Bachelor of International Studies

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture, way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.

Many of students study Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics, leading to careers in various fields.

See the Chinese major

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.

Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education or academia.

This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.

See the Chinese Translation and Interpreting major

Economics is central to understanding issues relating to business, markets, trade, governments, globalisation, health, development and the environment.

When you graduate, you could start a career as an analyst, adviser or economist in the public and private sectors, whether in business, finance, international development, management or research.

See the Economics major

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.

Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.

The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, the French Advanced major is for you.

See the French major

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.

You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.

The French Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, the French major is for you.

See the French Advanced major

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

See the German major

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this major covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.

This major is beneficial for careers in business, education, tourism, law, mining and extractives, public policy, security, defence and foreign policy.

See the Indonesian major

This major equips students with a thorough understanding of the historical foundations of the modern world.

Introductory courses deal with the medieval and earlier modern periods, while later courses focus on the modern era from the 19th to the 20th century. You'll be able to choose from study options covering Europe, Britain, China, Japan and South-East Asia.

You'll develop skills in the handling and interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and gain a grasp of the main theoretical and methodological debates in modern historiography. In upper-level courses students are trained as professional historians with the ability to deliver historical products to a broad audience.

See the International History major

This major introduces you to the relationship between global development and inequality.

You'll study key issues, concepts and approaches to global development and poverty in historical and contemporary contexts.

You'll be introduced to a variety of important issues, including the roles of different actors and agencies in development, ranging from international institutions to community groups.

Through this major you'll gain a comprehensive account of the complex and interdisciplinary nature of global development and inequality. You'll be equipped with the skills to assess and evaluate the various challenges and opportunities in development in an age of globalisation.

See the International Inequality and Development major

Equip yourself with the theoretical and practical tools to analyse and evaluate events and issues in world politics.

International relations provides an in-depth understanding of the nature and exercise of power in world politics; the origins, constitution and development of the international system; how ideas shape order, justice and security; Australia's role in global affairs; the interplay between domestic, international and transnational politics; and a diverse range of state and non-state actors.

Graduates of this major will be global citizens, intellectually open and flexible, aware of and sensitive to cultural difference, and motivated to make positive change through global engagement.

See the International Relations major

This major focuses on the culture, art, music, architecture and literature of Italy.

You'll study language courses from beginner to advanced levels, as well as courses (delivered mostly in Italian) that explore Italian literature, society, history, politics, cinema, popular culture and food culture.

You may choose to undertake a work-integrated learning experience in Italy – further enhancing your employability in many careers.

Graduate opportunities include careers in education, translation/interpreting, hospitality and tourism, international politics and diplomacy.

Italian is available cross-institutionally at Griffith University. Details of courses are available on the Griffith University website. To study an Italian course, visit the Brisbane Universities Languages Alliance to submit your application.

See the Italian major

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.

The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.

See the Japanese major

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.

The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, the Japanese major is for you.

See the Japanese Advanced major

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including  films, TV, internet culture and music.

Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.

See the Korean major

Develop a well-informed understanding of what causes political conflict, and the possibilities of finding peaceful solutions.

Issues you'll examine include peacekeeping, ethics and justice, Indigenous politics and development politics.

This major will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of equity, diversity and inclusivity in peace and conflict dynamics as well as the knowledge of strategies and processes for responding to, managing and resolving conflict locally and internationally.

You'll graduate equipped with the skills to translate learning into policy, engagement and impact.

You'll find many career pathways before you in diplomacy and foreign affairs, defence and intelligence, international development, and humanitarian and community services.

See the Peace and Conflict Studies major

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.

Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.

Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.

See the Spanish major

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture, way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.

Many of students study Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics, leading to careers in various fields.

See the Chinese major

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.

Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education or academia.

This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.

See the Chinese Translation and Interpreting major

Economics is central to understanding issues relating to business, markets, trade, governments, globalisation, health, development and the environment.

When you graduate, you could start a career as an analyst, adviser or economist in the public and private sectors, whether in business, finance, international development, management or research.

See the Economics major

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.

Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.

The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, the French Advanced major is for you.

See the French major

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.

You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.

The French Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, the French major is for you.

See the French Advanced major

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

See the German major

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this major covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.

This major is beneficial for careers in business, education, tourism, law, mining and extractives, public policy, security, defence and foreign policy.

See the Indonesian major

This major equips students with a thorough understanding of the historical foundations of the modern world.

Introductory courses deal with the medieval and earlier modern periods, while later courses focus on the modern era from the 19th to the 20th century. You'll be able to choose from study options covering Europe, Britain, China, Japan and South-East Asia.

You'll develop skills in the handling and interpretation of primary and secondary sources, and gain a grasp of the main theoretical and methodological debates in modern historiography. In upper-level courses students are trained as professional historians with the ability to deliver historical products to a broad audience.

See the International History major

This major introduces you to the relationship between global development and inequality.

You'll study key issues, concepts and approaches to global development and poverty in historical and contemporary contexts.

You'll be introduced to a variety of important issues, including the roles of different actors and agencies in development, ranging from international institutions to community groups.

Through this major you'll gain a comprehensive account of the complex and interdisciplinary nature of global development and inequality. You'll be equipped with the skills to assess and evaluate the various challenges and opportunities in development in an age of globalisation.

See the International Inequality and Development major

Equip yourself with the theoretical and practical tools to analyse and evaluate events and issues in world politics.

International relations provides an in-depth understanding of the nature and exercise of power in world politics; the origins, constitution and development of the international system; how ideas shape order, justice and security; Australia's role in global affairs; the interplay between domestic, international and transnational politics; and a diverse range of state and non-state actors.

Graduates of this major will be global citizens, intellectually open and flexible, aware of and sensitive to cultural difference, and motivated to make positive change through global engagement.

See the International Relations major

This major focuses on the culture, art, music, architecture and literature of Italy.

You'll study language courses from beginner to advanced levels, as well as courses (delivered mostly in Italian) that explore Italian literature, society, history, politics, cinema, popular culture and food culture.

You may choose to undertake a work-integrated learning experience in Italy – further enhancing your employability in many careers.

Graduate opportunities include careers in education, translation/interpreting, hospitality and tourism, international politics and diplomacy.

Italian is available cross-institutionally at Griffith University. Details of courses are available on the Griffith University website. To study an Italian course, visit the Brisbane Universities Languages Alliance to submit your application.

See the Italian major

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.

The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.

See the Japanese major

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.

The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, the Japanese major is for you.

See the Japanese Advanced major

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including  films, TV, internet culture and music.

Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.

See the Korean major

Develop a well-informed understanding of what causes political conflict, and the possibilities of finding peaceful solutions.

Issues you'll examine include peacekeeping, ethics and justice, Indigenous politics and development politics.

This major will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of equity, diversity and inclusivity in peace and conflict dynamics as well as the knowledge of strategies and processes for responding to, managing and resolving conflict locally and internationally.

You'll graduate equipped with the skills to translate learning into policy, engagement and impact.

You'll find many career pathways before you in diplomacy and foreign affairs, defence and intelligence, international development, and humanitarian and community services.

See the Peace and Conflict Studies major

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.

Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.

Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.

See the Spanish major