B.A. in International Studies

The Department’s educational objectives are to prepare bachelor’s graduates in the field of International Studies, and to:

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyze political, cultural and economic developments at the national and global level.
• Develop students’ interpersonal, analytical, decision-making and communication skills to enable them to play a key role in implementing policy solutions in an increasingly globalized world.
• Foster within students the ability to question and weigh the ethical implications of different policy proposals on all members of society regionally, nationally and internationally.

At the completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of global issues, concepts, and perspectives, which comprise the field of international studies. (Global Literacy & Conceptual Understanding)
• Assess contemporary global issues through innovative research methodology incorporating research questions and reviewing academic literature in order to conduct independent research and policy analysis. (Methodological Skills)
• Develop critical thinking to analyze and break down complex global problems into their historical, social, cultural, security, economic, environmental, and political dimensions. (Critical Thinking)
• Develop the oral and written communication skills necessary to present original perspectives on critical contemporary issues. (Communication)

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

Requirements	Type	Number of Courses	Credit Hours
General Education	Compulsory	13	40-41
Program Courses	Compulsory	25	75
Free Elective	Compulsory	2	6
Total		40	121-122

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 Accounting and Finance
• Minor in Business Management
• Minor in Oil and Gas Management
• Minor in Computer Software and Security
• Minor in International Studies

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