Bachelor of Arts in Security and Global Studies - International Relations

Introduction

About the Program

Overview

The International Relations (IR) concentration equips students with a deep understanding of the political, economic, and security dynamics that shape interactions among states, international organizations, non-state actors, and global institutions. Grounded within the interdisciplinary framework of Global Studies, this concentration provides students with the analytical tools to critically examine issues of diplomacy, conflict and cooperation, global governance, human rights, and transnational challenges such as climate change, migration, and cybersecurity.

Students pursuing this concentration will engage with both theoretical approaches and applied perspectives in international politics, learning how power, identity, culture, and interests influence decision-making in a complex, interconnected world. The curriculum combines courses in political science, security studies, history, economics, and law, ensuring a comprehensive view of international affairs.

In addition to developing strong research, communication, and policy-analysis skills, students will explore the role of their region, including the Middle East and the Gulf, within global politics. Through simulations, case studies, internships, and exposure to diverse epistemological perspectives, students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world practice.

Graduates of the International Relations concentration will be well-prepared for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, as well as for advanced graduate studies in international relations, political science, or related fields.

Program at a glance

Total Credit Hours

120 Credit Hours

Duration

4 Years

Instruction Language

English

Tuition Fees

Quality assured

Accreditations

Accredited by CAA

Program Director

Dr. Emina Sahinovic

Assistant Professor

Credit breakdown

Program Structure

Course Category	Total Number of Courses	Total Number of Credit Hours
General Education Courses	12	36
Core Courses	19	57
Concentration Courses	5	15
Free Elective	4	12
Total	40 Courses	120 Credit Hours

Curriculum

Courses & Descriptions

General Education Courses

ENG 101 Academic Writing 3 CH

ARLAA 100 Communication Skills in Arabic 3 CH

ASC 208 Emirati Studies (formerly UAE and GCC Society) 3 CH

ASC 211 Environmental Science 3 CH

MAT 100 General Mathematics 3 CH

MGT 604 Innovation and Entrepreneurship 3 CH

ASC 206 Introduction to Geography 3 CH

ASC 202 Introduction to Political Science 3 CH

ASC 207 Introduction to Research 3 CH

ASC 106 Islamic Civilization 3 CH

ASC 105 Islamic Culture 3 CH

ASC 204 Middle East History 3 CH

ASC 101 University Life 3 CH

ASC 203 World History 3 CH

Bridging Courses

Core Business Courses

Core IT Courses

Core Courses

SGS 200 Basic of Social Science Research 3 CH

Research is one of the most crucial objectives within a BA Program. Getting to accustomed and developing on conducting a research, firstly in social sciences, specifically in Strategic topics in the world, is the main objective of this program and course. Conducting the research and especially orchestrating a social survey, problem of objectivity in strategic research, cultivating a specific formula on research problems and most importantly propound a right hypothesis on a deep subject are the assets of this course. To ensure and develop above mentioned processes and steps, scanning current articles, books and different studies in a specific area and pursuing selective reading techniques are cardinal elements to be studied. Preparing extended outline in accordance with hypothesis assembled in Security Studies, extending and transformation techniques, data collection, and research writings are the steps which will be learnt in this course. Some research topics are included into study such as security history, strategic geography, modern phenomena of peacemaking and peacekeeping, disarmament, counterinsurgency, important military strategists, types of strategies, effect of military and industrial complexes on the conflicts.

SGS 205 Comparative Politics 3 CH

Crisis and Risk Management Overview 3 CH

Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence 3 CH

SGS 210 Diplomacy and Negotiations 3 CH

This is an undergraduate course for students interested in pursuing their career in the sphere of international relations: it is for future diplomats of respective national Ministries of Foreign Affairs, those interested in working for international organizations, as well as for students interested in the day-to-day process of foreign policy making. The aim of this course is to give students an insight into the real-world practice of international relations. Lectures will introduce the most important facts and concepts about actors in the area of international relations and the basic knowledge necessary for diplomats. Other sessions will help students improve their writing and presentation skills in this area. This course will introduce students to the basic principles and techniques of modern diplomacy and negotiation. The course will include discussions of international legal obligations, foreign policy and the role of publicity in diplomacy and different aspects of diplomacy including  public diplomacy.

