Structure of the International Studies program

The program requires both undergraduate students and postgraduate students by coursework to follow a single major – a specialisation in a country or region.

Undergraduate students studying for the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies study four sequential subjects that focus on a relevant language and culture, one subject that introduces students to the study of comparative social change, one subject that examines contemporary society, and spend two semesters at an institution of higher education in the country of their major.

Postgraduate students studying for the Graduate Diploma in International Studies are required to study two sequential subjects that focus on a relevant language and culture. Students must do at least one of either the International Studies Research Seminar or the relevant Contemporary Society subject, plus other approved elective subjects.

Postgraduate students studying for the Master of Arts in International Studies are required to study two sequential subjects that focus on a relevant language and culture. Students must do at least one of either the International Studies Research Seminar or the relevant Contemporary Society subject plus other elective subjects. Once these six subjects are completed, students undertake either In-country Study 1 (prerequisite subject: the relevant Contemporary Society subject) or Dissertation (prerequisite subject: International Studies Research Seminar).

Students are admitted to the International Studies program with no guarantee of entry to a specific major, although every effort is made to meet students' preferences. The Institute reserves the right to allocate places in majors according to its resources and arrangements with overseas universities.

Note: In general, the International Studies programs have no prior language requirements, except for programs within the Heritage major.

Each student's choice of major and subjects requires the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies.

In exceptional circumstances, students may, with the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies, vary the designated subjects in their International Studies major. Refer to the list of approved substitute subjects.

Language and Culture

Language and Culture subjects are an important part of the International Studies program. They are designed to prepare UTS students for further study in a country of their International Studies major.

Students are encouraged to study a language other than English, not only to gain a communication tool, but also to gain an understanding of other cultures and societies. The International Studies program does not usually give exemptions for any previous study of languages. The Language and Culture subjects admit students at different levels and are able to meet various levels of linguistic competence in order to enhance each student's communicative ability.

Students who start a language at beginners' level on their entry to the International Studies program can expect to acquire survival language skills for their period of In-country Study, and to lay a strong foundation for further language acquisition after graduation.

Students with competence in a language they intend to study are admitted to the Language and Culture subjects at a higher level to reflect their ability in that language. These students are expected to improve their existing skills in speaking, comprehension, reading and writing. Through the process of language acquisition, students are also encouraged to obtain an insight into the relevant culture.

In making its arrangements for the acquisition of language, the International Studies program differentiates between subjects of enrolment and units of instruction. Students in the International Studies program follow a specific Language and Culture program by enrolling in a series of subjects – four for undergraduates in a combined degree with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and two for postgraduates in the Postgraduate Coursework Degree Program in International Studies. The subject numbers refer to the sequence of study at UTS and not to the precise contents of the units of instruction. The units of instruction attended by students are determined by the individual's level of language proficiency. All individual choices of units of instruction are subject to the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies.

In exceptional circumstances, students with advanced competence in a language may be exempted from further language study but are required to substitute alternative subjects. Further details are provided under the regulations for Special Arrangements, located in the Majors section of this handbook. Any amendments to the individual student's International Studies program are subject to the approval of the Board of Studies of the Institute for International Studies.

The Language and Culture subjects of the International Studies program are open as electives to all UTS students. Further details may be found under the Language and Culture programs in the Subject Descriptions section of this handbook.

Comparative Social Change
and
Contemporary Society

In each major of the International Studies program, students take two specific subjects which provide an introduction to the history, politics, economics and society of the country or region of their International Studies major.

The subject Comparative Social Change¹ provides an introduction to comparative social change in Europe, Latin America, and East and South-East Asia. All students take this subject to help them locate the culture of their major in its intellectual, social and political contexts. Comparative Social Change is offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The Contemporary Society subject provides an introduction to a specific country or region in order to ensure that students gain an understanding of its political, social and economic structures, and to identify its more dynamic aspects. No prior knowledge of the culture or skill in the language of the country concerned is required, and all teaching is conducted in English. Contemporary Society subjects are taught by the Institute.

The following Contemporary Society subjects are taken in each major:

Canada (Québec)	Contemporary Society
Chile	Contemporary Latin America
China	Contemporary China
France	Contemporary Europe
Germany	Contemporary Europe
Indonesia	Contemporary South-East Asia
Italy	Contemporary Europe
Japan	Contemporary Japan
Latino USA	Contemporary Latino USA
Malaysia	Contemporary South-East Asia
Mexico	Contemporary Latin America
Spain	Contemporary Europe
Switzerland	Contemporary Europe
Thailand	Contemporary South-East Asia

Comparative Social Change and Contemporary Society subjects are also offered as electives to all UTS students.

Footnote:
1. With the exception of the Law combined degree in which students enrol in 76600 International Legal Studies in lieu of 50140 Comparative Social Change.