| AQF Level |
Level 7 Bachelor Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
054336G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
Students completing a Bachelor of International Studies develop proficiency in their target language across a range of modes of communication. They gain an understanding of the society and culture of the countries where their target language is spoken. Students debate concepts of culture, analyse the relationship between language and culture, and apply skills in cross-cultural communication both inside and outside the classroom. They discover histories of global mobility and processes of nation formation, and reflect on their own experiences of mobility and belonging. The Bachelor of International Studies has a distinctive cross-cultural approach and a compulsory in-country study component, as well as the opportunity to complete an internship. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
KNOWLEDGE
1. describe the role of culture in communication and demonstrate this knowledge in a variety of cross-cultural settings (K, T, C)
2. explore cultural difference/s and demonstrate respect for them via intercultural empathy (K, E, A, J, E)
3. define concepts of cross-cultural communication and critically reflect on the meaning of culture (K, C)
4. identify the role of the language in its cultural and socio-historical settings and aspects of its variation and change (K, C, T)
5. recognise the effects of globalization on civil society and citizenship (K, T, P, E, A)
SKILLS
6. research independently topics in citizenship studies, regional studies, intercultural communication, language studies/linguistics, globalization, identity, culture transition and transmission, or diaspora studies (K, T, E, A, L)
7. communicate effectively in the target language across a range of forms and in different contexts including local, international and cross-cultural contexts (K, T, P, C)
8. employ context-appropriate modes of communication including electronic, written, graphic, oral and aural forms (K, T, P, I, C, J)
9. self-evaluate communicative skills and reflect on the use of these skills in real cross-cultural experiences in an international context (K, L)
APPLICATION
10. locate and critically examine a range of language and culture resources including text and electronic for academic and professional purposes (K, P)
11. demonstrate independent management of language learning and practice skills in lifelong learning of languages and cross-cultural-communication (K, I, C, L)
12. assess the applications of developed cross-cultural and language skills in future professional activities (K, T, I, J, L). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Learning and teaching in the Bachelor of International Studies incorporates a range of methods to enable students to gradually develop the knowledge, skills and opportunities to apply knowledge and skills in the program outcomes. Students of the Bachelor of International Studies have opportunities to include in-country studies such as intensive residential units and PACE International activities in their degree in addition to a required semester of in-country study.
Learning and teaching International Studies content (non-language) units at the 100 level incorporate a variety of methods and a range of subjects to enable students to develop knowledge and learn concepts of cross-cultural communication, and to identify, respect and respond appropriately to the norms of a broad range of cultures, and to apply these in program outcomes. Students have opportunities to undertake intensive residential in-country studies internship, a domestic internship and/or PACE International activities in their degree.
Learning and teaching in 200 and 300 level Internationals Studies units facilitate independent research in topics such as citizenship studies, regional studies, intercultural communication, globalization, identity, culture transition and transmission, and diaspora studies. At 300 level, students in the Bachelor of International Studies undertaken a semester of in-country studies where they apply their language skills towards social and academic purposes in an international context, and in the capstone unit they examine and reflect on the role of the target language in its cultural and societal setting, and evaluate this role in local and global situations.
Language units undertaken as a core component of the Bachelor of International Studies use a communicative approach in the classroom environment with additional audio and written material and activities to be worked on at home. The emphasis inside and outside of the classroom is on meaningful interaction and tasks, and the creation of a low anxiety environment which fosters the development of a learning community in which students can practice their target language. This is supported by a range of comprehensible inputs targeted at the students’ developing language level, both from teaching staff and support materials (principally online), and constant opportunities for students to apply their developing knowledge to meaningful tasks. These include reading and listening to authentic cultural materials, in which students are guided to develop comprehension strategies that can be applied to any situation, and to acquire vocabulary in context. In support of the communicative goals, students also review key grammatical concepts to build their confidence and capacity to evaluate their own progress in the discipline. As students progress into 200 and 300 level units, they also engage in tasks and enrol in units with a stronger emphasis on cognitive and analytical skills in addition to language proficiency, including conducting research related to target language cultures and presenting it in a variety of formats such as oral presentations and written and spoken discussions, essays, debates, and audio-visual recordings. Language teaching models include: practicals, seminars, lectures, tutorials, and supervised independent study. Many language units are also offered in External mode and have been designed to support online learning. |
| Assessment |
Assessment in International Studies contents units is based on a progressive continuous assessment model, which ensures compliance with Macquarie’s policy of early, low-risk assessment and feedback, a minimum of three assessment tasks and different types of task, with no task worth more than 60% of the unit total. The diversity of assessment tasks strives to create a balance for students with different learning styles and opportunities for students to develop their skills across the learning areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Students are given multiple opportunities in each unit throughout the degree program to develop comprehension and communication strategies that will assist them in attaining the overall program learning outcomes. Assessment tasks require students to engage with theoretical concepts and express themselves appropriately according to the context and medium whether in their target language studies or in International Studies units. In the latter, students are required to undertake independent research and to demonstrate their knowledge, analytical skills and critical thinking.
In addition students demonstrate their growing knowledge of the structural aspects of their target language and the cultural contexts in which communication occurs within the cultures which employ the target language. The emphasis is on formative tasks with meaningful applications, such as spoken and written tasks relating to students’ lives, opinions and their engagement with the broader language communities, however some summative tasks such as grammar and vocabulary quizzes are incorporated, particularly at 100 and 200 levels, so that students can confirm minimum attainment of key structural aspects of the language. All student work is evaluated according to standards that are clearly articulated within the unit, and no norm-referencing is used. International Studies units employ moderation procedures between multiple markers involved in a single unit and external moderation for units with a single marker.
Examples of assessment types include:
• quiz
• essay
• online discussion – written
• participation
• literature review
• presentation. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
The Bachelor of International Studies gives students a broad sense of contemporary global cultural issues and their historical roots, as well as a proficiency in a particular language and culture which they can apply to their professional endeavours in a range of fields with an international outlook or as preparation for professional or research degrees at the post-graduate level. Macquarie’s Bachelor of International Studies can be completed as a standalone degree. It can also be combined with a degree in Law, giving graduates in that area distinctive additional communication skills and cultural knowledge to distinguish them from their peers.
Career options for students graduating with a Bachelor of International Studies:
• international business/finance - private sector
• international public sector
• communications and media
• marketing
• federal government
• corporate tourism
• international law
• education
• consulting
• risk management
• research. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification. |
