Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

BA (Hons) in International Relations

Program outline

This program is specifically designed to provide students with:

• Familiarity with a broad range of theoretical and conceptual frameworks of international relations and how they are applied.
• Exposure to global political, economic, and sustainability issues and to provide solutions through critical debate.
• Practical and academic skills include independent judgment, self-reflection, effective communication, and an ability to work in teams and with diverse stakeholders.

Degree level 1

Students will be equipped with knowledge and understanding of historical events and global development in the field of international relations. Besides, students will also be exposed to political ideologies, issues in world politics, the impact of major revolutions in international affairs as well as the issues related to sustainability and environmental politics.

Common modules

• Introduction to International Relations
• Malaysia and the World
• Introduction to Politics
• Film Studies and International Relations
• Introduction to Globalisation 4.0
• Revolutions, Popular Uprising and Social Movement in World Politics
• Global Comparative Politics
• Introduction to Sustainability and Environmental Politics

Degree level 2

Students will be exposed to the theoretical and conceptual framework of the discipline, the role of international organizations, the inequality in the global economy, the role of small power in politics and environmental policies. Year 2 provides a broad overview of major theoretical debates, political issues, and key developments in international relations using academic sources and official documents. Students will also be introduced to analytical skills of comparison and develop familiarity and competence in using the skills to inform their understanding in both written and oral presentations.

Common modules

• Key Theories of International Relations
• International Organisations
• International Political Economy
• ASEAN Regionalism
• Research Methods in International Relations
• Themes and Debates of International Relations Theory
• Small Power Politics
• Environmental Policy, Legislation & Regulation

Internship (16 weeks)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

Degree level 3

Students will make use of their learning from previous semesters and industrial experience to extend their familiarity in the field of international relations and refine it with their personal and professional development. A final year project requires them to investigate and provide solutions for a real-world problem - they will demonstrate their ability to combine fundamental knowledge, critical thinking, and analytical skills to produce a personal achievement portfolio.

Common modules

• International Security
• Global Diplomacy
• Transnational Organised Crime
• Investigations Module
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Refugees and Immigrants
• Sustainable Development Policy and Issues
• Project Module

MQA Ccompulsoru subjects*

• Ethnic Relations (M’sian Students)
• Islamic & Asian Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malaysian Studies (Int’l Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Workplace Professional Communication Skills
• Employee & Employment Trends
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.)

Career options

• Diplomat
• Intelligence Analyst
• Military Officer
• Political Analyst
• Communications Specialist
• Lobbyist
• Researcher
• Academician
• Politician
• NGO Worker
• Activist
• Social Worker
• International Organisation Officer
• Multinational Corporation Executive
• Entrepreneur
• Reporter
• Policy Officer

Expose yourselves to global political, economic, and sustainability issues and grow throughout your journey @ APU to become an International Relations graduate who is ready to take on the world. If you are interested in current affairs, global issues and are motivated to provide solutions to tackle the world's problems, the BA (Hons) International Relations is the right program for you.

It will be an enriching journey as you learn about global affairs through debates, film studies, discussions, reports as well as studying the latest news reports. Build connections for your future careers as diplomats, journalists, politicians, reporters, etc., and get ready to become future world leaders.

Key elements of the APU International Relations Program

• Theories & ideologies
• International security
• Global diplomacy
• Political economy
• Environmental politics and sustainability
• World politics