Bachelor of Global Studies
UndergraduateLAT-GST-DEG2027
Course information for 2027 intake
Understand the forces shaping the world
Explore international relations, politics, and human rights. Learn to analyse global challenges and develop practical responses. Get ready for meaningful action. Build skills for careers in government, international organisations or humanitarian work.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Global Studies
About this degree
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain and apply key knowledge in the various subfields of Global Studies discipline.
- Understand the complex systems, structures, laws and practices that shape global issues from a range of political, social, legal and cultural perspectives.
- Identify and analyse international and global problems, and formulate responses to them.
- Apply critical thinking and research methodologies to analyse key issues in global studies and contribute to new knowledge in the discipline's various subfields.
- Communicate effectively, in written and spoken formats, about global issues to a variety of academic and professional audiences.
- Demonstrate work readiness, teamwork and initiative through language learning, international mobility or work integrated learning experiences.
Explore the global issues facing key regions and countries with La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Global Studies.
In this degree, you will study international relations, geopolitics, contemporary security, American power, the rise of China, climate change, armed conflict, terrorism, and human rights.
Study fully online or at our Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus. You can shape your degree by choosing a major and minor with electives, or a double major with electives. Depending on your campus and study mode, you can choose from areas including international relations, conflict and negotiation, Asian politics and security, government and policy, human rights, sustainability and development, and language studies in Chinese, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, French, Greek and Spanish.
In second year, you will choose an industry placement or industry project. You will also be encouraged to build global experience through study at one of our overseas partner universities.
By studying the Bachelor of Global Studies, you will learn how to:
- Analyse the systems, structures, laws and practices that shape global issues
- Interpret political, social, legal and cultural perspectives on international challenges
- Evaluate international problems and formulate evidence-based responses
- Assess political systems, actors and processes at local, national and global levels
- Examine how global decisions affect communities and environments.
Recommended study pattern
This degree is an Open Access pathway course, which means there is a recommended series of subjects that, once successfully completed, can be credited towards this degree. To commence the pathway for this degree, simply select subjects identified within the Entry requirements field.
Students who wish to enrol in a part time load are recommended to enrol in two subjects per study period. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook to review the full structure.
Students who are studying and want to take a break (minimum one study period) must submit a leave of absence covering the relevant dates.
Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first study period as a CSP student:
LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module
ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Global Studies, students must complete 24 subjects (360 credit points) as follows:
- 4 core subjects
- 1 core-option subject
- 8 major subjects
- 11 elective subjects (which can include a second major, minor and electives)
Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first study period as a CSP student:
LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module
ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education
Choose your subjects
Majors
Students must complete a course related major sequence consisting of 8 subjects (120 credit points) from the following majors:
- Asian Politics and Security
- Conflict and Negotiation
- Government and Policy
- Hindi Studies Beginners
- Human Rights
- International Relations
- Sustainability and Development
In addition, students may wish to complete a second major sequence consisting of 8 subjects (120 credit points) from the list above, or one of the following arts majors or:
- Anthropology
- Archaeological and Heritage Studies
- Asian Studies
- Creative and Professional Writing
- Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
- Digital Media
- English
- Ethics and Social Justice
- History
- International Studies
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Psychological Science
- Sociology
- Visual Cultures
Students may wish to complete a second major sequence consisting of 8 subjects (120 credit points) from the lists above, or one of the following business majors:
- Agribusiness
- Digital Business
- Management
- Marketing
Electives
Students can complete an additional major (detailed above), minors (detailed below) or elective subjects.
Students may wish to complete a course related minor sequence consisting of 4 subjects (60 credit points) from the following global studies minors:
- Asian Politics and Security
- Conflict and Negotiation
- Government and Policy
- Hindi Studies Beginners
- Human Rights
- International Relations
- Sustainability and Development
Students may wish to complete a minor sequence consisting of 4 subjects (60 credit points) from the following arts minors:
- Anthropology
- Archaeological and Heritage Studies
- Asian Studies
- Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
- Creative and Professional Writing
- Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
- Digital Media
- English
- Environmental Humanities
- Ethics and Social Justice
- History
- International Studies
- Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Psychological Science
- Sociology
- Visual Cultures
Students may wish to complete a minor sequence consisting of 4 subjects (60 credit points) from the following business minors:
- Accounting for Business Management
- Agribusiness
- Digital Business
- Digital Marketing
- Human Resources Management
- Management
Exit points
Upon completion of Level one 8 subjects (120 credit points), students have the option to exit with a Diploma of Arts (AD002O).*
*Please note that if you are a past La Trobe student who has discontinued study, or if you have been absent without leave, you are not eligible to apply for an alternative exit retrospectively.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$16,450
Indicative total fee $49,350
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
By choosing La Trobe University your impact is real.
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 36,000 students and staff.
Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University
Explore La Trobe University courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 17
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 16
Entry requirements
Demonstrate proficiency equivalent to Year 12 prerequisites
Satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
- do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
Refer to the La Trobe University STAT page for further information.
La Trobe University will consider applications for advanced standing, or credit for prior study. Credit may be applied to a current degree if you have undertaken previous tertiary study and completed and passed subjects similar in content and standard to those offered at La Trobe, from either another recognised tertiary institution or a different La Trobe course.
Note: Applications for credit will not be considered until you have successfully been admitted to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in a La Trobe course offered through OUA.
Assessing whether you should apply for credit for subjects in your course:
Credit may be granted for relevant subjects. The following steps will help you to decide which subjects you wish to apply for:
- Identify subjects within your course that you think align with subjects you have already studied and have completed within 8 years of your La Trobe University course commencement year.
- Provide subject outlines with detailed information for each subject that you wish to submit for assessment for credit, identifying which subject within your course that you have identified as a match. Include subject learning outcomes/objectives and subject content for each subject.
- Provide your academic transcript for your previous studies.
*Note that a subject studied can only be used once for credit
Career opportunities
Graduate ready to apply your knowledge of international relations, policy, security and global issues in government, intergovernmental agencies, international organisations and humanitarian contexts. Possible roles include:
- Diplomat or consular official
- International policy officer
- Intelligence analyst
- Humanitarian support coordinator
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Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Enrolling online through Open Universities Australia is simple. Here's how it works:
- Select 'Start studying now' on your chosen course
- Create an account
Or sign in if you already have an account.
- Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment
We'll ask you questions to help determine your eligibility or match you with alternative entry pathways. We'll also help you choose your ideal study load, start date and funding option.
You'll need to provide supporting documents along the way, such as:
- Proof of identity
- Your tax file number
- A Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Wait for confirmation
Once you're done, we'll submit everything to your chosen university on your behalf. They will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.
Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course page.
If you get stuck at any time, you can book a consultation with a student advisor and they will happily guide you through it.