Emergency and Disaster Management Overview 3 CH

SGS 306 Geopolitics in International Relations 3 CH

SGS 401 International Conflict Management 3 CH

SGS 304 International Law 3 CH

Internship 3 CH

SGS 201 Introduction to International Relations 3 CH

This is an introductory Level III course on International Relations (IR) which is foundational for all students who want to become familiar with the theoretical and conceptual language of IR as a subset of political science. The course will begin by teaching students the basic theories, concepts, methods, and principles used in the field as well as with the formation, evolution, and extension of the modern nation-state system and its challenges by discussing concepts such as sovereignty, free-trade, and civilization, including themes such as pre-emptive war, Global War on Terror, and Liberal (humanitarian) Interventionism. To do so, students will familiarize themselves with conceptual frameworks necessary to critically evaluate events (i.e., Arab uprising) by attempting to explain their effects – especially in the Arab World – through three facets: 1) International Security (IS), 2) International Political Economy (IPE), and 3) International Law (IL). Students will be introduced to topics such as pre-emptive war strategy, humanitarian intervention, displacement - amongst others - and explore themes of major topics of international relations by moving beyond “Mainstream” approaches thereby familiarizing themselves with how a “Critical/Alternative” approach reveals the limit of mainstream (realist) communicated narratives in channeling justice.

Introduction to Security and Global Studies 3 CH

Media and Politics in a Globalized World 3 CH

National Security and Defence Policies 3 CH

SGS 305 Security, Environmental Politics and Sustainability 3 CH

The link between International security and environmental politics is centuries old. Increased pace and frequency of conquests and annexations, supported by mechanized and well developed equipment’s (an outcome of industrial revolution), were responsible for making the relation more explicit. This basic fact apart, throughout human history, we see a trend of ignorance towards environmental issues as greater importance always remained associated with apparatus and procedures which were considered a pre-requisite for ensuring security. These problems finally caught human attention and focus in the mid twentieth century. Since then a vast discourse has emerged to solve environmental problems by attempting to reduce the conflict between environment and International security endeavors. The main objective of designing this course is to make students familiar with this intricate web existing between security and environment. The particular discourse introduced in this subject is based primarily on liberal and feminist approaches towards International Relations as well as International Security; the approach similar to that held by Peace studies.

Special Topics in Security and Global Studies 3 CH

Statesmanship, Leadership and Public Management 3 CH

SGS 402 Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime 3 CH

SGS 404 The Emerging World Powers 3 CH

College Mathematics and Science Courses

Concentration Courses

Capstone Graduation Project 3 CH

Foreign Policy Making of Major Powers 3 CH

International Organizations & Specialised Agencies 3 CH

International Political Economy 3 CH

International Security and Defense 3 CH

Cybersecurity Engineering Core Courses

Mechatronics Engineering Core Courses

Engineering Core Courses

Free Electives Courses

Based On Interest 12 CH

Thesis

Electives

Comprehensive Exam

Dissertation

Research Seminar

Basic Health Science Courses

College Core Courses

Clinical Placement Courses

Semester by semester

Study Plan

Year 1 30 credit hours

1st Semester 15 CH

Code	Course	CH
ASC 101	University Life General Education	3
ENG 101	Academic Writing General Education	3
ARLAA 100	Communication Skills in Arabic General Education	3
ASC 202	Introduction to Political Science General Education	3
ASC 211	Environmental Science General Education	3

2nd Semester 15 CH

Code	Course	CH
ASC 105	Islamic Culture /or/ ASC 106 Islamic Civilization General Education	3
ASC 207	Introduction to Research General Education	3
MAT 100	General Mathematics General Education	3
ASC 203	World History /or/ ASC 204 Middle East History General Education	3
SGS 101	Introduction to Security and Strategic Studies SGS Core	3

