Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations

Course Overview

This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:

• Familiarity with a broad range of theoretical and conceptual framework of international relations and how they are applied.
• Exposure to global political, economy and sustainability issues and to provide solutions through critical debate.
• Practical and academic skills which include independent judgement, self-reflection, effective communication and an ability to work in teams and with diverse stakeholders.
  
   

Expose yourselves to global political, economy and sustainability issues and grow throughout your journey @ APU to become an International Relations graduate who is ready to take on the world. If you are interested in current affairs, global issues and are motivated to provide solutions to tackle the world’s problems, the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations is the right programme for you.

It will be an enriching journey as you learn about global affairs through debates, film studies, discussions, reports as well as studying the latest new reports. Build connections for your future careers as diplomats, journalists, politicians, reporters etc., and get ready to become future world leaders.

Key Elements of the APU International Relations Programme

Curriculum

DEGREE LEVEL 1

Students will be equipped with knowledge and understanding of historical events and global development in the field of international relations. Besides, students will also be exposed to political ideologies, issues in world politics, the impact of major revolutions in international affairs as well as the issues related to sustainability and environmental politics

Common Modules

• Introduction to International Relations
• Malaysia and the World
• Introduction to Politics
• Film Studies and International Relations
• Introduction to Globalisation 4.0
• Revolutions, Popular Uprising and Social Movement in World Politics
• Global Comparative Politics
• Introduction to Sustainability and Environmental Politics
• Fundamental of Entrepreneurship

DEGREE LEVEL 2

Students will be exposed to the theoretical and conceptual framework of the discipline, the role of international organisations, the inequality in the global economy, the role of small power in politics and environmental policies. Year 2 provides a broad overview of major theoretical debates, political issues and key developments in international relations using academic sources and official documents. Students will also be introduced to analytical skills of comparison and develop familiarity and competence in using the skills to inform their understanding in both written and oral presentation.

Common Modules

• Key Theories of International Relations
• International Organisations
• ASEAN Regionalism
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• International Political Economy
• Small Power Politics
• Research Methods in International Relations
• Environmental Policy, Legislation & Regulation
• Innovation Process

INTERNSHIP (16 WEEKS)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

DEGREE LEVEL 3

Students will make use of their learning from previous semesters and industrial experience to extend their familiarity in the field of international relations and refine it with their personal and professional development. A final year project requires them to investigate and provide solutions for a real-world problem - they will demonstrate their ability to combine fundamental knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills to produce a personal achievement portfolio.

Common Modules

• International Security
• Global Diplomacy
• Transnational Organised Crime
• Investigations Module
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Refugees and Immigrants
• Sustainable Development Policy and Issues
• Venture Building
• Project Module

MQA Compulsory Subjects*

• Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Philosophy and Current Issues
• Workplace Professional Skills
• Integrity and Anti-corruption
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency)

Entry Requirements

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Note: The credit requirement at SPM/IGCSE level can be waived should the grades obtained at the STPM/STAM/Diploma/Matriculation/Foundation level are equivalent/higher.

The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Career Prospects

• Diplomat
• Intelligence Analyst
• Military Officer
• Political Analyst
• Communication Specialist
• Lobbyist
• Researcher
• Academician
• Politician
• NGO Worker
• Activist
• Social Worker
• International Organisation Officer
• Multinational Corporation Executive
• Entrepreneur
• Reporter
• Policy Officer

Study Abroad Pathway

APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme