Undergraduate course information

International Studies and Education in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) is home to a suite of Social Science degrees, namely the Bachelor of Criminology (with combinations too) and the Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment (a combined degree with Business, Management, Economics, Science, or Public Health ).

International Studies is responsible for the coordination and implementation of the following programs:

• the Bachelor of International Studies, which can be combined with most other bachelor's-level degrees at UTS
• the Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment, which is a combined course with the following bachelor's-level degrees at UTS:

- C10399 Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

- C10410 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

- C10411 Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

- C10412 Bachelor of Management Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

- C10445 Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Sustainability

• the Bachelor of Criminology (C10446), which is also available as a combined course with the following bachelor's-level degrees at UTS:

- C10448 Bachelor of Criminology Bachelor of Forensic Science

- C10447 Bachelor of Criminology Bachelor of International Studies

• the Diploma in Languages (C20059)
• the Australian Language and Culture Studies.

Bachelor of International Studies

Globalisation has dramatically increased the importance of having an international outlook. Leading employers value people with strong communication skills and those who can work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The Bachelor of International Studies, which can be combined with most other bachelor's-level degrees at UTS, is designed to give students those much sought-after skills.

The Bachelor of International Studies introduces students to languages and cultures of the non-English-speaking world and teaches them about contemporary societies in Asia and Europe.

In each pathway of the Bachelor of International Studies, students take two specific subjects that develop students’ intercultural skills and provide an introduction to the history, politics, economics and society of the country of their language major.

Intercultural Communication is designed to prepare students for the interpersonal and dynamic nature of working in increasingly globalised workplaces and multinational environments. This core subject is typically undertaken in student’s first year.

The Contemporary Society subjects provide an introduction to a specific country or region to ensure that students gain an understanding of its political, social and economic structures. No prior knowledge of the culture or skill in the language of the country concerned is required. All teaching is conducted in English. Contemporary society subjects are also offered as electives to all UTS students.

In the International Studies component of the combined degree, students select one of six language majors (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish) and one of the following three pathways:

1. Language, Culture & the Professional World: includes an internship and option of a short study abroad experience (2-6 weeks) overseas.

2. Language, Culture & Global Exchange: includes an internship and a 6-month global exchange at any UTS partner university.

3. International Honours: includes a full year at a relevant partner university where students complete an honours level research project.

The language majors available in the Bachelor of International Studies are listed below. Each major includes 32 credit points (four 8-credit-point subjects) of instruction in language and culture; 8 credit points of study of 99218 Intercultural Communication; 8 credit points of study of contemporary society and 8 credit points of study of 999781 International Research Methods. The pathway you choose will determine the remaining 40 credit points of subjects you complete

• Chinese (MAJ09453)
• French (MAJ09454)
• German (MAJ09455)
• Italian (MAJ09456)
• Japanese (MAJ09457)
• Spanish (MAJ09458)

International students

International students may apply to undertake any of the combined degrees with international studies. International students follow the same program as local students, and may access any of the majors offered, provided the country they choose as their major is able to grant them a visa to study there. This needs to be determined prior to commencing subjects within the major. If a visa cannot be granted, it is not possible for the student to undertake the chosen major.

Bachelor of International Studies (Honours)

In-country study (ICS) is an embedded key component of the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) degree, subject to availability. In preparation for this, the study of the language and culture and contemporary society of the relevant language major is necessary. The course requires students to follow a single language major.

Students study one of the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. The Bachelor of International Studies has no prior language requirements. The language choice guides the country major specialisation. For example, students who choose Italian will have the opportunity to apply for a one-year International Honours to be completed at a host university in Italy. Students undertake this 'embedded' International Honours in the same number of semesters as students in the other streams, i.e. it does not include any extra time at university.

There is no direct admission to this exit-only course. Entry to the International Honours pathway is dependent on students maintaining a credit average (or higher) in both their International Studies and professional degree in their first three years of study, and on the availability of placements in particular host countries.

Students can graduate with a Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) if they complete the subjects in the International Honours pathway. The degree is embedded in students’ study plans, it does not require an additional honours year. The Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) may be awarded with first class honours, second class honours division 1, second class honours division 2, and Pass level. The rules concerning the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) can be found in undergraduate course information.

