Bachelor of Busines in International business

at La Trobe University - Melbourne Campus Australia

Explore what you’re passionate about and build a rewarding career.

The world is complex. And while we’re making serious inroads, many aspects of the human mind, behaviour and health are still beyond our understanding. There’s still so much to discover. As culture and technology continue to rapidly transform, we need skilled, empathetic and creative professionals who are passionate about broadening our understanding of both the world and our bodies – intelligent and caring people who want to create healthier communities in Australia, and around the globe.

If you're curious about the world, and passionate about making it a healthier and fairer place, La Trobe's Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences will give you everything you need to pursue your passion and your profession. Choose from an incredible array of majors and shape your future with this interdisciplinary degree.

Create your own path by combining majors from a wide range of areas. Pair psychological science with public health, or health promotion with sociology. Learn how to help victims of crime by combining rehabilitation counselling with crime, justice and legal studies. Or find inspiration in the human mind by pairing psychological science with creative and professional writing. You're in charge of your future and we're here to help you build your dream career. No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers.

Develop essential skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. Creative thinking. Critical analysis. The ability to understand and communicate with a wide range of people. And the knowledge you'll acquire – across both arts and health – will set you up for a successful career in a wide range of industries across both sectors. Once you've graduated, you may also have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in health and science, including clinical programs, or any one of our humanities and social sciences postgraduate programs.

The health sciences majors include both theory and lab practice units. For example, if you major in public health, you'll learn about environmental health issues, global health initiatives and health care systems. Or if you major in rehabilitation counselling, you'll explore the psychosocial perspective of health and illness, the issues related to living with chronic health problems, and sports and exercise psychology. You could even take your fascination with the human mind further by majoring in psychological science or study the complex inner workings of the body through the field of human physiological sciences.

Gain real-world experience and build valuable connections that will shape your career. Take on an industry placement in a range of workplaces, including hospitals, regional health organisations or community organisations like SBS Radio, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre or the United Nations Association of Australia or travel overseas for an international sustainability experience.[1] Many of our exchange programs are financially supported. Your dedicated course adviser will help you to find your path and explore new opportunities.

In the Asian Studies major you will examine Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia from interdisciplinary perspectives, including sociology, anthropology, politics, history, linguistics and literary studies. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, taught in English, that explore different aspects of the diverse societies, histories, popular cultures and traditions of the Asian region. You will also have the option to study an Asian language alongside this major. As part of the Asian Studies major, you are encouraged to undertake in-country study via one of the exchange programs with La Trobe’s partner universities in Asia (e.g., China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam).

By learning about Asia, you will be well equipped to interact with Asia and Asian cultures and communities, which is an asset for Australians in the 21st century and can lead to a wide range of employment opportunities.

The modern business world is changing at breakneck speed. Ongoing digital and operational disruption present unique challenges – as well as opportunities. We need new leaders who are agile, entrepreneurial and, above all, able to innovate under the toughest of conditions.

Develop solid foundations in modern business with La Trobe's Bachelor of Business. Prepare to thrive in a digitally disrupted world with this highly flexible degree and start building your dream career in business.

You'll explore multiple business disciplines in your first year and develop foundational knowledge and enterprise skills in areas such as management, organisational structures, data analytics and ethical business practices.

You'll choose from a wide range of majors, minors and optional second majors. You can also pair your major with complementary study from another discipline.

No matter how you specialise, you'll get hands-on experience and learn the latest digital skills while developing essential leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills.

You'll develop your professional business skills as you work in diverse teams, present business strategies and use the software that's essential in modern business.

You'll graduate with the perfect blend of business fundamentals and technical expertise so you can change the business world.

Finance

Finance is a key business discipline because it not only provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish a successful career in the financial markets, insurance and banking sectors, it is equally fundamental to the funding and managing of all successful businesses.  So, whether you are considering a career as a financial analyst or fund manager, seeking a career in the corporate or government sectors, or intending to start your own business, the knowledge and skills of finance are an essential pre-requisite for your success.

The finance major is designed to develop the knowledge and skills sought by employers of finance graduates, through learning experiences in our financial trading room, applying the information sources and financial tools used by professionals working in the finance sector to solve financial problems. 

Politics, philosophy and economics degrees have produced political and community leaders who have shaped our world, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, journalist and film activist Tariq Ali, and former Australian Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke.

The world needs creative leaders to respond to society’s greatest challenges, including the global effects of the climate crisis and the social impacts of inequalities in resources, opportunity and power.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics gives you a multi-disciplinary perspective on the political and economic systems that shape the world. Develop the skills to respond to urgent problems and make a positive social impact

Through the study of politics, you'll enhance your knowledge of political institutions and their history. Analyse who is disadvantaged by existing institutions, and identify what opportunities exist for creative policy development.

