BA in International Relations

Academic degree: Bachelor

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 sensitive to global problems, open to other cultures, and are prepared to handle a broad range of evidence and analyse complex issues. They are also able to understand and interpret complexity, 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, they 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 deal with international contacts 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 international organizations and institutions even in leading positions after graduation.

Learning outcomes, skills and competences

Students demonstrate knowledge of key subfields and theories of international relations as a discipline and understand relations between nations. They become specialists in international relations, will be able to represent national and regional interests and solve complex problems in pursuing 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. The programme also prepares students to step up to master-level education.

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 ECTS (credits) needed to complete the programme is 180. The courses of the programme are divided into three categories: compulsory courses (140 credits), thesis course (10 credits) and elective courses (30 credits inclusive of compulsory elective 16 credits and “free” optional elective 14 credits) and further, physical education courses (0 credits).

Percentage of knowledge areas in the programme

Graduation requirements

• to have 180 credits
• to fulfil the compulsory 4-week-long internship
• to complete the physical education courses
• 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
• physical education
• 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 a qualification of International Relations Expert.

Notation to the chart of courses

Courses:

Type of assessments:

Optional subjects: