, 20 July 2026
• Closing Date: Not specified
• Campuses: LSR, Parramatta South UAC, Bankstown City UAC
• Domestic Student Fees: Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
• Program Code: 1807
• CRICOS Code: Not specified

Overview

The degree seeks to equip students with all the interdisciplinary and specialist skills and knowledge needed on entering the workforce or proceeding to advanced study. There is a core of 11 subjects offering an introduction to the humanities and a solid grounding in the social sciences. Students can choose a major from the social sciences, a major in International Relations and Asian Studies, and a minor in an Asian language.

Majors

• International Studies
• Anthropology: The study of humans and the cultures they create, focusing on social patterns and practices across cultures.
• Child and Community: Provides a comprehensive introduction to social sciences related areas and a strong grounding in contemporary issues facing children and their families.
• Criminology: Offers students the opportunity to study crime and criminal justice in a critical way, stressing social and cultural definitions of criminality and reactions to it.
• Disability Studies: Designed to meet the increasing demand for specialist expertise in disability care, rights, and services.
• Geography and Urban Studies: The integrated study of people, places, and environments, focusing on post-colonialism, global information economies, indigenous issues, and more.
• Heritage and Tourism: Introduces contemporary heritage issues and provides an in-depth understanding of tourism as a social phenomenon.
• Peace and Development Studies: Concerned with methods for promoting peace, human rights, and sustainability, involving a critical analysis of inequalities of power and opportunity.
• Sociology: Provides students with a thorough training in the methods, theories, and select leading areas of contemporary sociology.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, students can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries, including:

• Teaching
• Interpreting and translation
• Journalism
• Business or international relations
• Research

Entry Requirements

• Domestic students: Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements.
• International students: Admission is based on meeting minimum academic and English language requirements.

Fees

• Indicative annual fee for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP): AUD $32,500
• Fee estimates are indicative only and subject to change.

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students with community engagement, outstanding academic ability, and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations.