BA (Hons) in International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts with Honours in International Relations at the University of Nottingham Malaysia offers a comprehensive exploration of global political, social, and economic dynamics. This three-year, full-time programme equips students with critical insights into international politics, diplomacy, and governance. Key modules such as International Security, Global Political Economy, and Diplomacy allow students to understand the evolution of the international system and the power distribution among global actors. With a strong emphasis on research, students develop analytical skills and can undertake independent research projects on global issues. The programme also provides opportunities for studying at the UK and Ningbo campuses, ensuring a global academic experience. Graduates gain essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, preparing them for careers in international organisations, government, NGOs, and academia, with a practical approach to addressing complex global challenges.

Admissions Criteria:

• A Level: BCC (excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies)

• IB Diploma: 24 points overall

• STPM: BC+C+, excluding Pengajian Am

• UEC: 3 B3s and 2 B4s (excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language)

• Australian Year 12: ATAR 78, with relevant subjects considered

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD): 75% average across 6 subjects

• Canadian Secondary School Diplomas: Assessed based on university’s requirements

• Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China): 68% average in Gaokao, 70% overall in Senior High School Diploma

• Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) - Class XII: 75% average from best 4 subjects (excluding local language, Environmental Education, general studies, and Physical Education)

• Advanced Placement (AP): 4, 3, 3 in relevant subjects

• Diploma - Local Institutions: Entry to Year 2, GPA 3.0 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects

• Foundation - Local Institutions: Acceptance at School’s discretion, GPA 3.0 out of 4.0

• Nottingham's Foundation Programme: Successful completion required

• BA International Relations with a Language: No prior knowledge of the selected language as a minor

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall, no less than 6.0 in each element

• TOEFL (iBT): 90 overall, minimum 19 in Writing & Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking

• PTE (Academic): 71 overall, no less than 65 in each element

• GCE A Level English Language or English Literature: Grade C

• GCE AS Level English Language or English Literature: Grade C

• SPM: CEFR Level B2

• GCSE O-Level: Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (First Language): Grade C / 4

• IGCSE (Second Language): Grade B / 6

• MUET: Band 4.5

• UEC: Grade A2

• IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level): 4 points

• IB English B (Higher Level): 4 points

• IB English B (Standard Level): 5 points

• OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U): 75% (No fast-track route)

• CBSE/CISCE Class XII or X: 75% overall (confirmation of English as medium of instruction required)

Additional Information:

• IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE results must be less than 2 years old

• IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted

• IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted

• MUET results are valid for 5 years

• OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) accepted only if all 30 credits were completed in standard OSSD courses (no credit exemptions)

• CBSE/CISCE Class XII or X English accepted only with confirmation of English as the medium of instruction throughout schooling

Year 1: Core Modules:

• Approaches to Global Politics

• Governing the World: Introduction to the International System

• Introduction to ASEAN Politics

• Perspectives on Malaysian Politics

• Theory and Practice of Diplomacy

Optional Modules:

• Beginners French or Spanish* (International Relations with language students only)

• Business Economics

Year 2: Core Modules:

• Global Political Economy and International Development

• International Relations of the Asia Pacific

• International Security

Optional Modules:

• Comparative Politics

• Designing International Relations Research

• Intermediate French or Spanish* (International Relations with language students only)

• Political Communication, Public Relations, and Propaganda

Year 3: Core Modules:

• Dissertation: Politics, History, and International Relations (for non-language students)

• Dissertation: Politics, History, and International Relations (for language students)

Optional Modules:

• Advanced French or Spanish* (International Relations with language students only)

• Food, Hunger, and Development

• Nationalism and the State: Themes and Perspectives from Contemporary Southeast Asia

• Policy and Persuasion

• Politics and International Relations of the Middle East

• Regionalism in World Politics: The Case of ASEAN