International Studies Major - Bachelor of Arts

The International Studies major helps you develop the skills to contribute effectively in this changing global environment, and interact with people with different backgrounds and world views.

To contribute to the increasing globalisation of the world, countries need people who understand the impact of global trends and issues, and can interact effectively in a multicultural environment. Intercultural competence is a skill highly valued by employers around the world.

In this major you can include courses from social sciences, business, culture, education, applied linguistics or languages. It’s a great addition to another major, especially in science, technology, engineering and maths. In your second year you can study overseas for one semester in the US, Spain, Japan, The Netherlands, Sweden, Korea or Taiwan.

Through the intercultural courses you'll develop transferable skills like cultural intelligence and resilience; skills that employers are looking for. You learn to evaluate the impact of globalisation, innovation and change on societies and individuals of processes, and analyse interactions in international or multicultural settings.

Apart from the courses below you also need to complete courses from your second major, your chosen minor(s) or electives.

International studies major courses

If you're majoring in international studies, this is the main subject area you specialise in. It makes up one third of your degree and consists of eight international studies-related courses you study throughout your degree.

Complete the following courses

• CLSY510 Introduction to International Studies
• CLSY630 Intercultural Competence
• CLSY706 International Studies in the 21st Century

And choose from these courses

Complete one of:

• JAPA511 Speak Japanese I
• KORE500 Korean Language and Culture 1
• MAOR505 Te Mānūtanga Beginners Māori Language 1
• NZSL510 New Zealand Sign Language I
• SPAN501 Spanish 1A

Complete two of:

• CONF683 Human Rights and Human Wrongs
• INTB603 Dynamic Environments
• MAOR630 Mana Motuhake: The politics of Māori

And complete two of:

• HRMG701 Diversity and Inclusion for Social Impact
• POLS781 International Relations
• TOUR704 Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development