Program Overview

La Trobe's Bachelor of Global Studies gives you a strong grounding in the issues facing key regions and countries around the world. We've designed this degree to introduce you to global problems and their policy responses, so you'll develop the tools to tackle the challenges of the future.

Study core subjects examining the history of international relations and geopolitics, contemporary security issues – such as American power, the rise of China, contemporary armed conflict and terrorism – and the emerging challenges of human and environmental security.

Look at international cooperation and conflict. Analyse the dynamics of power, sovereignty and security, exploring transformational changes in 21st century international relations. Investigate the powerful role of international law – including humanitarian, environmental and refugee law.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world. Choose from majors such as international relations, human rights, conflict and negotiation, Asian politics and security, government and policy, sustainability and development, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Spanish, Greek, French and Italian.

Global experiences are a vital part of global studies. Get out of the classroom and into the real world with a study experience at one of our overseas partner universities and build both your skills and your professional network. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.[1]

You'll learn:

• Global issues and organisations: Explore the complex systems, structures, laws and practices that shape global issues. Broaden your understanding and consider a range of political, social, legal and cultural perspectives.
• Problem solving and critical thinking: Learn how to identify and analyse international and global problems and formulate responses to them.
• Theory and practice of politics: Build your understanding of political systems, actors and processes. Understand how they work at a local, national and global level.
• Grassroots development and sustainability: Explore how global decisions can impact individual communities and the environments we all depend on.

Major: Sustainability and development

The Sustainability and Development major trains you to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is an interdisciplinary major that incorporates the perspectives of Development Studies, Anthropology, History, Politics, International Relations, Sociology, Environmental Studies and Economics. By combining relevant theory, with practical skills and experience, you will gain knowledge and competency in the sustainability and development sector.

Throughout the major, you will explore social, cultural, economic, political and environmental objectives and consider why the world is imbalanced and prone to power differentials that extend from global decision makers right down to the level of the individual. You will also consider how some objectives are more highly valued than others, for example, should industrial growth be privileged over biodiversity? Or, can clean water and air undermine higher profits and outputs? It is in the interest of all of us to strike the right balance between development and sustainability.