A modern, career-focused program that blends political science, international relations, data literacy, and practical skills in diplomacy and policy analysis. Designed on an American 120 credit-hour structure (≈240 ECTS) and aligned with internationally recognized quality frameworks.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
Explain and compare core theories in politics and IR, and apply them to current issues and regions.
Analyze domestic institutions, electoral systems, public policy processes, and global governance structures (UN, EU, NGOs).
Conduct ethical, rigorous research using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods; interpret political data and public opinion.
Evaluate international law, security, conflict, peacebuilding, human rights, and political economy perspectives.
Communicate clearly in policy briefs, memos, and evidence-based arguments for expert and public audiences.
Demonstrate intercultural competence, diplomacy, negotiation, and teamwork in simulations and real-world projects.
Reflect on ethics, civic responsibility, and professional standards in public service and international work.
Pathways Available
Choose one (or combine as a major + concentration/minor):
Diplomacy & Global Governance – diplomacy, negotiation, IOs, international law, human rights.
Public Policy & Leadership – policy analysis, program evaluation, public management, civic engagement.
Peace, Security & Conflict – security studies, conflict analysis, peacebuilding, intelligence basics.
Political Economy & Development – IPE, development policy, trade, sustainability transitions.
Regional Studies (e.g., Middle East, Europe, Eurasia) – history, politics, foreign policy of the region.
Program Goals
Deliver a globally benchmarked first-cycle (bachelor’s) education that builds knowledge, skills, and values for public-minded careers.
Integrate experiential learning (policy labs, simulations, internships, MUN) with research-driven teaching.
Ensure transparent, standards-based assessment to support continuous improvement and student success.
Possible Career Options
Public & International Service: junior policy analyst, research assistant, program officer (IOs/NGOs), consular/foreign service pathways.
Communications & Advocacy: public relations, public affairs, political communication (growing PR field; many roles hire BA grads).
Business & Consulting: market research, country risk, compliance, corporate social responsibility.
Further Study: MA/MS/LLM/PhD in IR, public policy, security studies, law (note: “political scientist” roles typically require graduate study).
Program Curriculum & Structure (120 credit hours ≈ 240 ECTS)
Structured over 8 semesters. Learning outcomes for each stage follow QAA subject benchmarks and first-cycle (Dublin) descriptors.
Year 1 – Foundations (30 cr):
Introduction to Political Science • LO: map subfields; use basic political concepts.
Comparative Politics I • LO: compare regimes & institutions.
International Relations I (Theories) • LO: contrast realism/liberalism/constructivism.
Political Theory I • LO: explain classical ideas on state, rights, justice.
Academic Writing & Argumentation • LO: craft evidence-based essays.
Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences (statistics) • LO: describe data; basic inference.
Year 2 – Core Tools (30 cr):
Research Methods (qualitative & mixed) • LO: design ethical studies.
International Law & Organizations • LO: interpret treaties, IO mandates.
Comparative Politics II (parties, elections) • LO: analyze systems & behavior.
International Political Economy • LO: evaluate trade/finance & development debates.
Political Theory II (modern & contemporary) • LO: assess normative arguments.
Data Analysis Lab for Policy (R/Python/spreadsheets) • LO: clean, visualize, and interpret political data.
Year 3 – Pathways & Practice (30 cr):
Foreign Policy Analysis • LO: apply models to state behavior.
Security Studies / Peace & Conflict (pathway) • LO: assess security threats & responses.
Public Policy Analysis & Evaluation (pathway) • LO: build logic models; assess impact.
Regional Studies elective (e.g., Middle East Politics) • LO: integrate comparative & IR lenses.
Experiential: Diplomacy & Negotiation Simulation / Model UN / Internship. Assessed via professional artifacts (position papers, policy brief).
Year 4 – Integration & Impact (30 cr):
Ethics of Public Service & Global Citizenship • LO: reason about dilemmas and standards.
Advanced Seminar (pathway topic) • LO: synthesize research literature.
Capstone: Policy Lab or Undergraduate Thesis • LO: produce and defend an original, policy-relevant analysis with appropriate methods and data. (Rubrics aligned with AAC&U VALUE).
Note: Course titles are illustrative; sequencing and credits can be customized while maintaining first-cycle descriptors and credit volume.
Assessment Methods
Analytical Writing: essays, policy memos, op-eds (clarity, evidence, ethics).
Applied Projects: simulations, negotiation exercises, case analyses, policy evaluation.
Research Outputs: literature reviews, datasets, replication notebooks, posters.
Oral Communication: briefings, presentations, debates.
Exams & Quizzes: to check conceptual breadth.
All assessments use transparent criteria and moderation processes consistent with ESG 2015 quality-assurance guidelines; capstone work is scored with AAC&U VALUE rubrics (e.g., Critical Thinking, Written Communication).
Entry Requirements
Academic: Secondary/high-school diploma (or recognized equivalent).
English: B2 CEFR or higher (or institutional placement), demonstrated via accepted tests/interview.
Documents: statement of purpose, résumé/CV; optional writing sample; interview for selected applicants.
Credit Transfer/RPL: Considered per university policy and international frameworks to ensure level equivalence.
Awards & Recognition
External awards/competitions we can credibly pursue
QS Reimagine Education Awards – categories such as “Nurturing Values & Ethics,” “Employability,” etc., recognizing innovative teaching and impact.
National Model United Nations (NMUN) Awards – delegation and position paper awards for student MUN teams.
Hult Prize – global student social-enterprise competition awarding up to USD $1M; suitable for our Political Economy & Development or Policy & Leadership pathways.
AACTD internal awards we will institute (for our students & partners)
AACTD Dean’s List in Global Affairs – top 10% GPA with exemplary civic engagement.
Policy Impact Award – best capstone with demonstrable policy relevance (external partner endorsement).
Diplomacy & Negotiation Excellence – outstanding performance in simulations/MUN (measured by rubrics and external results).
Global Citizenship & Ethics Award – sustained leadership in ethics, inclusion, and community impact.
Undergraduate Research Distinction – publication-quality thesis or conference presentation.
Why study PS/IR at AACTD?
You’ll graduate with the theory, methods, and professional toolkit to analyze, communicate, and lead in government, NGOs/IOs, media, consulting, and business—supported by internationally benchmarked outcomes, transparent quality assurance, and high-impact learning.
