Build skills to secure an international career that has a positive impact

International studies is a dynamic field which gives students an understanding of global issues and development. With rapid changes occurring in cyber security, environmental sustainability and political stability across the world, professionals who can adapt to the evolving nature of global affairs will be required.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in international studies designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to position yourself as a valued professional in the global workforce. Due to our well-established background in equipping adults for ever-evolving job markets, our international studies courses focus on how and why nations, governments and individuals respond to a range of important issues. This ensures you are future-fit to adapt to any situation you encounter as part of an international career. You’ll learn from leading experts who are engaged in cutting-edge research, have a passion for teaching, and have the experience to help you secure your career in international relations.

Most of our students opt for online learning, where they become part of a community of adults who bring their life and work experience together to build tangible networks for the future. Those who study on-campus can benefit from housing, sports and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in international relations, whether you choose to pursue careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, research, development, business or communications. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the International Studies courses on offer at UNE.

Courses by study level

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It …

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are a Pacific Islander looking to build on your teaching skills with a high-level qualification, UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Pacific Focus) is the degree for you. Gain the knowledge and skills to teach early childhood, inclusive education,…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online

This flexible non-teaching education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

The term 'global village' may have become a cliché but it's true that the world has never felt smaller. Globalisation has seen many countries become increasingly dependent on each other, with the effects of internal politics, foreign…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

What could be more exciting than landing in a foreign country and immediately being able to speak the language and connect with the local culture? In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant, and our Bachelor of…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Special and inclusive education is rapidly evolving, and with it the demand for specialists in the field is larger than ever. UNE’s Bachelor of Special and Inclusive Education (Primary) equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant. Whether you’re looking to future proof your career, make overseas travel more rewarding or just ticking off an item on your bucket list, learning a…

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more career choices, with a focus on your chosen area of interest. With the freedom to assemble your course from a curated …

Duration
  • 1 year part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

A ‘capstone’ to your bachelor's degree, the Bachelor of International Studies with Honours is an opportunity to drill deep into your specialist area, to extend your intellectual range, and sharpen your research capabilities. Develop advanced…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

With the advent of globalisation, issues relating to language and intercultural communication have never been more relevant. UNE's fully online Master of Applied Linguistics will give you the ability to understand the design of language, nuances …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Businesses operate in an increasingly complex and challenging global environment. Leaders all around the world need to effectively identify, critically assess, and appropriately address a variety of management challenges and issues.…

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Communities and regions face complex challenges as they work towards improving living standards and wellbeing. Economists play a critical role in community and regional development by informing the decisions of government and non-government agencies …

Duration
  • 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

What our students say

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The greatest aspects of UNE would be the relationships UNE holds with overseas universities and the opportunities students have to study abroad.

Sam Finlayson, Bachelor of Arts (Chinese) student

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in International Studies

With the global environmental, economic and political situation in a constant state of change, UNE’s courses will prepare you for rewarding roles in international relations. Ensure you have a deep understanding of complex world current affairs. Explore the international studies course options now.

Filter by:
Showing 110 of 29 results
Asia Pacific Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's political, environmental and economic experts will help you develop the analytical skills to secure your place in business, politics and humanitarian roles in Asia Pacific nations; a region forecast to see many social and environmental…

UNE's political, environmental and economic experts will help you develop the analytical skills to secure your place in business, politics and humanitarian roles in Asia Pacific nations; a region forecast to see many social and environmental changes in the coming years.

Courses Type Level of Study
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Asian Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded Asian Studies academics will help you develop the analytical skills to contribute to a region that is rapidly evolving; politically, economically and environmentally. Work in areas such as law, government and education to…

UNE's highly regarded Asian Studies academics will help you develop the analytical skills to contribute to a region that is rapidly evolving; politically, economically and environmentally. Work in areas such as law, government and education to create positive change.

