Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of International Studies

This double degree pairs a science major with an international studies major, and you graduate with two bachelor degrees in four years instead of the six you would spend studying them one after the other. Western Sydney University runs it across its campuses, and the structure is standard Australian undergraduate fare: two teaching sessions a year (some schools call them semesters, some trimesters), eight credit points per unit, 240 credit points in total across the four years. You split that between the two halves of the degree, with a set of core units in each and room for electives.

What you actually study

On the science side you pick a major such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, environmental science, forensic science or nutrition, and work through the first-year foundation units before specialising. That means laboratory classes, field trips and practical work from early on. On the international studies side you study international relations, global politics, languages, and the economics and history that sit behind them. You can take a language major or minor, which is where a lot of the value sits if you want to work overseas or in trade, aid or diplomacy.

Because it is a four-year degree, there is space for a capstone unit in your final year and, in many majors, a research project or industry-linked placement. Science degrees in Australia often include work-integrated learning, and international studies degrees build in internships with NGOs, government agencies or community organisations. You can also apply for overseas exchange, and the international studies component usually makes that easier to fit in.

Who it suits

It suits someone who wants a science career but does not want to be limited to a lab. If you are interested in climate policy, global health, science communication, international development or the diplomatic side of technology and environment issues, this combination gives you the technical grounding plus the political and cultural literacy to work across both. It is also a good fit if you are unsure whether you want to be a scientist or work in policy, because you do not have to choose at 18.

English requirements for international applicants sit at IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for most undergraduate courses, higher for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so check both. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 068793M. While you study, a Student visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Confirm the current details on the official Western Sydney University page and the CRICOS register before you apply.

• Environmental scientist or policy officer in state and federal environment departments
• Laboratory scientist or research assistant in CSIRO, universities or private labs
• Global health or international development officer with NGOs and aid organisations
• Science communicator or policy analyst in government, industry or media
• Trade, foreign affairs or defence analyst in the Australian Public Service
• Sustainability or ESG analyst in banking, consulting or large corporates
• Mining, agriculture or resources sector roles with an international focus
• Further study: honours year, master's in international relations, public health or environmental management