Take subjects in philosophy that explore the debates around human rights and justice. Refine your critical thinking and logical reasoning skills and consider how our conceptions of self are informed by society.

Through the study of economics, you'll learn how the economy works in a world of globalised and interdependent markets, examining the relationships between economic systems, institutions, and policy.

Explore how governments can manage their economies to achieve important social objectives. Investigate competing theories of political economy, including institutional, feminist, post-Keynesian, behavioural, and ecological economics.

Equipped with these disciplinary skills, you'll discover the interconnections between philosophical thinking, the study of politics, and economics. From there, you'll apply these interdisciplinary insights to a range of policy contexts.

Tailor your degree to your interests and passions. Choose from five majors, including political economy, politics, economics, political philosophy, and philosophy. Depending on your major, you'll be able to build specialist knowledge in inequality, global institutions, climate change, human rights, political processes and behavioural science.

In your third year, you'll have the option of gaining practical experience and expanding your professional network through a work-based learning placement. Previous graduates have enjoyed internships in the public service and with the Victorian Parliament, as well as a range of non-government organisations and businesses, including Trades Hall, the Grattan Institute, and charitable organisations.

Graduate ready to tackle real-world problems, including climate change, the need for sustainable innovation, and the unequal distribution of wealth, opportunity, and power.

Economics

As a social science, economics is an exciting and challenging discipline that explores real-world issues and analyses ways to improve the well-being of people and the societies we live in. This major will give you valuable insights into the application of economic principles to develop government policy, business solutions and understand the choices people make. Analyse important issues such as poverty, inequality, inflation, unemployment, environmental issues, innovation, digital transformation, international competition, trade and economic development. The key graduate attributes that a major in economics develop are critical thinking, problem solving, researching and evaluating information. Overall you gain the skills for careers in economic and social policy, business, banking, financial markets and consulting.

The modern business world is changing at breakneck speed. Ongoing digital and operational disruption present unique challenges – as well as opportunities. We need new leaders who are agile, entrepreneurial and, above all, able to innovate under the toughest of conditions.

Develop solid foundations in modern business with La Trobe's Bachelor of Business. Prepare to thrive in a digitally disrupted world with this highly flexible degree and start building your dream career in business.

You'll explore multiple business disciplines in your first year and develop foundational knowledge and enterprise skills in areas such as management, organisational structures, data analytics and ethical business practices.

You'll choose from a wide range of majors, minors and optional second majors. You can also pair your major with complementary study from another discipline.

No matter how you specialise, you'll get hands-on experience and learn the latest digital skills while developing essential leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills.

You'll develop your professional business skills as you work in diverse teams, present business strategies and use the software that's essential in modern business.

You'll graduate with the perfect blend of business fundamentals and technical expertise so you can change the business world.

Sport management

Sport is an essential feature of Australian culture and is an important part of modern society. Our sport management industry is diverse, from managing grass roots sporting clubs and community organisations through to our elite sporting competitions, like the AFL or NRL. The sport manager  will have a strong background in both sport and business management.

The Sport Management major offered by the La Trobe Business School provides you with the business and management skills that you need to meet the demands of the growing sport industry including facilitating participation in sport, overseeing sport facilities and venues, sport marketing and revenue generation. You develop both your theoretical knowledge and applied management skills that directly impact the success of sporting codes, competitions, organisations, teams, individuals, and facilities. We develop your problem solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills preparing you for a career in a range of sport-related associations and business organisations. You also consider some of the unique features of sport and a range of contemporary issues that makes sport management a challenging but rewarding career.

More than ever, employers are searching for professionals with advanced STEM skills.* With job growth expected in this area* – including in areas that don’t even exist yet – there’s no better time to build the scientific skills you need to create a successful, interesting and satisfying career.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Science offers you foundational skills in science and the freedom to delve into your passions. Whether it's protecting endangered animals, developing new ways to treat disease or fighting climate change, you'll be ready to pursue your dream journey in science by tailoring your degree with a mix of majors and minors.

As you learn from leading academics and researchers, you'll take a deep dive into science – not only scientific concepts, but also how scientists think, work and share their findings.

Build skills in problem-solving, communication and collaboration – all highly sought after by employers – then use these skills to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Personalise your learning so you can spend time focusing on the areas that really interest you. Choose from majors in a range of fields, including botany, statistics, microbiology, genetics, data science and more, and learn from academics who are leaders in their fields.

