Programmes

International Relations (BSc.)

Programme Overview

International Relations (IR) is a broad discipline which provides students with training to specialise in varying areas of international politics. International Relations helps us to better understand the international system in
which we live and hence provide the opportunity to influence governmental decisions. Students who do a degree in International relations learn about the inter-connected relationships between and among countries, governments,
local and international organizations, businesses as well as groups and people.

International Relations draws on other disciplines, such as geography, history, cybercrime and cyber-terrorism, sociology, political science, population studies, human rights, diplomacy, economics, languages, psychology, anthropology, security studies and law.

Programme Objectives

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the minimum requirements for the three (3) year degree programme as stated in (a) and either (b) or (c) or (d) below.

(a) CXC/CSEC or GCE O’Level passes in a minimum of five (5) subjects. Compulsory subject requirements are Mathematics and English Language. Grade requirements for CXC/CSEC are General Proficiency, Grades I or II pre-1998 and Grades I, II, or III from June 1998 
And at least one of the following:
(b) CAPE or GCE A’Level passes in a minimum of two (2) subjects. CAPE subjects must consist of both Unit 1 and Unit 2
or
(c) An Associate degree, Diploma and/or Certificate from other approved tertiary institutions having attained a B+ average or a minimum GPA of 2.5
or
(d) High School Grade 12 transcript with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum SATI
score of 1700 plus a minimum of two (2) SAT II subjects at a score of 500 or
above or successful completion of Advanced Placement Courses or the International Baccalaureate programme. 

Programme Structure

Level I (Minimum 30 credits)
1. GOVT1000-Introduction to Political Institutions and Analysis
2. GOVT1008-Introduction to International Relations
3. FOUN1013-Critical Reading and Writing in the Social Sciences or FOUN1019
4. FOUN1101-Caribbean Civilization
5. FOUN1201-Science, Medicine and Technology in Society
6. ECON1000-Principles of Economics I
7. ECON1005-Introduction to Statistics or SOCI1005
8. SOCI1001-Introduction to Social Research
9-10. Plus 2 Level I Foreign Languages9
 
Level II & Level III (Minimum 60 credits)
11. GOVT2007-Politics of the Caribbean
12. GOVT2044-Research Methods in Governance I
13. GOVT2054-Research Methods in Governance II
14. GOVT2046-International Relations: Theories and Approaches
15. GOVT2047-Principles of Public International Law
16. GOVT2048-International and Regional Organizations
17. GOVT2049-International Political Economy
18. GOVT3048-Contemporary International Relations of the Caribbean 
19. GOVT3051-International Law & Development: Selected Issues or
GOVT3056-Internship in International Relations*
20. GOVT3052-Contemporary Issues of International Relations
21. GOVT3055-Theory and Practice of International Negotiations
22-30. Plus 9 Levels II/III Free Electives

*NOTE: International Relations (Major) – GOVT3056-Internship Programme
Students must have completed all Level I IR and Semester 1 Level II courses.
A student who has done GOVT3051 is not eligible for selection to do GOVT3056.
GOVT3056 is offered to the top 25 finalizing, full-time IR Major students based on the degree GPA and subject to availability of suitable placements. Students are usually notified of their selection for the internship in Semester 2 of Level II and provided with further details by the programme coordinator.

Careers after Graduation

The general training in International Relations has equipped students for employment in a wide field. Upon completion of their specialisation in International Relations, students are employed in the government service, in the
foreign service, in Embassies and High Commissions, in international and regional organisations, in non-governmental organisations, in academia and in the private sector.

Among other areas, our International Relations graduates obtain positions as:
• Consulate Representative
• Foreign Affairs Analyst
• Humanitarian Relief Worker
• Import/Export Coordinator
• Intelligence Officer
• Intelligence Research Specialist
• International Account Executive
• International Bank Trainee
• International Hotel Manager
• International Lawyer
• International Business Consultant
• International Relations Officer
• International Relations Professor
• International Marketing Manager
• Interpreter/Translator
• Language Instructor
• Legislative Correspondent
• Trade Specialist
• Research Assistant
• Researcher
• Travel Writer