BA in International Relations

Qualification: International Relations Expert
Duration: 6 curricular semesters
ECTS: 180
Regime: full-time
Place: Széchenyi István University, Győr, Hungary
Main Scientific Area: Social Sciences

Aims of the course
The undergraduate programme in International Relations is for individuals who are able to understand and interpret complexity, and are prepared to handle a broad range of evidence and analyse complex issues. They are also able to present arguments in a clear, concise and effective manner in English. The International Relations BA course is designed to enhance global perspectives and to learn how the world works. It also provides students with the knowledge of how to employ up-to-date theories, methods, and approaches. A multidisciplinary and flexible programme and the quality of education combine a wide range of courses in international relations, history, economics, political science, foreign languages, sociology and regional studies, among other disciplines. The programme trains the students to be well informed about the generally accepted tendencies, characteristics and data on universal political, economic and cultural phenomena. Thus, the students have deeper insights into and understanding of relations of various nations and cultures.

Career opportunities
The programme prepares students for leadership and service in the international or national diplomatic, professional, business, and academic communities. A degree of International Relations enables graduates to work in government, a global corporation or a nongovernmental organization: e.g. member of the country’s Foreign service, consultant for a multilateral organisation, development expert in nongovernmental organizations.

Other opportunities available
- Internship in various companies inside and outside the region
- Student mobility opportunities inside and outside Europe

Language
The language of the bachelor programme is English which makes it possible for students to
take an active part in international projects and scholarship programs and enables them to
work for any international institutions also in leader positions after graduation.

Learning outcomes, skills and competences
Students should demonstrate knowledge of key subfields and theories of international
relations as a discipline and understand relations between nations. They become specialists  in international relations and will be able to pursue a decision making career in international
organizations, diplomatic services, corporate business and non-profit organizations.
Furthermore, they display familiarity with foreign cultures and languages and are aware of the
forms, tools and techniques of international contact.

Admission requirements
- general certificate of education (GCE/GCSE) or any equivalent secondary / high
school diploma
- good oral and written communication skills in English (B2 level, CEFR or above)

Structure of studies
The total number of credits needed to complete the programme is 180 credits. The courses  ofthe programme are divided into three categories: compulsory courses (140 credits), thesis
course (10 credits) and elective c ourses (30 credits inclusive of compulsory elective 16 creditsand optional elective 14 credits).

Graduation requirements
- to have 180 credits
- to fulfil the compulsory 4-week-long internship
- to write and defend the thesis
- to pass the final exam

Thesis requirements
The thesis elaborates on a theoretical or practical specialist area-related problem, relying on
secondary sources and optionally primary research. Through the thesis, the candidates prove
that they can apply the knowledge gained during their studies and also that they are able to
consult specialist literature on their own. The thesis is to be written in one semester with the
guidance of a supervisor.

Criteria for taking the final examination
- The accomplishment of the curricular requirements, inclusive of at least 180 ECTS, of
which the thesis is worth of 10 ECTS
-the compulsory 4-week-long internship
- a thesis accepted by the supervisor and a reader

Parts of the final examination
- a complex oral professional examination where the candidates are required to prove
their ability to synthetize their knowledge gained in different areas and in a wide range
of topics
- the defence of the thesis

On the completion of all requirements listed above, the students are entitled to get a bachelor
degree with qualification of International Relations Expert.

Notation to the chart of courses

Courses:

Type of assessments:

Optional subjects: