B.A. in International Relations

• Introduce students to the major theories, concepts, approaches, and themes of International Relations.
• Develop students’ understanding of, and critical thinking on, international politics and international institutions.
• Prepare students for future careers with an international dimension, such as the Foreign Service or international organizations.
• Instill in students an appreciation for the limitations of, and challenges facing, theoretical explanatory models in International Relations in our increasingly interconnected world.

• A strong understanding of the workings of the international system.
• An understanding of motivations and strategies shaping foreign and defense policies.
• Development of critical analytical skills regarding the complex interdependent global environment and security challenges within which policymakers operate.
• An ability to think globally about emerging problems such as climate change, resource scarcity, and environmental degradation.
• Thinking with a sense of ethical duty and responsibility about global affairs.
• An advanced capacity at intercultural communication.

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

Requirements	Type	No. of Courses	Credit Hours
General Education	Compulsory	10	30
Core	Compulsory	28	84
Free Elective		2	6
Total		40	120

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

With a degree in International Relations, 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.
• Non-Profit Program Coordinator:
  Plan and coordinate programs to further the organization’s goals and carries out fundraising, budgeting, and community outreach.
• United Nations Worker:
  Work for one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations in the area of trade, human rights, development, environment or refugees to enact policies for the benefit of all humanity.

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	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.

National students graduated from one of the following:

• High School: Arts or 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.

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

• Accounting & Finance Management
• Business Management
• Oil & Gas Management
• Information Science
• Environmental Science
• International Studies
• Public Policy
• Security & Strategic 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