International Studies

The Department of International Studies at the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) offers a truly distinctive and comprehensive education. The program is designed to combine the fields of both international relations and international studies, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education that’s both globally informed and deeply rooted in regional realities.

The program features a unified curriculum, meaning students aren’t required to choose between separate tracks. Instead, they receive a balanced foundation that encompasses politics, history, law, languages, and global affairs. This integrated approach ensures our graduates are equipped with a broad and versatile skill set, preparing them for a wide array of future endeavors.

Regional Relevance and Real-World Focus

What truly sets the program apart is its profound regional relevance. The Department of International Studies offers courses such as Kurdish Studies, Politics and Society in the Middle East, and KRG Constitutional Law. These courses provide students with a nuanced understanding of the local context, while simultaneously encouraging them to think critically about global dynamics. The Department also maintains a strong real-world focus, encouraging students to explore contemporary issues. This includes the impact of the war in Ukraine on NATO, the influence of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, and the ways in which BRICS nations are challenging Western economic dominance.

The faculty brings extensive expertise and real-world experience to the classroom. For example, Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Associate Professor of International Studies and Director of the Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS), is a consultant and visiting fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His expertise spans migration and displacement, ethnic and national identities, gender discrimination, social cohesion, Middle East politics, and Kurdistan, among other critical areas. Similarly, Dr. Gianluca Spezza, Chair of the International Studies Department and Associate Professor of International Relations, brings a wealth of international experience, having lived and worked in numerous countries and conducted extensive research on topics such as international political economy, global governance, and cooperation with UNICEF.

Career-Ready Skills for a Globalized World

Students graduating with this bachelor’s will possess career-ready skills that prepare them for a wide range of professional paths. Whether their goal is to work in government, diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, or international institutions, the Department of International Studies equips them with the knowledge and tools needed to lead and serve effectively in a globalized world.

At a Glance:

Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Studies
Total Credits 121-122 credit hours
Total Courses 40 courses
Duration of Study 4 Years (depending on the student’s pace)
Start Date August or January
Costs Click Here

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.

Participants of the program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze international events, policies, and institutions using interdisciplinary tools and perspectives.
  • Exhibit in-depth knowledge of the political, legal, and cultural systems of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the broader Middle East.
  • Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in both written and oral forms, with sensitivity to cultural and political contexts.
  • Conduct independent research and develop evidence-based policy recommendations on international and regional issues.
  • 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 Number of Courses Credit Hours
General Education 13 40-41
Program Courses 23 69
Free Elective 4 12
Total 40 121-122

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

Download study plan

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.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

  • 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:

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

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