Year 2 33 credit hours

3rd Semester 18 CH

Code	Course	CH
ASC 208	Emirati Studies General Education	3
ASC 206	Introduction to Geography General Education	3
INV 200	Innovation and Entrepreneurship General Education	3
SGS 200	Basics of Social Science Research SGS Core	3
SGS 201	Introduction to International Relations SGS Core	3
SGS 205	Comparative Politics SGS Core	3

4th Semester 15 CH

Code	Course	CH
SGS 210	Diplomacy and Negotiations SGS Core	3
SGS 303	Statesmanship, Leadership & Public Management SGS Core	3
SGS 304	International Law SGS Core	3
SGS 305	Security, Environmental Politics & Sustainability SGS Core	3
SGS 306	Geopolitics in International Relations SGS Core	3

Year 3 30 credit hours

5th Semester 15 CH

Code	Course	CH
SGS 309	National Security & Defence Policies SGS Core	3
SGS 340	Emergency & Disaster Management Overview SGS Core	3
SGS 350	Risk & Crisis Management Overview SGS Core	3
SGS 360	Media and Politics in a Globalized World SGS Core	3
—	Free Elective - 1 Free Elective	3

6th Semester 15 CH

Code	Course	CH
SGS 401	International Conflict Management SGS Core	3
SGS 402	Terrorism & Transnational Organized Crime SGS Core	3
SGS 403	Cybersecurity & Artificial Intelligence SGS Core	3
SGS 404	Emerging World Powers SGS Core	3
—	Free Elective - 2 Free Elective	3

Year 4 27 credit hours

7th Semester 15 CH

Code	Course	CH
SGS 405	Special Topics in Security & Strategic Studies SGS Core	3
SGS 411	Internship SGS Core	3
IRE 421	Foreign Policy Making of Major Powers Specialization	3
IRE 422	International Organizations & Specialised Agencies Specialization	3
—	Free Elective - 3 Free Elective	3

8th Semester 12 CH

Code	Course	CH
IRE 423	International Security and Defense Specialization	3
IRE 424	International Political Economy Specialization	3
IRE 425	Capstone Graduation Project Specialization	3
—	Free Elective - 4 Free Elective	3

Total: 120 credit hours

What we aim for

Program Goals

To be a career path program that will graduate experts, decision-makers and leaders in the field of security and strategic studies.
Motivate students to engage in constant learning inside and outside of the class; learn how to research and propose recommendations in the field of specialization in Security and Strategic Studies.
Offer quality teaching and research learning resources environment, conducive for undergraduate students.
Assure quality and consistency in learning outcomes of both theoretical and practical value, meeting the national market demands.
Continuously develop the program, ensuring operating strategic standards are met, aligning with the AUE’s mission, aligning with national and international standards and strategies and methodologies to produce original and advanced research in the intelligence and security field

What you will learn

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key theories, frameworks, and concepts in political science, international relations, and security studies, including diplomacy, global governance, conflict resolution, and strategic affairs.
Critically analyze global and regional political and security issues through multiple theoretical, cultural, and epistemological perspectives, recognizing the influence of diverse traditions, institutions, and practices.
Independently design and conduct research projects using established methodologies in political science and security studies, applying evidence-based approaches to address contemporary challenges in international relations and security.
Communicate complex political and security-related concepts clearly and effectively in written, oral, and digital formats across academic, professional, and multicultural contexts, while upholding ethical standards, cultural sensitivity, and responsibility toward global justice and human rights.
Assess the political, economic, and security dynamics of the UAE and the wider Arab and Gulf regions within the global system, evaluating their roles in diplomacy, development, and international security.
Apply theoretical concentration-specific knowledge to practical settings through case studies, simulations, projects, or internships, bridging academic learning with real-world practices in diplomacy, geopolitics, conflict management, and security studies.
To develop critical, ethical, and globally minded thinkers capable of analyzing and addressing complex geopolitical challenges.

Requirements

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

For undergraduate degree completion, undergraduate students must satisfy the following requirements:

Earn a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.
Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.
The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.
Transfer students must successfully earn a minimum of 50% of the course credits for the program at AUE.