In-country study (ICS)

In-country study (ICS) is an embedded key component of the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) degree, subject to availability. It provides a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture of another country, through a learning program at a host university, involvement in the life of the local community, and an applied research project that is supervised by a relevant UTS International Studies academic.

When?

Students taking the combined degree with a Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) must spend two sessions of study at a university or other higher education institution in the country of their language major. In-country study is usually taken in the fourth year of a combined degree.

Where?

All in-country study is taken in countries or regions where English is not the predominant language. In-country study is organised by UTS International Studies at over 60 universities in China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan or Spain.

Costs

In the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours), International Research Methods (8cp), In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1 (16cp) and In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 2 (24cp) are full-credit subjects at UTS for which the student contribution is payable at undergraduate level.

International Studies can provide in-country study students with a letter stating the commencement and completion dates of their in-country study subjects to assist with the application or retention of student income support while enrolled in in-country study, though eligibility for this support is not determined by UTS. The costs of tuition at overseas universities are paid by UTS, except in cases where a scholarship has been awarded to a student with provision for these costs. Students are covered by the UTS Overseas Insurance Policy. Some host universities require additional insurance which UTS is not liable for. Students pay for their airfare, visa fees and other expenses, but will receive a contribution of up to $1500 towards their travel expenses from UTS. Students pay the costs of accommodation and other living expenses during their period of in-country study. Students should be aware that living costs vary between locations and can be higher than in Sydney.

The UTS medical service is available to students for medical examinations for visas, vaccinations and other country-specific health advice.

More information about fees, including links to the relevant fee searches, can be found at Understanding fees.

Enrolment in in-country study

In-country study academic prerequisites (undergraduate)

Before undertaking International Research Method and In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1, students must have completed and passed:

• 99218 Intercultural Communication
• four language and culture subjects approved by the international studies program
• the contemporary society subject relevant to the language major, and
• all the required subjects in the student's professional degree program

In exceptional circumstances, students may be enrolled in their In-country study subjects within the Bachelor of International Studies if they have not successfully completed and passed all earlier subjects in the combined degree. Students in this situation must seek advice from their In-country study major coordinator to determine their options and is subject to Head of School approval.

While undertaking In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1, students need to also enrol in 999781 International Research Methods and complete both subjects in the same session. Before undertaking In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 2, students need to have successfully completed 999781 International Research Methods and In-country Study and Fieldwork Project 1.

Students must complete all components of International Research Methods and In-Country Study to be able to graduate with the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours).

Content and assessment

While undertaking in-country study, students with a basic level of language competence usually follow a program of study that continues to develop their knowledge and understanding of the host country's language and culture. Those whose level of language competence is adequate study subjects related to the development of the contemporary society of the host country – history, economics, politics, society and culture – alongside students from that country.

Students typically undertake a reduced study load at the host institution compared to local students. In addition to the classes attended, all students are expected to complete assignments administered by the School of International Studies and Education, and these, together with a satisfactory report from the host institution, are the basis for assessment.

Students may not credit any subjects completed at their host university during the period of in-country study towards the professional component of their combined degree.

Conditions of participation for in-country study

Before students engage in a period of in-country study, they may be required to meet appropriate financial, health and enrolment requirements. They are also required to agree to be governed by UTS: International Studies' conditions of participation for the period of in-country study and to abide by the rules and regulations of the host institution and the laws of the host country. The conditions of participation are as follows.

As a student of UTS participating in the subjects In-country Study 1 and In-country Study 2 within the International Studies program, I understand that I remain subject to the rules, codes of conduct, policies and procedures of UTS (see rule 2.1.1) and undertake to:

