Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) (Honours)

Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) (Honours)

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$35,520 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City

Please note: This program is not currently available for commencing students.  

Overview

Develop superior research skills and critically examine global culture, government, economics and education.

As a student in the Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) (Honours), you will critically reflect leaders in government, business, international aid, development and education. You will design, research and complete a scholarly thesis and undertake advanced course work that provides a firmer grounding in the field and in broader research methods.

Why study international studies at RMIT?

Academic guidance

Learn research strategies, specialist knowledge and vital skills from expert educators.

International connections

Build local and global networks to enhance your future career and studies.

Peer collaborations

Work together to make connections, solve problems and exchange relevant learnings.

Building on the capabilities you acquired at undergraduate degree level, this degree will enhance your sense of professional identity and widen your learning horizons through exposure to research practice.

Many of our graduates continue on to develop an academic research career though further Master and PhD studies. You’ll engage with the academic world of global studies by joining a network of talented students, who develop fresh insights into international issues through deeper analysis.

Details

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This degree uses a variety of teaching and learning approaches, including:

  • interactive coursework seminars that develop theoretical knowledge and research skills
  • opportunities for collaborative learning and peer review
  • individual self-paced research in conjunction with expert supervision.

You will have access to online resources through the student portal. All programs are delivered in English.

Assessment activities may incorporate written, oral, group and online components.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The central focus of this program is the thesis project, which is supported by individual and small group interaction with staff, peers and industry experts.

Your thesis project will focus on a topic of your choice, negotiated with a supervisor, to allow you to address a research question. It will also provide a foundation for you to pursue further study or your career aspirations.

The thesis project will have an assessable outcome equivalent to between 12,000 and 15,000 words spread over the 2 semesters.

In addition, you will complete a total of 3 core subjects that will assist you in writing your thesis and studies. These are:

  • Thesis Preparation
  • Research Strategies
  • Nationalism, transnationalism and globalism: Making sense of identity, structure and change.

You will also have the opportunity to choose 1 elective subject.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) (Honours)
Program code: BH049
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time (2 semesters) or 2 years part-time (4 semesters)
BH049
049567A
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time (2 semesters) or 2 years part-time (4 semesters)
Plan code
BH049
CRICOS
049567A
View plan
Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) (Honours)
City Campus
1 year full-time
BH049
049567A
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
BH049
CRICOS
049567A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

As a graduate of this program you will be a highly versatile, articulate and imaginative future international professional.

You will be knowledgeable about global intercultural, social, linguistic and political issues and processes, and possess initiative and entrepreneurial skills. Employers value an honours degree because it demonstrates higher-order research, analysis and writing skills.

You will also be able to engage in professional and academic research and enter debates on related issues and processes within the international sector. You will also have specialist knowledge in your chosen thesis area.

Past graduates of the program have continued on to higher degrees by research and professional employment in organisations with international orientations, including government, non-government and community and global organisations both in Australia and overseas.

Graduate careers

Graduates have undertaken roles as:

  • international educators
  • international aid workers
  • international development workers
  • international policy advisers
  • foreign affairs officers
  • social researchers
  • civil services
  • communications officers
  • international political analysts
  • journalists
  • international business managers.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Please provide a one-page statement outlining why you wish to study Honours, what you hope to achieve through studying Honours and what research area/s you are interested in.     

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Selection criteria by applicant type

The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.

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Secondary education (Year 12) is not considered for entry into this program.

Vocational education and training (VET) is not considered for entry into this program.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

Work and life experience is not considered for entry into this program.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a selection task for this program. See below for full selection task details.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a relevant discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Please provide a one-page statement outlining why you wish to study Honours, what you hope to achieve through studying Honours and what research area/s you are interested in.     

To study this course 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 (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 English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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You can gain entry into this honours degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this program, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

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You can gain entry to this honours degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

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.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

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 FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You 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 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information