Courses Type Level of Study
Master of Economic and Regional Development Major Postgraduate
Chinese
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop your Chinese language skills and learn about the political and cultural life of China. Using up-to-date tech programs, our experts will guide you to develop practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Future-fit yourself for a …

Develop your Chinese language skills and learn about the political and cultural life of China. Using up-to-date tech programs, our experts will guide you to develop practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Future-fit yourself for a career in the region or in teaching.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Language Studies Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Languages Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Diploma in Modern Languages Major Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Economic Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's esteemed economics academics will help you develop the critical thinking and communication skills to succeed in the rapidly changing field of economic development. Learn about current trends using emerging tech and stay up-to-date with…

UNE's esteemed economics academics will help you develop the critical thinking and communication skills to succeed in the rapidly changing field of economic development. Learn about current trends using emerging tech and stay up-to-date with best practices for a sustainable career in the field.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Economics Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Master of Economic and Regional Development Specialist Course Postgraduate
Master of Economics Major Postgraduate
European History
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's established reputation in history and develop valuable, transferable skills in critical thinking, communication and research. Learn how to use digital tools to collect, analyse and present information and secure your future as …

Benefit from UNE's established reputation in history and develop valuable, transferable skills in critical thinking, communication and research. Learn how to use digital tools to collect, analyse and present information and secure your future as a historian or teacher in the world of academia.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice Major Undergraduate
French
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop your French language skills and learn about the cultural life of France. Using up-to-date tech programs, our experts will guide you to develop practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Future-fit yourself for a career in…

Develop your French language skills and learn about the cultural life of France. Using up-to-date tech programs, our experts will guide you to develop practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Future-fit yourself for a career in education, international business, or diplomacy.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Language Studies Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Languages Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Diploma in Modern Languages Major Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
German
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop your German language skills and learn about the political and cultural life of Germany. Using up-to-date tech programs, our experts will help you develop practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Secure your career in…

Develop your German language skills and learn about the political and cultural life of Germany. Using up-to-date tech programs, our experts will help you develop practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Secure your career in education, tourism, government, media or business.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Language Studies Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Languages Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Diploma in Modern Languages Major Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Global Environment
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Prepare for a career in Environmental Science and learn from the experts at UNE. Develop the skills to analyse the critical issues concerning the rapidly changing environment; land use, resource management, pollution, water, animals, natural…

Prepare for a career in Environmental Science and learn from the experts at UNE. Develop the skills to analyse the critical issues concerning the rapidly changing environment; land use, resource management, pollution, water, animals, natural disasters, and explore advancing technology.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Global Politics
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded politics academics will help you develop an international mindset to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of global politics that is forecast to see vast social, political and technological advances. Explore…

UNE's highly regarded politics academics will help you develop an international mindset to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of global politics that is forecast to see vast social, political and technological advances. Explore issues such as peace, power, equality and justice.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Global Politics and Peace
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experts in international politics will help you examine nonviolent ways of resolving or transforming conflict and develop skills for use in communities worldwide. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of global politics that is…

UNE's experts in international politics will help you examine nonviolent ways of resolving or transforming conflict and develop skills for use in communities worldwide. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of global politics that is seeing vast social change and technological advances.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of International and Language Studies Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of International Studies Major Undergraduate

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in International Studies

By studying international studies with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers across the world. With the need for well-informed global experts set to rise, professionals with skillsets in international studies can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Humanitarian
    Work to promote social justice and improve the lives of people who are affected by crises and disasters.
  • Diplomat
    Represent and further the interests and policies of your country while serving overseas.
  • International relations specialist
    Analyse and interpret political, economic and social developments on a global scale.
  • Journalist
    Research, investigate, analyse and report on international events and issues.
  • International trade specialist
    Facilitate and promote international trade between countries or companies.
  • Immigration agent
    Examine and assess the entry of people from other countries into Australia.
  • International law specialist
    Work in legal firms, international organisations or government bodies, dealing with legal issues that cross national boundaries.
  • Intelligence agent
    Gather data and information and analyse it to develop a picture or understanding of a person or issue.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.