B.A. in International Studies

The American University of Kurdistan is proud to announce the launch of its newly restructured B.A. in International Studies. This curricular design reflects AUK’s commitment to academic excellence and regional relevance, with a renewed focus on preparing the next generation of public servants and international representatives for the Kurdistan Regional
Government.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of both local governance and global diplomacy, the program offers a comprehensive and unified curriculum that builds student expertise through a carefully structured academic pathway. By eliminating specialized concentrations and separate learning tracks, the new program ensures that all students receive a broad and balanced foundation in the core disciplines of international studies.

Rooted in the rich traditions of international relations and area studies, the curriculum emphasizes history, political science, philosophy, social sciences, and languages, while also integrating contemporary themes such as security, governance, political economy, cultural studies, and global affairs. This interdisciplinary approach equips students with the analytical tools and cultural fluency necessary to navigate complex international landscapes while being perfectly equipped in the role, processes and purpose of domestic governance in the KRG and Iraq at large.

Requirement	Type	No. of Courses	Credit Hours
General Education	Compulsory	13	40
Program Courses	Compulsory	23	69
Free Electives	Compulsory	4	12
Total		40	121

Mission Statement

Whether pursuing careers in government administration, diplomacy, international organizations, or continuing to graduate studies, AUK’s International Studies graduates will be uniquely positioned to lead at the local level and represent the KRG on the global stage. The program’s goal is to foster a new generation of visionary leaders—individuals who will strengthen international ties and contribute meaningfully to the region’s future

The graduates of the program will be able to:

• Assume leadership roles in government, diplomacy, international organizations, and civil society, with a strong understanding of global systems and local governance.
• Analyze and address complex international and regional challenges using a broad foundation in political science, history, law, and cultural studies.
• Serve effectively within the institutions of the KRG and Iraq, with specialized knowledge of Kurdish history, law, and governance.
• Pursue continued education in international affairs, public policy, law, and related fields through a rigorous academic foundation.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership, human rights, and sustainable development in both local and global contexts.

• Develop Globally Competent Leaders: Prepare graduates to assume leadership roles in government, diplomacy, international organizations, and civil society, with a strong understanding of global systems and local governance.
• Foster Interdisciplinary Expertise: Equip students with a broad foundation in political science, history, law, and cultural studies to analyze and address complex international and regional challenges.
• Promote Regional Relevance: Train students to serve effectively within the institutions of the KRG and Iraq, with specialized knowledge of Kurdish history, law, and governance.
• Encourage Lifelong Learning and Graduate Study: Provide a rigorous academic foundation that supports continued education in international affairs, public policy, law, and related fields.
• Cultivate Ethical and Informed Citizenship; Instill a commitment to ethical leadership, human rights, and sustainable development in both local and global contexts.

Participants of the program will be able to:

• Critical Analysis of Global Issues: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze international events, policies, and institutions using interdisciplinary tools and perspectives.
• Understanding of Regional Dynamics: Exhibit in-depth knowledge of the political, legal, and cultural systems of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the broader Middle East.
• Effective Communication and Diplomacy: Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and oral forms, with sensitivity to cultural and political contexts.
• Research and Policy Skills: Conduct independent research and develop evidence-based policy recommendations on international and regional issues.
• Ethical and Civic Responsibility: Apply ethical reasoning and civic responsibility in addressing global challenges, with a commitment to public service and international cooperation.

The course structure of the International Studies Program is divided as follows:

Requirements	Type	Number of Courses	Credit Hours
General Education	Compulsory	13	40
Program Courses	Compulsory	23	69
Free Elective	Compulsory	4	12
Total		40	121

The study plan summarizes the course's subject requirements and indicates when planned subjects should be studied.

With a degree in International Studies, you can work as:

• Diplomat:Represent and protect your nation's interests abroad in the areas of politics, trade and consular services.
• Political Analyst:Interpret various political developments, analyze laws, public policies and government decisions before advising government official, political parties or the media.
• Foreign Affairs Analyst: Analyze and developments at the regional and international level before making recommendations on how these affect the work of your organization.
• Policy Advisor:Track and report policy developments of the state, regional states, donors and international organizations before making recommendations on how these effect your organization’s work.
• Lobbyist: Work for an association, corporation, or non-profit organization to convince government members to make a decision that would benefit the organization or company you represent.
• Journalist: Collect, verify, produce, distribute and communicate information regarding current events, trends, and issues associated with government policy.
• Politician: Represent your constituents’ best interests by seeking to influence public policy and effectively communicate government policy.
• Communication specialist: Prepare detailed media reports, press releases, social media campaigns for a government, corporation or non-profit organization.
• Intelligence Analyst: work in the military, national security department, or police to collect and analyse operational intelligence data, compile mission reports and make security policy recommendations.
• Security Advisor: advise on all safety and security related matters including the planning and implementation of projects, review projects proposals from a security perspective, analyse data to form proposals.
• Risk Manager: analyse and communicate risk policies and processes for an organisation in the public or private sector.

You can set your study pace according to your circumstances and convenience:

• Minimum 3.5 years, upon the successful completion of 12 courses per year.
• Standard 4 years, upon the successful completion of 10 courses per year.
• Maximum 5 years, upon the successful completion of 8 courses per year.

* This study duration does not include English language courses.

Academic Year Breakdown:

Semester	Start Date	End Date	Duration	Type
Fall	August	December	14 weeks	Mandatory
Spring	January	April	14 weeks	Mandatory
Summer	June	August	8 weeks	Optional

* The start and end dates are subject to changes.

Semester:

Instructional period of 14 weeks plus a final examination period offered twice a year (referred to as Fall and
Spring semester). Additional instructional periods include intersessions and Summer sessions.

Learn more about admissions requirements for National Students, International Students, Transfer of Credits and Readmission.

• Students must be high school or Institute graduates.
• Proof of English Proficiency. Learn more about our English language requirements and exemptions.

Students majoring in International Studies, have the option to earn a minor degree in
the below programs:

• Minor in Business Management
• Minor in Computer Software and Security

In case of inquires you can email our admissions office on admissions@auk.edu.krd and/or call us on 07517414102/07517414103 (Viber/WhatsApp), during working hours from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 2:00pm