You'll have opportunities to put theory into practice through work placements with our industry partners. Previous students have undertaken placements with CSIRO, Bayer Crop Science and various State and Federal Government departments.

Human physiological sciences

Explore how the human body functions and how it changes when we’re exposed to different environments. With a major in human physiological sciences, you’ll learn how our organs function in a number of conditions – including when we’re healthy, when we’re exercising and when we develop a disease – and get a taste of what it’s like to be a scientist. Discover how the trillions of cells in our bodies can be divided into groups based on the diverse functions they perform. We’ll examine these functions at the smallest cellular level all the way up to the whole organism level, see how they change during disease and explore how these changes can be prevented with drugs. You’ll be able to further your understanding with access to the latest scientific research taking place within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology. Throughout this major, you’ll develop data analysis and research skills by performing your own experiments in practical classes. Opportunities to communicate in different modes as well as to different audiences will provide you with valuable transferable skills. You’ll graduate with a solid understanding of the human body, and skills and knowledge you can apply to future study in a range of fields, including other health disciplines or scientific research. You may also want to consider completing the anatomy minor to complement this field of study.

More than ever, employers are searching for professionals with advanced STEM skills.* With job growth expected in this area* – including in areas that don’t even exist yet – there’s no better time to build the scientific skills you need to create a successful, interesting and satisfying career.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Science offers you foundational skills in science and the freedom to delve into your passions. Whether it's protecting endangered animals, developing new ways to treat disease or fighting climate change, you'll be ready to pursue your dream journey in science by tailoring your degree with a mix of majors and minors.

As you learn from leading academics and researchers, you'll take a deep dive into science – not only scientific concepts, but also how scientists think, work and share their findings.

Build skills in problem-solving, communication and collaboration – all highly sought after by employers – then use these skills to come up with innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Personalise your learning so you can spend time focusing on the areas that really interest you. Choose from majors in a range of fields, including botany, statistics, microbiology, genetics, data science and more, and learn from academics who are leaders in their fields.

You'll have opportunities to put theory into practice through work placements with our industry partners. Previous students have undertaken placements with CSIRO, Bayer Crop Science and various State and Federal Government departments.

Crop science

Want to help meet the growing worldwide demand for sustainably produced nutritious food? This is the challenge addressed by crop science: the study and improvement of production of our most important food crops. In this major, you’ll explore the issues set to dominate the future of crop production, including unpredictable water supply, climate change, food security, environmental impacts of agriculture, and the impact of pests, pathogens and advances in biotechnology. Build your knowledge in agronomy, agricultural systems, and sustainable intensification. Learn to advise clients and solve problems to improve crop production, improve profits and sustainability. You’ll develop expertise in plant, land and soil management and understand the science of using plants for food, and how to address issues in plant health and sustainable agriculture. Theory is good, but hands-on experience is even better. This major includes a range of practical learning opportunities in the lab and the field, so you can see first-hand how your skills and knowledge apply in real-world settings. These experiences will give you the opportunity to begin building your network of industry contacts – something you’ll be able to draw on throughout your career.

Politics, philosophy and economics degrees have produced political and community leaders who have shaped our world, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, journalist and film activist Tariq Ali, and former Australian Prime Ministers Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke.

The world needs creative leaders to respond to society’s greatest challenges, including the global effects of the climate crisis and the social impacts of inequalities in resources, opportunity and power.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics gives you a multi-disciplinary perspective on the political and economic systems that shape the world. Develop the skills to respond to urgent problems and make a positive social impact

Through the study of politics, you'll enhance your knowledge of political institutions and their history. Analyse who is disadvantaged by existing institutions, and identify what opportunities exist for creative policy development.

Take subjects in philosophy that explore the debates around human rights and justice. Refine your critical thinking and logical reasoning skills and consider how our conceptions of self are informed by society.

Through the study of economics, you'll learn how the economy works in a world of globalised and interdependent markets, examining the relationships between economic systems, institutions, and policy.

Explore how governments can manage their economies to achieve important social objectives. Investigate competing theories of political economy, including institutional, feminist, post-Keynesian, behavioural, and ecological economics.

Equipped with these disciplinary skills, you'll discover the interconnections between philosophical thinking, the study of politics, and economics. From there, you'll apply these interdisciplinary insights to a range of policy contexts.

Tailor your degree to your interests and passions. Choose from five majors, including political economy, politics, economics, political philosophy, and philosophy. Depending on your major, you'll be able to build specialist knowledge in inequality, global institutions, climate change, human rights, political processes and behavioural science.

In your third year, you'll have the option of gaining practical experience and expanding your professional network through a work-based learning placement. Previous graduates have enjoyed internships in the public service and with the Victorian Parliament, as well as a range of non-government organisations and businesses, including Trades Hall, the Grattan Institute, and charitable organisations.

Graduate ready to tackle real-world problems, including climate change, the need for sustainable innovation, and the unequal distribution of wealth, opportunity, and power.

Political economy

The major in Political Economy can only be taken by students in either the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics or the double degree with Law (LLB (hons)/ PPE). The goal of the Political Economy major is two-fold. First, in conjunction with PPE degree cores, the major’s core units ensure that students cover a minimum amount of Economics, Politics and Philosophy in the degree overall. Second, core-choice in the major then allows students to specialise in one of three different types of political economy, cultivating the knowledge and skills that you can later employ in specific types of jobs. Students may choose to hone the skills that study the political economy of inequality (analysing how economic marginalisation occurs along axes of gender, race, religion, class, and other identity categories). Or students can analyse the political economy of global institutions (analysing the impact of the behaviour of states and other global actors on the organisation of our economies). Or students can study the political economy of climate crisis (analysing how power and business interests undermine our ability to solve collective action problems, and what opportunities might exist to overcome this). This major will equip you with skills and knowledge to understand how economies might be reoriented, and how the behaviour of consumers and producers might be modified (through incentives and institutions) to achieve particular social objectives.

Undertaking a major in Political Economy will connect you with experts in economics, politics, political theory, ethics, development studies, sociology, public health, and environmental humanities. It will also prepare you for a variety of jobs (concerned with various types of inequality, global institutions, and the  climate crisis) which will require intersecting and interdisciplinary skills.

Despite the efforts of multilateral organisations, governments and philanthropists, more than 700 million people (around 10 per cent of the world’s population) still live in extreme poverty – often without adequate clean water, food or access to healthcare.* As inequality continues to increase around the world,** we desperately need more skilled professionals who understand the complexities of the development sector and who can help fight this alarming trend.

If you're passionate about supporting our world's most vulnerable communities, La Trobe's Master of International Development will give you strong foundations to advance your career in the humanitarian and development sector.

Build a meaningful career and learn how to create sustainable, positive change in areas where we need it most. You'll learn from experienced experts as you choose from a wide range of specialisations and specially curated electives, allowing you to pursue your passion.

You'll learn how to build strong relationships in the development sector and have the opportunity to undertake an internship or placement with a local or international development organisation, helping you to further build your skills and networks.

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.

International Relations

The International Relations major will train you to analyse how power is used in relationships between states, non-governmental and international actors and its impact on people and ecosystems around the world. In this major you will explore the various institutions, processes, beliefs and cultures that shape how international conflict and cooperation is managed in a variety of key areas ranging from security to environmental protection. Given that international issues touch upon most aspects of our daily lives, you will learn how to make sense of our international connections and develop the responses necessary to solve the big global problems of our time. 

Undertaking an International Relations major at La Trobe will connect you to experts in political theory, nationalism, social movements, democracy and democratisation, climate change, international relations of the Asia-Pacific, the politics of modern China and Russia, and the history of terrorism. 

We live in one vast, interconnected world. While nation states and local economies still dominate the overall playing field, there’s an ever-increasing flow between countries – of trade, capital, information and people. And it’s irreversibly transforming our lives. In this time of unprecedented change, there are more global challenges and they need urgent solutions. While we can’t predict the future, we do know this – we need more highly skilled professionals who can help us navigate this complex and delicate environment, and ensure we build a better world for all.

If you're keen to address the biggest global challenges of our time, La Trobe's Master of International Relations will give you the interdisciplinary skillset to make a real difference. Develop a solid grounding in international political theory and learn how to navigate the complex power dynamics between governments, multilateral organisations, international businesses and international NGOs. You'll graduate with the skills to work on current global issues and create positive change across cultures and societies.

In this comprehensive degree, you'll focus on public policy that promotes social justice and explore key themes of poverty, gender, inequality and the threat of war. Understand how foreign policy is made and build your knowledge of international law. Examine the role of international institutions in humanitarian law, international environmental law, refugee law and the laws of war. Then explore the sprawling networks of global economic interdependence, while investigating both the harms and benefits of globalisation. You'll understand the issues from a meta perspective, so you can create policies for governments and intergovernmental organisations such as the World Bank, ASEAN and the United Nations.

Learn from high-profile academic staff with extensive research and teaching experience. Outstanding educators who are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about their subject matter, they also have vast professional networks which students can access via placements and research. You'll learn from renowned commentators who are frequently quoted in local and international media, and whose expertise is sought by government committees.