International Studies
The Department of International Studies seeks to equip future leaders, diplomats, and policymakers with the historical, political, economic, and ideological knowledge necessary to shape national and international policy. The Department welcomes students looking to gain a deep understanding of world affairs and the interaction between the global and the domestic arenas. The Department of International Studies offers a BA degree with three tracks in International Relations, Public Policy, and Security & Strategic Studies. Students select only one track as their specialization. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on international politics, diplomacy, political history, international law and economics, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how the international system operates. The Department of International Studies ensures graduates possess a range of analytical and argumentative skills in preparation for careers in both domestic and foreign affairs, non-governmental organizations and/or international business.
At a Glance:
Degree | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
---|---|
Total Credits | 121 credit hours |
Total Courses | 39 courses |
Duration of Study | 3.5 – 5 years (depending on the student’s pace) |
Language | English |
Start Date | August or January |
Costs | Click Here |
Chair of Department | Dr. Khedir Ramadhan |
- 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.
- Identify and analyze socio-economic problems at different levels of governance through the application of theoretical and practical knowledge of international relations, public policy and strategic studies.
- Develop policy solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in the exercise of public authority and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of government decisions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- Evaluate and summarize information from diverse and reliable sources, while identifying and differentiating between primary and secondary source material.
- Demonstrate applied research and practical experience through independent study and work experience in a public section institution, international organization, private business or non-governmental organization.
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.
- 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.
- 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 | 30 August | 6 December | 14 weeks | Mandatory |
Spring | 10 January | 22 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.
The American University of Kurdistan’s annual tuition fees per academic program is 8000$ (for 30 credits).
However, self-funded students can benefit from a newly implemented 15% discount on the tuition fees. This
discount does not apply to international students. For self-funded students and those awarded Merit
Scholarships, the below tuition rates apply:
Baccalaureate % | Annual tuition fees payment | Annual tuition fees payment after 15% discount (NEW) | Scholarship |
---|---|---|---|
98.0 – 100 | $0 | – | Mustafa Barzani Merit Scholarship |
90.00 – 97.99 | $2,500 | $2,150 | Chairman Masrour Barzani Merit Scholarship* |
80.00 – 89.99 | $5,000 | $4,250 | Board of Trustees Merit Scholarship* |
<79.99 | $8,000 | $6,800 | |
International Students | $10,000 | Not Applicable |
- The above rates are applicable for students register for courses at AUK from January, 2021.
- Annual tuition is based on registration as a full-time student and the successful completion of 30
credits. - Only a limited number of Merit
Scholarships are available. -
The American University of Kurdistan accepts students receiving Political Prisoners Aid and Martyrs
Aid. Learn more about how you
can finance your education. - Tuition fees installments are paid per semester.
- Other fees are applicable.
- High School: Arts/Science
Learn more about admissions requirements for 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.
and/or call us on 07517414102/07517414103 (Viber/WhatsApp), during working hours from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 2:00pm