Politics and International Studies: Graduates who thrive in a globalised world

“Diversification and globalisation are the keys to the future.” – Fujio Mitarai

As recently as 1995, the Internet harboured a global network of just 16 million users. That’s 0.4 percent of the world’s total population. As of June 2017, this number had swelled to a colossal 3,885 million, with the net connecting 51.7 percent of all humans on the planet. Every aspect of society is becoming increasingly interlinked, creating a diverse global market and an endless tide of knowledge and opportunity.

An internationally-facing education in governance will ensure you stay relevant in a fast-paced world, granting you the transferable skills and global outlook the market sorely craves. Your qualification will demonstrate passion, dedication and critical thinking, opening infinite avenues of potential, regardless of the industry you eventually choose to join.

One thing we’ve seen throughout the rise of globalisation and the implementation of universal policies, is a considerable surge in the use of the ‘security’ buzzword.

“Security itself, is considered to be one of the crucial values in human life,” writes Dr. Vladislav B. Sorirović, Director of the Private Research Centre on Global politics.

“Human security primarily means to be safe, or to feel yourself to be safe, from threats. It is, nevertheless, common attitude in the academic discipline of IR that the system of relations between the nation-states is mostly responsible for the quality of preservation of global security [which] means that global security fundamentally depends on the type of IR which exists among the key factors in global politics – the (national – or other) states.”

To be truly ‘global’, politics, governance and economics seek to challenge and solve the widespread marginalisation of the non-Western world.

And in an era marked by the rapid growth of universal ties, disciplines such as politics, security and international studies become more and more central to determining the future of humanity.

All things considered, the universities whose governance, security and politics portfolios take a universal stance toward current affairs are the ones that set graduates up for success. These are the programmes that put students face-to-face with complex issues and phenomena that hinder international progression, empowering them with the tools needed to push for positive change. Graduates leave eager to contribute to a world that’s being transformed by the impact of globalisation.

These are the schools producing graduates who thrive in a globalised world…

FACULTY OF GOVERNANCE AND GLOBAL AFFAIRS, LEIDEN UNIVERSITY – NETHERLANDS

Leiden University’s newest faculty, located in The Hague, is facing important socio-cultural issues of the 21st century like climate change, terrorism and economic crises. These themes are studied through a combined perspective of public administration, governance, political science, law, sociology and economics. This interdisciplinary approach gives the faculty’s research and teaching its cross-border character.

The Faculty’s bachelor curriculum is mainly focused on the fundamental principles of entrepreneurship, global affairs, government and society, security, safety and justice.

The BSc  Security Studies of Leiden University allows students to explore issues of security and safety, homing in on the political, historical and societal context in which they come to light, as well as the effect of governance, institutions and the media. You’ll gain an academic perspective, and the ability to think critically about various complex security challenges. Classes are a combination of lectures and skills labs; where academic and professional skills are trained in small groups.

“I’m proud to be the student ambassador for this exciting, new programme that gives in-depth insights into global issues such as terrorism and natural disasters,” says Nana Salim. “It gives me a better understanding of the world around us. This bachelor is relevant, international and unique in the world. Come join us in The Hague!”

CENTER FOR COMPARATIVE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, ETH ZURICH – SWITZERLAND

ETH Zurich’s Center for Comparative and International Studies (CIS) consistently strives for excellence in both teaching and research.

Established in 1997 as a joint collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and the University of Zurich, the CIS perfectly blends the disciplines of democracy, markets and politics, political violence and sustainable development.

The CIS Master’s programme (MA CIS) in Comparative and International Studies is taught entirely in English. Delivered by world-renowned professors and in small class sizes, students benefit from one-to-one interaction in a conducive learning environment. Emphasising theory, learning strategy and research, the programme provides an unparalleled foundation for subsequent research that leads to a PhD, or research-oriented employment within the private or public sector. Around 50 percent of students at ETH Zurich enter a PhD program at CIS or elsewhere upon graduation.

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF GOTHENBURG – SWEDEN

Situated in the student-friendly city Gothenburg, the Faculty of Social Sciences is a popular choice among the international student population. The academic remit of the faculty is the most comprehensive within the university, while all programmes are constructed and delivered to the highest standard possible.

As a city known for its port and trade – as well as for being the home of Volvo and SKF – Gothenburg promises outstanding graduate outcomes and represents a superb location for the pursuit of global studies. No tuition fee is charged for EU/EEA students, while a wealth of scholarship programmes are on offer for students from China and India.

The Faculty’s postgraduate catalogue for international studies is broad and expansive. With courses such as European Studies, Global Studies, International Administration and Global Governance, and Political Science on offer, students here leave readily prepared to take on leadership positions in a complex political sphere.

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS, LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF BATH – UK

As a prominent UK institution and Russell Group member, the University of Bath exerts universal influence on the education stage. Bath’s Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences remains at the forefront of development, with the Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies (POLIS) taking the lead in the teaching of global affairs.

What makes Bath such a noteworthy choice is its vision to ensure students gain an understanding of contemporary politics, while simultaneously adopting a critical perspective toward real-world issues.

The department presents five undergraduate programmes in International Management and Modern Languages, Language and Politics, Modern Languages and European Studies, Politics with Economics, and Politics and International Relations. For those who want to further their studies after graduation, you can also pursue a postgraduate or research degree. But if you are intent on finding a meaningful job upon completion of the programme, the department also offers a placement year to help strengthen your CV and boost your chances of reaching your goals.

SCHOOL OF POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH – UK

As another globally-recognised representative of the Russell Group, the University of Edinburgh puts students at the heart of a ground-breaking academic community. As part of this research-focused education provider, you will work alongside leaders of the field throughout a rigorous academic curriculum.

Here, undergraduate students can purse degrees in International Relations, International Relations & Law or International Relations & Quantitative Methods. Postgraduate-level students have the chance to explore International Relations, International Relations of the Middle East, and International Relations of the Middle East with Arabic.

Specialising in constitutional, territorial and Scottish politics, European politics, foreign policy, gender, political theory and ethics, the Middle East, global environment and security studies, the School of Politics and International Relations at Edinburgh is renowned for its successful alumni network, which currently includes government ministers, members of parliament, policy analysts, broadcasters and business leaders.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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