International Studies program

Technological change, the emergence of a more integrated world and the movement of people during the second half of the 20th century have dramatically increased the importance of the international dimensions of our lives. In all aspects of life and work, contemporary graduates need to be aware of the wider world. UTS aims to enhance its graduates' understanding of other cultures and societies through the International Studies program.

The International Studies program introduces students to languages and cultures of the non-English-speaking world and teaches them about contemporary societies in East and South-East Asia, Europe and the Americas. The programs at undergraduate level provide opportunities for students to study overseas for an academic year at an institution of higher education in the country of their International Studies major. At postgraduate level, the MA in International Studies by coursework also provides the possibility of study overseas for one semester.

The key element in the International Studies program is a period of study overseas. In preparation for this, the study of the language and culture, contemporary society, and political and economic structure of the relevant country is necessary. The International Studies program requires both undergraduate students and postgraduate students by coursework to follow a single major – a specialisation in a country or region.

In the International Studies program, students study one of the following countries or majors: Canada (Québec), Chile, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Latino USA, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland or Thailand. There are two other majors available that permit students to pursue programs of study about and in countries where other arrangements have not already been made. The Heritage major permits students with significant prior knowledge of a particular language and culture to continue their study in countries such as Croatia, Greece, Hong Kong, Korea, Poland, Russia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam and others. The Independent Study major is available where a language is taught in Sydney and a program of In-country study can be arranged.

International students may access one of the majors offered, provided that 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 International Studies major. If a visa cannot be granted, it will not be possible to undertake the chosen major.

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.

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 (see Special arrangements), 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. See the lists of approved alternative subjects for undergraduate students, and for postgraduate students.