COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of International Studies with Honours requires students to complete a rigorous and focused program amounting to 48 credit points. To qualify for the award, candidates must successfully complete a single advanced unit that combines coursework and a dissertation, allowing them to extend their undergraduate studies through deeper academic investigation and concentrated research training. This structure ensures that every honours student develops strong analytical capabilities and advanced knowledge in their chosen area of international studies. Throughout the program, candidates work closely with an allocated supervisor or supervisory team. Regular consultation is a central requirement, with the frequency and mode of meetings determined jointly by the student, supervisor and course coordinator. These consultations may include online or face-to-face discussions and are intended to guide students through both the coursework and the development of their dissertation. The program’s core academic requirement is the unit Honours in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS400H), a comprehensive 48-credit-point unit that integrates advanced theoretical learning with independent research. Through this unit, students complete higher-level coursework that builds specialist knowledge while undertaking a research project that demonstrates their capacity for critical thinking, academic writing and original inquiry. This combination of structured learning and self-directed research prepares students for professional careers that demand analytical depth as well as for potential further study at the master’s or doctoral level. Students are encouraged to make use of the additional details available in the UNE Handbook, which provides information on course plans, exit pathways, intensive schools and any work placement requirements associated with the honours program. Overall, the course structure is designed to ensure students receive strong academic guidance, gain substantial research experience and graduate with the advanced skills needed to navigate complex global issues.