1. accept financial responsibility for all personal expenditure, accommodation, airfare and visa payments and for all costs that are additional to those subsidised by reimbursement by UTS; additional costs may include insurance or social security payments required by host universities. Noting that UTS will reimburse a generous contribution towards international travel costs
2. meet all academic requirements that precede the period of in-country study
3. abide by the 'Rules and regulations for in-country study travel (undergraduate)' arrangements as set out by UTS International Studies
4. participate in all pre-departure preparation specified by UTS International Studies and abide by deadlines in the processes of collating necessary information for travel and university enrolment arrangements
5. advise the appropriate faculty and UTS International Studies of any changes in an academic program while overseas in accordance with applicable UTS dates and the guidelines of UTS: International Studies
6. abide by the laws of the host country
7. abide by the rules and regulations of UTS and the host institution (see rule 2.1.5)
8. behave personally and professionally in an appropriate manner as a representative of UTS
9. check UTS email regularly and respond within three working days to any requests for information from UTS otherwise UTS may contact the host institution, next of kin or the Australian consulate
10. consult with staff of UTS International Studies and advisers at the host institution should any problems arise in relation to academic or other matters during a period of in-country study
11. agree to UTS contacting the host institution or my next of kin should UTS become concerned about my wellbeing during the period of in-country study
12. where required by UTS, provide UTS with a letter from a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional who has previously treated me, confirming:
    1. that I am fit to participate in and complete the period of in-country study
    2. whether I require a Travel Management Plan or other additional arrangements to manage my medical condition, illness or disability, and, if so, providing a copy of that plan or instructions for additional arrangements required
13. agree that:
    1. UTS reserves the right to refuse permission for me to participate in a period of in-country study where:
       1. UTS reasonably believes that there is a real and significant risk of my illness, condition or disability resulting in harm or injury to me or to others while I am overseas
       2. I fail to provide a Fit to Travel certificate from a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional where requested to do so at any time prior to departure by UTS, or
       3. UTS is unable to reasonably comply with any travel management plan or additional arrangements proposed by a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional
    2. UTS cannot guarantee that host institutions are able to meet the needs of all students, and in some cases students may be advised to complete in-country study by means of approved alternative subjects in Sydney
14. agree to UTS sharing my personal information with the host institution for the purposes of in-country study arrangements, including information relating to any medical condition, illness or disability, and any related travel management plan or other additional arrangements required by a medical practitioner and/or relevant professional
15. agree to register all travel with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Advisory (online) and International SOS Travel Tracker MyTrips
16. agree that failure to abide by any of these conditions may result in disciplinary action (see rule 2.1.10).

Rules and regulations for in-country study (ICS) travel (undergraduate)

1. The student will be solely responsible for booking and paying for ICS travel and travel-related costs, including a return airfare, a visa, and travel to and from the host city.
2. Upon payment of their fare and commencement in country of ICS1, the student may seek reimbursement (to a certain value) from UTS International Studies towards their international travel costs.
3. Major coordinators will inform students early in year 3 of the date by which the student must arrive at their ICS location, and the date after which the student is free to return from ICS.
4. Once at their ICS location, a student may need to rebook their return flight to comply with ticketing procedures (airlines will not issue a ticket with the outbound and homeward legs more than 364 days apart)
5. Students should return to Sydney only after completing their academic program at the host university. Students who wish to return to Sydney before their academic program has finished must have prior approval from their major coordinator.
6. Undergraduate students are able to stay overseas for a maximum of 364 days from their departure date ex-Sydney. After this time, they will no longer be covered by UTS Insurance.
7. Students will need to comply with instructions given by UTS on repatriation to Sydney for health or security reasons. Directions may be issued via the Head of the School, major coordinator or professional staff.
8. Students withdrawing from ICS and returning to Sydney for personal reasons once they have travelled overseas but before the census date in the session in which they travel will not be eligible for reimbursement (to a certain value) of international travel costs associated with their ICS participation. If already paid, the student must return that payment to UTS.

Partner universities hosting in-country study programs

The following list is correct at the time of publication. However, International Studies reserves the right to make alterations to the location and content of any program of in-country study at any time.

