The International Studies program at the University of Adelaide offers you an opportunity to explore the inter-relations between nations and peoples, and to examine global politics, problems and actors from a variety of perspectives. Our program has three important key strands:

i) global justice – the rights and obligations of states, individuals, and groups that transcend the national boundaries, and the implications of these for transnational problems such as trade, poverty, and migration;

ii)  global governance including emerging actors, instruments and processes of governing and regulation of complex global problems such as climate change or financial regulations; and,

iii) security – issues ranging from traditional threats and emerging questions in international security such as the rise of China and new and complex threats such as infectious diseases, and terrorism.

The comprehensive array of electives on offer will reinforce these different strands of our program.   

Study Abroad and Exchange Opportunities

The University has student exchange links with over 100 overseas institutions. You can study overseas for one or two semesters which counts as credit towards your degree program at the University of Adelaide. In addition there are no extra tuition fees for this study. What better way to test out newly developed language skills or experience another culture as you learn?

Honours Degree of Bachelor of International Studies

Double Degrees 

If you have strong interests in more than one area, then completing a double degree is a great investment in your future. Most double degrees can be completed in four years of full time study and you will graduate with two parchments. The following double degree programs have direct entry codes for SATAC:

• Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Economics
• Bachelor of Media / Bachelor of International Studies
• Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws (5 years)

Concurrent Degrees

Are you enrolled in a single degree and would like to apply for a second degree? Have you ever wondered if you could study a combination of programs not covered in any of the listed double degrees? Both of these options are possible. And, by selecting the appropriate courses to enrol in, you can complete both awards in four years of full time study.

You can apply through SATAC for one program, and then apply for the second program the following year. Even better, you may be able to apply internally through the university for your second program in the middle of the year. The university rules for internal transfers, i.e. transferring from one degree to another or applying to enrol in a second degree can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/admission/internaltransfers.

Please talk to the Faculty Office for enrolment advice if you are considering this option.

Diploma in Languages

Studying for a humanities and social sciences degree means you can choose to study a language as part of your degree. Alternatively, any student enrolled in an undergraduate program at the university can elect to study a language through the Diploma in Languages. Start as a complete beginner or with more advanced knowledge and choose from Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Modern Greek or Spanish. The Diploma in Languages will extend study for one year to fit the language sequence, and you will graduate with certificates in both your program and the Diploma in Languages. You will leave university with language expertise, communication skills and greater cultural insight.

*The Diploma in Languages is not available to international students. 

Graduates find successful careers in numerous roles. Potential Careers are listed below.

A very popular option for your third year is to take part in an internship with an organisation from within the arts, media, parliament or environment. These include State Parliament and a range of public and business sector agencies, where you can use the knowledge from your university study in a practical work environment, building valuable networks and gaining experience that counts towards your degree program and prepares you for your future career.

• Humanities and Social Sciences Program Information Leaflet
• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• University Contact Centre enquiry form