China

• Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing
• Huazhong University, Wuhan
• Renmin University, Beijing
• Shanghai University, Shanghai
• Tongji University, Shanghai
• Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou
• Yunnan University, Kunming
• Zhejiang University, Hangzhou

France

• Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Caen
• Université Lumière Lyon 2, Lyon
• Université Bordeaux Montaigne, Bordeaux
• Université Paul- Valéry Montpellier 3, Montpellier
• Université de Reims, Champagne-Ardennes, Reims
• Université Rennes 2, Rennes
• Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg
• Aix-Marseille Université, Aix en Provence
• Université de Toulon, Toulon

Germany

• Georg-Augustus Universität Göttingen, Göttingen
• Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe
• Universität Konstanz, Konstanz
• Universität Köln, Cologne
• Universität Potsdam, Potsdam
• Universität Regensburg, Regensburg
• Universität des Saarlands, Saarbrücken
• Eberhand Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen

Italy

• Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, Milan
• Politecnico di Milano, Milan (Design)
• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan
• Università degli studi di Bergamo, Bergamo
• Università degli studi di Bologna, Bologna
• Università degli studi di Siena, Siena
• Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena
• Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino
• Università Ca’ Foscari, Venice

Japan

• Gifu University, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
• Hokkaido University of Education, Hokkaido Prefecture
• Ibaraki University, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Kagoshima University, Kagoshima City, Kogoshima Prefecture
• Kanazawa University, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
• Kumamoto University, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Kyushu University, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iitsuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
• Niigata University, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
• JF Oberlin University, Machida City, Tokyo
• Saga University, Saga City, Saga Prefecture
• Saitama University, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
• University of Shiga Prefecture, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
• Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• Yokohama National University, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Shiga University, Otsu City, Shiga University
• Yamaguchi University, Kofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Spain

• Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona
• Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, Madrid
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid
• Universidad de Cantabria, Santander
• Universidad de Granada, Granada
• Universidad de La Rioja, Logroño
• Universidad de Málaga, Málaga
• Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz
• Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza
• Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona
• Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona

Academic support and pastoral care

In-country academic advisers from each host university assist International Studies' staff in monitoring students' progress and provide academic support and pastoral care. At the end of each session of in-country study, the host university reports to International Studies on each student's progress. In-country major coordinators from International Studies maintain regular contact with students and with the host universities' academic advisers.

Before departure, students receive both a subject outline and a detailed study guide, which together outline the study program for each host university, including the range of subjects available, assessment guidelines and criteria and advice on practical matters associated with settling into the life of the local community. The study guide also includes contact numbers for Australian embassies and consulates.

An emergency policy has been developed and is in place. Prior to departure, students are advised of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

International Studies reserves the right to vary the in-country study component of the Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) program in the event of unsafe conditions in a particular region.

Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

The Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment focuses on the big issue of our time. Sustainable development is challenging growth in every sector. Students study core subjects and choose electives from key streams that equip them with the knowledge to understand the interconnections between environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability and develop skills to address the complexity of achieving a sustainable future. Taken as a combined degree with Business, Management, Economics, Science or Public Health, students balance depth in their area of professional practice with multidisciplinary knowledge on sustainability needed to drive change. The Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment places a focus on student engagement with organisations, industry experts and local communities to build practical experience in tackling real-world problems and prepares students for careers in the ever expanding green economy across industry, science, government and NGO sectors, academia and business. Graduates are in demand in Australia and globally in sectors ranging from resources, consumer goods, agriculture, water and energy to eco-tourism, heritage conservation, public health and finance. The Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment is not available as a standalone degree.

Bachelor of Criminology

The Bachelor of Criminology is offered for the first time in 2022. The course focuses on applied Criminology and has been co-designed with extensive input from Industry and other stakeholders. The degree prepares students to respond to the changing nature of crime in the 21st century by addressing the realities of crime in an increasingly digital and transnational age. Students specialise in digital forensics & security, data analytics & research, justice & legal studies, or forensics and combine studies in these focus areas with practical social science knowledge and skills needed for professions focused on crime prevention, detection, enforcement or the broader social implications and challenges of crime. Course-long industry engagement prepares graduates to pursue careers at all levels of government, in law enforcement, criminal justice, corrections, border protection, the financial or insurance sectors, or within community organisations concerned with crime prevention and rehabilitation. Please note that the Bachelor of Criminology is also offered in combination with both the Bachelor of Forensic Science, or the Bachelor of International Studies.

Staff in involved in these programmes also conduct research in the above areas.

Staff also supervise research students completing higher degrees by research in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.